HDMA SUPPORTS ADMINISTRATION'S CALL TO COMBAT ILLEGAL ONLINE SALES OF PRESCRIPTION MEDICINES

Primary Healthcare Distributors Also Pledge Support for
Feinstein/Sessions Bill ( S. 980)

Arlington, VA – March 3, 2008 – The Healthcare Distribution Management Association (HDMA) supports the President's call for Congress and the Administration to work together to combat illegal online sales of prescription medicines.

In support of ongoing efforts to help prevent the illegal online sale of prescription medicines, HDMA has formally endorsed the Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act (S. 980). Introduced by Senators Diane Feinstein (D-CA) and Jeff Sessions (R-AL), S. 980 would help address the growing problem of these illegal Internet pharmacies.

"HDMA members work daily with supply chain partners, law enforcement and government regulators to help ensure prescription medicines are safely delivered to legal, licensed pharmacies," said John M. Gray, HDMA President of CEO. "Prescription medicine abuse is a growing problem, facilitated in part by a pattern of illegal activity on the Internet. I applaud Senators Feinstein and Sessions for introducing this important bill and for drawing attention to this critical issue. The nation's primary, full-service distributors are committed to supporting this legislation and working toward its enactment.

"HDMA's primary healthcare distributor members strongly support these and other critical efforts to continuously monitor, enhance and improve the safety and security of the healthcare supply chain," continued Gray.

"Patient safety is our members' top priority, and we support measures to prosecute these rogue Internet criminals to the fullest extent of the law."

About HDMA
The Healthcare Distribution Management Association (HDMA) is the national association representing primary, full-service healthcare distributors. Each day, the member companies of HDMA are responsible for ensuring that more than 13 million prescription medicines and healthcare products are safely delivered to 144,000 pharmacies, hospitals, nursing homes, physician offices, clinics, government and other providers in all 50 states. This essential public health function is provided with tremendous efficiency, saving the nation’s healthcare system nearly $34 billion each year. HDMA and its members are the vital link in the healthcare system, working daily to provide value, remove costs and develop innovative solutions to deliver care safely and effectively.