UPS on Wednesday, June 27, urged passage of a “track and trace proposal” supported by the Pharmaceutical Distribution Security Alliance that would provide a bipartisan national 50-state solution to supply chain safety for medicines. UPS, a PDSA member, said the current patchwork of state regulations and varying individual license requirements is an impediment to law enforcement and protecting patients.
UPS said a national system would help to ensure safe passage of drugs and medical products across the United States and address the growing problem of counterfeit drugs through the complex network of manufacturers, wholesalers, third-party logistics providers and pharmacies.
The track and trace proposal originally was a component of the Prescription Drug User Fees Authorization bill passed by Congress. UPS applauded passage of that bill, saying it is integral to ensuring the Food and Drug Administration has the necessary resources to review new treatments.
“We understand that the industry, the FDA, the Pew Charitable Trust and congressional leaders were close to agreement on the (trace and trace) proposal,” UPS said in a statement. “We urge them to continue to work to get it done this session to provide a 50-state solution that protects U.S. consumers.”
