Rosa DeLauro Gathers Local Perspectives on Compounding Pharmacies

November 8, 2012
Press Release

Will IntroduceLegislation This Month

NEWHAVEN, CT—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) heard a variety of localperspectives today on how to fix the regulatory morass surrounding compoundingpharmacies. Problems with one such pharmacy caused the recent meningitisoutbreak that has sickened over 400 people and caused 31 deaths. DeLaurowill introduce legislation later this month strengthening the Food and DrugAdministration (FDA)'s hand in overseeing such facilities. Currentlythose duties are divided among an inconsistent, state-based regulatorypatchwork.

"Compoundingpharmacies are currently licensed and overseen by a patchwork of federal andstate regulations that clearly let patients down and risked the public health,"DeLauro said. "Ultimately, this must be rectified. We need enhancedFederal authority to regulate the compounding industry. But this is somethingwe have to get right. That is why I brought together this diverse group ofConnecticut voices today, to get their thoughts, and make sure we are movingforward with any legislation in the most effective way."

DeLauro,a senior member of the committee responsible for funding the FDA, announced shewould introduce the legislation on October 9, the same day she wrote to Healthand Human Services Secretary Sebelius on the issue. On October 19 she andRepresentative Sanford Bishop wrote to Sebelius and Veterans Affairs SecretaryShinseki to ensure the safety of pharmaceuticals given to participants inMedicare, Medicaid, and the Veterans Health Administration.

Participatingin today's roundtable discussion were:

  • Commissioner Jewel Mullen, CT Department of Public Health
  • Deputy Commissioner Michelle Seagull, CT Department of Consumer Protection
  • John Gadea, Director, Drug Control Division, CT Department of Consumer Protection
  • Margherita Giuliano, CT Pharmacists Association
  • Lori Lee, Pharmacy Director, Yale-New Haven Hospital
  • Dr. Eric Tichy, Clinical Pharmacist Specialist, Yale-New Haven Transplant Center
  • Rick Carbray, APEX Pharmacy Hamden
  • Jim Cangelosi, Brookfield Pharmacy in Brookfield, CT
  • Annik Chamberlin, Beacon Prescription in Southington, CT
  • Lisa Winkler, Ambulatory Surgery Center Association
  • Ken Ferrucci, CT State Medical Society
  • John J. Paggioli, Eastern Connecticut Pain Treatment Center