HDMA HONORS DIANA WINNERS AT 2008 ANNUAL LEADERSHIP FORUM

Arlington, VA – November 19, 2008 –HDMA is pleased to announce the recent presentation of nine Distribution Industry Awards for Notable Achievements in Healthcare (DIANA) to leading healthcare manufacturers at its 2008 Annual Leadership Forum in Washington.

Since 1959, the DIANA awards have been presented to healthcare and consumer product manufacturers that set the standard of excellence in new product introductions and promotions. Winners also are recognized for efficient, flexible and innovative business practices that benefit HDMA member distributors and the healthcare supply chain, as they continuously improve to meet patient demand for value and choice.

The DIANA judging criteria measures key aspects of successful performance in the healthcare supply chain, including category sales growth, promotional programs, market performance, technology usage and general operational excellence. Manufacturers submitted entries for Best New Product Introduction and/or Product Promotion Awards. Winners in the Best Overall Manufacturer Categories were nominated by HDMA healthcare distributor members. All winners were chosen by a panel of judges composed of HDMA healthcare distributor members.

“HDMA congratulates each of the 2008 DIANA winners for their vision, performance and creativity in launching new products into the marketplace,” said HDMA President and CEO John M. Gray. “These winners truly are among the leaders in our industry.  I am proud to say they join an outstanding group of dynamic companies recognized for their commitment to innovation and supply chain partnerships as we work daily to deliver next-level healthcare to our ultimate customer—the patient.”
 

For Best New Consumer Product Introduction and/or Product Promotion Awards, the 2008 DIANA winner is:

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Products:  Schering-Plough HealthCare Products, Inc. for MiraLAX

For Best New Pharmaceutical Product Introduction and/or Product Promotion Awards, the 2008 DIANA winners are:

Branded Pharmaceutical Products:  Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for Bystolic

Rx Support Systems, Supplies and Service Products: Broadway Industries for their
Non-Woven Tote Bag (patent pending)

For the Best Overall Manufacturer Awards, the 2008 DIANA winners are:

Consumer Products Manufacturer With Sales to HDMA Distributors Less Than $10 Million:
Winner: US Nutrition, Inc.
First Merit Finalist: Cara Incorporated
Second Merit Finalist: Broadway Industries

Consumer Products Manufacturer With Sales to HDMA Distributors More Than $10 Million:
Winner: Schering-Plough HealthCare Products, Inc.
First Merit Finalist: Novartis Consumer Health, Inc.
Second Merit Finalist: Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals

Generic Products Manufacturer With Sales to Healthcare Distributors Less Than $100 Million:
Winner: Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Inc.
First Merit Finalist: Global Pharmaceuticals, Div. of IMPAX Laboratories
Second Merit Finalist: Caraco Pharmaceutical Laboratories, Ltd.

Generic Products Manufacturer With Sales to Healthcare Distributors More Than
$100 Million:
Winner: Watson Laboratories, Inc.¸ Sub. of Watson Pharma, Inc.
First Merit Finalist: Mylan Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Second Merit Finalists: TEVA Pharmaceuticals USA

Branded Pharmaceutical Products Manufacturer With Sales to HDMA Distributors Less Than
$300 Million:
Winner: Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc.
First Merit Finalist: Breckenridge Pharmaceutical
Second Merit Finalist: Ther-Rx Corporation

Branded Pharmaceutical Products Manufacturer With Sales to HDMA Distributors More Than
$300 Million:
Winner: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
First Merit Finalist: Pfizer, Inc.
Second Merit Finalists: Eli Lilly and Company

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.