DeLauro Statement on Charges against Former Owners, Employees of New England Compounding Pharmacy

NEW HAVEN, CT—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) released the following statement today on the charges against 14 former owners and employees of the New England Compounding Pharmacy. The now-closed pharmacy was associated with over 750 illnesses and over 60 deaths linked to fungal meningitis or fungal arthritis.

“The lack of concern for life and death at the New England Compounding Pharmacy was staggering. Patients should not have to worry that the very medicine supposed to heal them will instead cause their death. Should anyone associated with the Pharmacy be found guilty they need to be held responsible to the fullest extent of the law.

“And Congress needs to go further than the legislation signed into law two years ago. We should pass a bill that draws a clear line between whether a business is a traditional compounding pharmacy or a drug manufacturer, and ensures proper FDA oversight of compounding drug manufacturers.”

DeLauro, a senior member of the committee responsible for funding the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), introduced legislation in 2012 that would have strengthened oversight of compounding pharmacies.


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