HDMA COMMENDS THE CONFIRMATION OF THE
U.S. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION COMMISSIONER

Arlington, VA – December 8, 2006 – The Healthcare Distribution Management Association (HDMA) congratulates Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach on his confirmation as Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

“HDMA and its members -- the nation’s primary, full-service healthcare distributors -- look forward to continued work with the FDA on the many important healthcare issues facing our industry.  Our top priorities include the implementation of the Prescription Drug Marketing Act (PDMA) and the industry-wide utilization of current and emerging anti-counterfeiting technologies,” said HDMA President and CEO John M. Gray.

“With the expertise and leadership of Dr. von Eschenbach and the dedicated FDA staff, we can continue to advance the patient benefits of one of the safest and most efficient healthcare distribution systems in the world,” continued Gray.

HDMA and its members are committed to continuing our work with the FDA and all links in the healthcare supply chain, to further develop industry guidelines, business processes, operational efficiencies and innovative research, which will enhance the integrity and efficiency of the healthcare supply chain.

Our members demonstrate this commitment daily, and in times of critical need, by delivering vital medicines, products, information and services to protect, treat and enhance patient health.  These large, regional and family owned companies deliver nine million prescription medicines and healthcare products -- safely, efficiently and cost-effectively -- daily to more than 144,000 pharmacies, hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and physician offices, for patients across the nation.    

About HDMA
The Healthcare Distribution Management Association (HDMA) is the national association representing primary, full-service healthcare distributors. Each business day, the member companies of HDMA are responsible for ensuring that more than eight million prescription medicines and healthcare products are safely delivered to 145,000 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 $32 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.