Interchange Opens with Executive Director Remarks

The Partnership for Safe Medicines Interchange 2011 opened at 8:30am with remarks by Scott LaGanga, Executive Director of PSM.  

Said LaGanga, last year’s Interchange focused on who are the actors in the world of counterfeit medicines: the criminals, the victims and law enforcement that works to stop the criminals and help the victims.  This year’s Interchange focuses on policy actions to combat this public health issue.

Said LaGanga, “The counterfeit drug issue isn’t going away.”  He cited the Pharmaceutical Security Institute reported a 2.5% increase in pharmaceutical crime worldwide in 2010, with more than 200 incidents in the U.S.  

He said that while counterfeit drug crime continues to grow, so does the progress of law enforcement and policymakers, with approximately 1,200 arrests in medicine crime in 2010.

Said LaGanga, “The Interchange is an opportunity to share thoughts on how we can unite in the fight against counterfeit drugs.  Whether we workfor pharmaceutical companies, non-profit organizations, government entities or advocacy groups – we must all work toether to protect patients from these illicit goods.”