US HDMA supports fake drug law

The USA-based Healthcare Distribution Management Association has issued a message of support for the House of Representatives' Counterfeit Drug  Prevention Act of 2009 (HR 1450), which raises criminal penalties for  producing fake medicines from a range of one to three years imprisonment  to 20 years or more. The group represents wholesalers of prescription  medicines and other pharmacy supplies to 145,000 outlets, including  hospitals, physician offices and pharmacies.

John Gray, the HDMA's president, said: "one of the most effective ways  to deter dangerous counterfeiters is to increase criminal penalties so  that the punishment fits the severity of the crime. I applaud  Representatives Rogers and Green for introducing HR1450. The nation's  primary, full-service distributors pledge to support this legislation  and work toward its speedy enactment."

HR1450 was introduced by Reps Mike Rogers (Republican, Michigan) and  Gene Green (Democrat, Texas) and is to be considered by both the House  Energy and Commerce and House Judiciary Committees.