What is a “legitimate” drug or online pharmacy?
Yesterday, I was asked by Ed Silverman of STAT NEWS’ Pharmalot for my thoughts about a report by the Office of Inspector General, Department of Health and Human Services (OIG). The report is an audit of companies in the drug supply chain to test compliance with regulations called for by the Drug Supply Chain Security Act of 2013 (DSCSA). In short, as reported in STAT, OIG found that seven out of 44 drugs audited could not be traced back to the manufacturer in the manner required under the DSCSA. Add to that, the physical locations of 21 drugs could not be determined. Since most drugs subject to DSCSA are made overseas and imported, Mr. Silverman wanted to know if this audit impacted drug importation proposals and plans in the works to lower drug prices. The answer is probably no. The report appears to be a worthwhile effort to test compliance with DSCSA. However, use of the word “legitimate” is found in the DSCSA, and that word is often misused by opponents of drug importation and international online pharmacies – and that got me thinking. I’m sick of that word.
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