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) and its members are committed to patient safety by delivering life-saving health products and services through a secure and efficient healthcare distribution system.  These primary, full-service healthcare distributors are responsible for ensuring that billions of units of medication are safely delivered -- to tens of thousands of retail pharmacies, nursing homes, clinics and providers -- in all 50 states. HDMA and its members are the vital link in the healthcare system that is responsible for medicine safety, quality, integrity and availability in the marketplace.  Through leadership on public policy and industry best practices, HDMA and its members focus on providing value, removing costs and developing innovative solutions to deliver care safely and effectively.  For more information, please visit www.HealthcareDistribution.org.