Purdue Pharma earns Corporate Recognition Award from NCPA

NEW ORLEANS The National Community Pharmacists Association Foundation gave its 2009 Corporate Recognition Award to drug maker Purdue Pharma at its 111th annual Convention and Trade Exposition in New Orleans, which began Saturday and continues until Wednesday.

“The centerpiece of Purdue Pharma’s strong relationship with NCPA has been its commitment to keeping pharmacies safe,” NCPA Foundation president Sharlea Leatherwood said in a statement. “Programs like Protect Your Pharmacy Now! And Rx Patrol would not exist without the commitment of resources and expertise Purdue Pharma has provided. As a result, community pharmacies are better able to defend themselves from criminals targeting prescription drugs.”

Last year, the NCPA, the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association and Purdue -- which makes a number of painkillers such as OxyContin (oxycodone hydrochloride) -- launched the Protect Your Pharmacy Now! initiative to combat pharmacy crime, particularly theft of prescription drugs.