Rx Response put on alert status over swine flu outbreak

WASHINGTON A coalition of organizations designed to make sure medicines get to patients during a public health emergency has put itself on alert status in light of the swine flu outbreak.

For the last two days, officials from Rx Response have been in contact with state and federal health officials to share information about the pharmaceutical supply system’s pandemic response capabilities.

Alert status means that members of the coalition are closely monitoring developing information regarding influenza cases in the United States working with government officials to ensure the continued functioning of the pharmaceutical supply chain.

“Americans need to know that the medicines they rely on will be available even in an emergency,” said Billy Tauzin, president and CEO of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, an Rx Response member.

Other members of Rx Response include the Generic Pharmaceutical Association, the Biotechnology Industry Organization, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores and the National Community Pharmacists Association.