Regulatory and Washington

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Commenting on a counterfeit pharmaceutical inter-agency working group report, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores stressed that it shares the goal of improving the public awareness of the risks posed from counterfeit drugs and unlawful online drug sellers, but expressed concern over the report's proposal to mandate a "track-and-trace" system in the United States, given the high cost it could pose for pharmacies.

NEW YORK — Drug makers Gilead Sciences and Roche are suing Indian drug maker Natco Pharma concerning a generic version of an influenza treatment, according to published reports.

Bloomberg reported that Gilead and Roche were accusing Natco of patent infringement due to its efforts to gain approval from the Food and Drug Administration for a generic version of Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate). Natco became the first company to file for approval of a generic version in February.

WASHINGTON — The Natural Products Association on Wednesday outlined five key industry issues for the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Office of the United States Trade Representative for the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade.

The NPA focused on removing barriers for trade to China with recommendations on increasing transparency, clarifying and reforming regulations, and enhancing export opportunities.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Arkansas House on Wednesday passed a bill that would restrict the behind-the-counter sale of pseudoephedrine to pharmacists only. In other words, pharmacy technicians no longer would be allowed to sell products containing PSE.

The measure by state Sen. Percy Malone passed 60-31, according to published reports.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday announced that the only over-the-counter asthma inhaler sold in the United States no longer will be available as of Dec. 31 as part of an international agreement to stop the use of substances that damage the environment.

WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation said legislation introduced Tuesday to delay swipe fee reform, which is scheduled to go into effect this summer, would block retailers from giving discounts to consumers who use debit cards and would cost merchants and the public more than $1 billion per month.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday outlined a new campaign attacking fraudulent weight-loss products marketed as dietary supplements, especially those companies that proffer a “magic pill” that almost immediately achieves weight loss.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — This year's National Association of Chain Drug Stores Annual Meeting will feature a lineup of speakers ranging from political leaders and policy experts to best-selling authors and culinary connoisseurs. This year's meeting will run from April 30 to May 3 in Scottsdale, Ariz.