• Four major pharmaceutical associations issue joint policy statement to crack down on counterfeits from illicit Internet pharmacies and other sources
• Statement comes as the U.S. launches Center for Safe Internet Pharmacies (CSIP) initiative

Washington, DC - The global pharmaceutical industry unveiled recommendations yesterday to tackle the growing public health threat of counterfeit or fake medicines.  The industry’s call for increased public awareness and crackdown on makers of the unsafe products comes as a group of private U.S. companies launches the Center for Safe Internet Pharmacies (CSIP) initiative to target illegal Internet pharmacies.

The four associations – International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA), Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA), and Japanese Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (JPMA) – represent the global research-based pharmaceutical industry and support broad-based initiatives like CSIP as important steps in the fight against counterfeits.

The joint statement said the IFPMA, PhRMA, EFPIA, and JPMA are joining forces to help protect patients worldwide by promoting access to safe and efficacious medicines, advocating robust patient education and awareness about counterfeiting, and combating unsafe medicines.  In addition to supporting the individual and cooperative work of the U.S. government, the European Union and its Member States, the Japanese government, and international organizations, the four associations call on private sector stakeholders, including Internet domain name registrars, search engine operators, and payment service providers, to play critical roles in ensuring patient safety.

“Everybody is at risk of counterfeiting,” said Eduardo Pisani, IFPMA Director General. “Counterfeiting is a crime against patients and poses a public health risk that can lead to treatment resistance, extended illness, disability and even death.” The research-based pharmaceutical industry is contributing by raising awareness and building a fact base to help governments pursue counterfeiters.

“Despite strong security of legitimate drug supply chains, law enforcement officials are increasingly facing an uphill battle as more and more criminals turn to the Internet to peddle their fake products to unsuspecting consumers,” said John Castellani, President and CEO of PhRMA.  “We applaud the work of CSIP and support it enthusiastically as a means of protecting patients.”

The threat of counterfeit medicines is widespread and growing.  Counterfeit medicines have been found in every disease category, in both generic and branded medicines, and in every region of the world.  Many counterfeit products seized from illegal Internet pharmacies contained hazardous ingredients or were not stored properly.

Richard Bergström, EFPIA Director General said: “We expect European policymakers to effectively back the ongoing initiative from EFPIA and supply chain stakeholders to set up an effective safeguard system against the entry of counterfeits in the legal supply chain in Europe.  Also we are actively engaged in tackling the threat of counterfeits reaching patients through illegal channels.  We believe governments, industry, and other relevant stakeholders must work together to stop this threat.  CSIP is a good example of broad collaboration and an inspiration for stakeholders beyond the U.S.”

“With documented cases in at least 124 countries, counterfeiting is a serious global health problem.” said Tadaharu Goto, JPMA Director General. The Japanese Government will soon launch both a website program for public education and a public and private initiative against counterfeits. “We welcome and support the action of the Japanese Government – Mr Goto added - it is only right that the global health community tackle counterfeiting with the same vigor as any other health threat, and as a partner, our global industry will continue to support efforts such as CSIP.”

The full joint statement is available on the associations’ websites: EFPIA,  IFPMA, PhRMA, and JPMA. 

Contacts

Richard Bergström, Director General (EFPIA)
Tel: (+32) 2 626 25 55
E-mail: newsroom@efpia.org

Peter Shelby, Associate Director Communications (IFPMA)
Tel +41/22 338 3223
Mob +41/79 820 2599
Email: p.shelby@ifpma.org

Mark Grayson, V.P. Communications and Public Affairs (PhRMA)
Office: +1 (202) 835-3465
Email: mgrayson@phrma.org

Yoshiharu Nishihata (JPMA)
Tel: +81/3 3241 0326
Email: kouhou@jpma.or.jp

About EFPIA:

EFPIA represents the pharmaceutical industry operating in Europe. Through its direct membership of 33 national associations and 39 leading pharmaceutical companies, EFPIA provides the voice of 1,900 companies committed to researching, developing and bringing new medicines to improve health and quality of life around the world. The pharmaceutical industry invests 27.5 billion on research and development per year in Europe and directly employs 660,000 people including 116,000 in R&D units in Europe. 

EFPIA members are committed to delivering innovative medicines to address unmet needs of patients and reducing the burden of chronic diseases for Europe’s ageing population. EFPIA believes in close cooperation with its stakeholders to help create sustainable healthcare   systems and to develop prompt responses to health threats in Europe.

Media Contact:

Nicholas Elles
Communications Manager
EFPIA 
Rue du Trone, 108
1050 Brussels
TEL:  +32 (0)2 626 24 79
Email : communications@efpia.eu