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Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1919, the Safeguarding America's Pharmaceuticals Act of 2013, a bipartisan bill sponsored by Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH) to strengthen and secure the nation’s pharmaceutical distribution supply chain. Co-authored by Rep. Jim Matheson (D-UT), this legislation is a result of collaboration and input from stakeholders throughout the pharmaceutical supply chain.

“I am pleased to see the House pass this important patient safety bill, which enhances the current supply chain, and seeks to keep Americans safe from counterfeit drugs,” Latta said. “The pharmaceutical supply chain is a key link in our health care system and it is imperative that we work to get the various sectors of it uniformly connected in a safe, secure and effective manner that provides the best protection for patients.”

The bill establishes a national standard of tracing requirements for manufacturers, wholesale distributors, pharmacies and repackagers based on changes in ownership. Further, it requires the affiliates of the supply chain, including third-party logistics providers to undertake verification and notification activities regarding suspect or illegitimate products.

“I want to thank Chairman Upton for his support on this bill and I look forward to working with the U.S. Senate in advancing these commonsense solutions to safeguard our distribution supply chain against counterfeits and improve integrity throughout the supply chain,” Latta concluded.

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