Pfizer has decided to take steps to prevent its drugs being used in lethal injections.

In a statement published on its website, the pharmaceutical giant said: “We strongly object to the use of any of our products in the lethal injection process for capital punishment.”

Pfizer stressed that its products were meant to save the lives of patients.

The move reportedly shuts off the last remaining open market source of drugs used in executions in the US.

According to a New York Times report, the decision follows similar moves by more than 20 US and global drug makers.

Last month, Pfizer said seven of its drugs would only be sold to purchasers on condition that they would not resell them to correctional institutions.

The company said it offered the products because they saved or improved lives, and marketed them solely for use as indicated in the product labeling.

In a statement, the drug maker said: “Pfizer makes its products solely to enhance and save the lives of the patients we serve.

“We are committed to ensuring that our products remain available and accessible to the medical professionals and patients who rely upon them every day.”

Human rights groups have long campaigned against using drugs for the purpose of capital punishment.