TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) - A breakthrough medical development could change how opioid overdoses are treated.

Researchers at the University of Arizona identified a molecule that could stop an opioid overdose with longer-lasting effects than the current treatment.

Naloxone, the drug typically used to stop an opioid overdose, only works for about 30 minutes. That means it often needs to be administered multiple times to prevent an overdose death. As overdose deaths continue to be an issue in Pima County, one researcher on the study says this new treatment could change that.

Mark Person, the Public Health Program Manager for the Pima County Health Department said opioids play a significant role in overdose deaths across the county.

“When we talk about drug deaths, opioids is a huge driver o

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