BuzzeoPDMA Signs MOU for NABP’s Verified-Accredited Wholesale Distributors Program
To help protect the public from the threat of counterfeit drugs affecting the United States’ drug supply, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy® (NABP®) will be offering the Verified-Accredited Wholesale Distributors (VAWD) program to accredit wholesale drug distributors. On September 7, 2004, BuzzeoPDMA, Inc, signed a Memorandum of Understanding agreeing to structure with NABP an accreditation and audit process to maintain the integrity of the US drug distribution system by providing inspection resources for the VAWD program.NABP began developing VAWD after Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested that NABP update its Model Rules for the Licensure of Wholesale Distributors, which is part of the Model State Pharmacy Act and Model Rules of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. Members of NABP’s resulting Task Force on Counterfeit Drugs and Wholesale Distributors, held in October 2003, revised the Model Rules and proposed the creation of an accreditation program and clearinghouse for wholesale distributors – a plan that was immediately supported by FDA – to further combat counterfeit drugs.
“NABP is excited to have BuzzeoPDMA as a partner in the VAWD program,” declares NABP President Donna M. Horn. “BuzzeoPDMA is highly respected in the wholesale distribution industry. The inspection resources that BuzzeoPDMA offers, coupled with expertise and information from NABP’s wholesaler clearinghouse, are vital to assisting states in the licensure of wholesale distributors and determining the qualifications of VAWD applicants.”
Buzzeo was chosen to perform the inspections required for VAWD accreditation because of the company’s knowledge encompassing physical and systems security integration, chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution, wholesaling, pharmacy operations, and drug sample accountability and compliance. In addition, Buzzeo has professional relationships with the US Drug Enforcement Administration, FDA, and state agencies.Adds Ronald W. Buzzeo, RPh, president/CEO of BuzzeoPDMA, Inc, “BuzzeoPDMA is excited about the opportunity to assist NABP in its efforts to maintain the integrity of the US drug distribution system by providing critical support for NABP’s VAWD program.”
VAWD accreditation assures stakeholders that wholesalers are legitimate, qualified for state licensure, and employing security and best practices for safely distributing prescription drugs and medical devices from manufacturer to pharmacy. Applicants for VAWD accreditation will undergo a criteria compliance review, licensure verification process, an inspection, and screening through the clearinghouse. NABP expects to launch the program in December 2004.
