NCPA addresses PDUFA reauthorization

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Community Pharmacists Association has sent a letter to a Senate committee regarding legislation that would reauthorize the Prescription Drug User Fee Act.

In its letter to the Senate Health, Labor, Education and Pensions Committee chairman Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, and ranking member Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., NCPA submitted recommendations to address the views of local pharmacists and NCPA responded to a "manager's amendment" that would revise the legislation. The organization said its comments focused principally on prescription drug shortages and supply chain integrity.

"We believe the current pharmaceutical supply chain in the United States is safe and secure," NCPA CEO Douglas Hoey said. "As we strive to further strengthen security, there are a number of different approaches or tactics that could be employed. In addition, while most reported drug shortages to date have occurred in hospital settings, community pharmacies are also experiencing shortages, primarily in drugs that treat ADHD. The effects of these shortages could be mitigated by reforming the Drug Enforcement Agency's quota system and by ensuring that pharmacy reimbursement rates are updated more frequently to reflect price spikes and keep pharmacies whole. In these and other areas, we look forward to continuing to work constructively with Congress as a PDUFA reauthorization is enacted into law this year."

To view the complete letter, click here.

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