Compounding pharmacies get FDA approval to produce hand sanitizers

The first batch of compounded hand sanitizers has been delivered to first responders in Southeast Texas, following federal regulators' approval for compounding pharmacies to produce non-commercial hand sanitizers. 

Steve Hoffart, owner of Magnolia Pharmacy, and member of PCCA, an FDA-registered and-inspected chemical repackager and relabeled, on Wednesday delivered free, compounded hand sanitizers to local police, and other emergency first responders to help curb coronavirus spread in Southeast Texas.

“Harnessing the flexibility and ingenuity of pharmacists to create individually tailored treatments will help the country respond quickly and effectively to this and future crises,” Hoffart said. “This is a way now to protect our first responders who like others have faced overwhelming demands for health care products.”

Hoffart delivered potent antiseptic 80% topical solution to police and other first responders in Magnolia, northwest of Houston in Montgomery County. The departments, he said, were having trouble finding enough sanitizers for its personnel.

PCCA said the Food and Drug Administration recognized the shortage of alcohol-based hand sanitizers and provided the ability for compounding pharmacies to compound these during the COVID-19 outbreak. At the urging of the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding and others, the FDA last week provided formulations for compounders to prepare alcohol-based hand sanitizers during the current health emergency.

“PCCA salutes Steve and our other members who have risen to the challenge presented by the spread of the coronavirus to improve safety and health in their communities. This is an example of pharmacists taking their skills preparing personalized medications for patients and pivoting them to contribute to solving a healthcare need for many,” PCCA president Jim Smith said. “We are grateful that compounding pharmacies and our industry as a whole can be a part of the solution during this public health crisis.”

A pharmacist in Magnolia since 2002, Hoffart has long been an active member of the community, assisting in local relief operations, including the response to Hurricane Harvey.