Exclusive Sourcing Agreement
Exclusive Sourcing Agreement (ESA) for Pharmaceutical Product Division (PPD) and Abbott Diabetes Care (ADC) Products
The safety and integrity of Abbott products for the patients we serve is our
highest priority. Abbott understands that the threat posed to public health and
safety by counterfeit products is a very serious one. We are taking actions to
help keep further counterfeit products from the marketplace. Secondary market
products are generally products purchased from any source other than from the
original manufacturer and are commonly referred to as secondary, gray or
diverted products. It is often through a secondary market that counterfeit,
adulterated or improperly stored and handled products make their way into the
distribution channel. When product comes from the secondary market it is
difficult to assure patients and healthcare professionals of the product's
quality or safety. Through the exclusive sourcing initiative described in the
attached communications, Abbott is working to prevent the introduction of
unsafe product into the United States. As of July 1, 2004, wholesale
distribution of Abbott products* is only permitted through
wholesalers/distributors that have agreed to source their entire product needs
directly from Abbott.
ESA Amendment for Vicodin-class Products
The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has stated that
"rogue" Internet websites are the number one source of abused
combination hydrocodone products. The safety and integrity of Abbott products
are of the highest priority to us and we are deeply concerned about the threat
posed to public health and safety of illicit Internet purchases. Our goal is to
prevent the sale of our Vicodin-class products (e.g. Vicodin IR, Vicoprofen,
and any future hydrocodone bitartrate/acetaminophen products) through such
rogue Internet sites, while preserving the ability to fill and re-fill
legitimate prescriptions, issued within the context of bona fide
physician-patient relationships, using on-line technology. To address rogue
Internet pharmacies operating within the United States, it is necessary to
update your Exclusive Sourcing Agreement with Abbott to limit the availability
of Vicodin-class products through illegitimate Internet websites.
Additional Information is listed below:
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Covered by this policy are products from the following divisions:
Pharmaceutical Products Division (PPD) and Abbott Diabetes Care (ADC) |