HDA Releases Statement As Drug Company Opioid Lawsuits Advance

ACROSS INDIANA -- A representative for several medical drug distributor companies is speaking out following recent developments of several Indiana communities advancing a lawsuit against pharmaceutical companies and distributors over their roles in the ongoing opioid abuse crisis. The Healthcare Distribution Alliance, the national trade association representing distributors, including Amerisource, Cardinal Health and McKesson, has reached out to Patch in hopes to provide insight on their side of this issue, and correct some misconceptions about their role in the industry.

In a statement sent to Patch, John Parker, SVP of the Healthcare Distribution Alliance, said the following:

“As distributors, we understand the tragic impact the opioid epidemic has on communities across the country. We are deeply engaged in the issue and are taking our own steps to be part of the solution – but we aren’t willing to be scapegoats."

Parker also provided information on where distributing companies stand in the every day medical sales process:

“Distributors are logistics companies that arrange for the safe and secure storage, transport, and delivery of medicines from manufacturers to pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and others based on prescriptions from licensed physicians. We don’t make medicines, market medicines, prescribe medicines, or dispense them to consumers," Parker said in a statement to Patch. “Given our role, the idea that distributors are solely responsible for the number of opioid prescriptions written defies common sense and lacks understanding of how the pharmaceutical supply chain actually works and how it is regulated."

This comes as several counties in Indiana filed federal lawsuits against more than 20 defendants accusing them of deceptive trade practices, racketeering, fraud and conspiracy to market and distribute opioids unlawfully in their communities. The defendants also include Purdue Pharma and Teva Pharmaceuticals.

According to hda.org, distributors do not have access to patient information and aren't qualified to make medical determinations or recommend treatment.

“We are ready to have a serious conversation about solving a complex problem and are eager to work with political leaders and all stakeholders in finding forward-looking solutions,” Parker said.

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More: hda.org

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