CHPA Executive Newsletter

Hendrickson elected CHPA board chair

Perrigo executive assumes Association's lead role

John T. Hendrickson, executive vice president and general manager, Perrigo Consumer Healthcare, Perrigo Company, was elected chair of CHPA by the membership at the Association's Annual Executive Conference March 16-18 in Aventura, Florida. Hendrickson succeeds Timothy G. Hayes, senior vice president and region head, North America, Bayer HealthCare LLC, who serves as immediate past chair.

Hendrickson was elected to the CHPA Board of Directors and the Executive Committee in 2004. He was elected vice chair and appointed Finance Committee chair in 2005.

"We are fortunate to have the benefit of John’s expertise and experience as CHPA continues its commitment to improved access to quality healthcare throughout this country," said CHPA President Linda A. Suydam, D.P.A. "His dedication and tenacity will serve this Association and the consumer health industry as well, as we work to expand the role of over-the-counter medicines and nutritional supplements in the healthcare arena."

Hendrickson joined Perrigo in 1989 and has held numerous positions of increasing responsibility from operations to supply chain to sales. Perrigo Company is the world’s largest manufacturer of private-label OTC medicines and nutritional products, and is based in Allegan, Michigan. Prior to attaining his present position at Perrigo, he held the title of executive vice president of operations. Before joining Perrigo, he worked for The Procter & Gamble Company in product and consumer research.

Hendrickson serves on the National Association of Chain Drug Stores’ Advisory Board and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He also is on the boards of two charitable organizations that help provide education and opportunities for youth in southwest Michigan. Hendrickson received degrees from Hope College and the University of Michigan, and an MBA from the University of Notre Dame.

CHPA contacts: Virginia Cox and Elizabeth Assey | Back to the top

CHPA elects board and officers

CHPA board directors and officers were elected during the Association's Annual Executive Conference. John T. Hendrickson, executive vice president and general manager, Perrigo Consumer Healthcare, Perrigo Company, was chosen as board chair (See related article). Timothy G. Hayes, senior vice president and region head, North America, Bayer HealthCare LLC, now serves as the Association’s immediate past chair.

CHPA vice chairs:

CHPA's Board of Directors elected three Active and six Associate members at its March 16 meeting:

Active members:

DRJ Group Inc., Encinitas, California; Robert Miller, president, will be the primary contact. DRJ produces a topical analgesic, Stopain® Spray, which is distributed through food, drug, and mass merchandise outlets.

HardToFindBrands, Inc./Bira Corporation, McDonald, Pennsylvania; Ralph Dadowski, president and founder, will be the primary contact. The company was established to help smaller OTC healthcare and personal care product manufacturers distribute “hard-to-find” products to consumers via e-commerce. Bira Corporation acquires small brands that have lost distribution, but still have a loyal customer base. Current products are Deep-Down, a penetrating pain relief rub; Dicarbosil, a calcium-rich antacid; and Kellogg’s Tasteless Castor Oil.

Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Roswell, California; Richard Hansen, director, product safety, will be the primary contact. Eligible products are Huggies Rash Cream and K-C Professional Skin Care Antiseptics.

John Geils Consulting, Stamford, Connecticut, [individual consultant]; John L. Geils, president, will be the primary contact. Geils was formerly president of Requa, Inc., a CHPA Active member since 1975. Today he is consulting on a variety of OTC issues, including new product launches.

Guideline Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals (Advanced Analytics, Inc.), New York, New York, [marketing research and consulting, Rx-to-OTC Switch]; Morris S. Whitcup, Ph.D., president, will be the primary contact. A former CHPA member from 1999 to 2003, the company is a full-service market research and consulting firm specializing in consumer comprehension research, Rx-to-OTC switches, risk minimization, and research in support of FDA submissions. It has broad global expertise in research for new and existing products, and DTC and claims substantiation experience.

Hill Top Research Corporation, Miamiville, Ohio, [clinical research service]; Joel Ivers, chief executive officer, will be the primary contact. A former CHPA member from 1975 to 2003, the company provides clinical research and microbiology services to the global personal care, pharmaceutical, hospital product/device, and household product/specialty chemical industries. It has six clinical sites in the U.S. and Canada, and offers a wide range of services including safety studies, efficacy trials, and contract research organization services.

Management Science Associates, Inc., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, [market research, strategic business management consulting]; George Ryan, president, enterprise strategy, will be the primary contact. Management Science is a diversified information management company that has provided market leaders services in data management, advanced analytics, and business intelligence and technology, as well as enterprise strategy consulting for over 40 years. Innovative solutions transform business practices and assist clients in effectively managing future business outcomes.

Robert E. Nissen, Consultant, Madison, New Jersey, [individual consultant]; Robert E. Nissen, principal, will be the primary contact. Nissen provides business development and licensing consulting for OTC and specialty Rx brands and technologies, skill at in-licensing and out-licensing, acquisitions and divestitures, Rx-OTC switches, partnership development, and alliance management. He also offers support in identification, evaluation, qualification, negotiation, and commercialization of new products and business ventures, as well as building innovative platforms to differentiate brands and accelerate growth in a competitive marketplace.

Sawaya Segalas & Co., New York, New York, [individual consultant]; Fuad Sawaya, managing director, will be the primary contact. The firm is an investment banking boutique, providing financial services for acquisition and disposal of consumer product businesses.

CHPA contacts: Ted Peterson and Phyllis Taylor | Back to the top

CHPA celebrates 125 years of service, unveils its new look

CHPA's 2006 Annual Executive Conference (AEC) was special for a number of reasons. Chief among them, the Association commemorated its 125th anniversary. Over 340 members gathered March 16-18 in Aventura, Florida, to celebrate the milestone.

The Association further capitalized on its birthday by unveiling a new logo at the meeting. The new design was developed to better capture the prominent role of CHPA members’ products in the lives of consumers. “This milestone anniversary is the ideal time to introduce a fresh, new look for the Association,” said CHPA President Linda A. Suydam, D.P.A. “CHPA’s new logo reinforces the singular consumer focus of the industry and emphasizes the increasingly prominent role of OTCs and nutritional supplements in the lives of consumers.”

Suydam reassured AEC attendees that despite CHPA's modern look, the goals of the Association would not change. “We remain as we were when we were founded in 1881," she stated, "dedicated to promoting the increasingly vital role of over-the-counter medicines and nutritional supplements in America's healthcare system through science, education, and advocacy.”

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General sessions focus on evolutions and revolutions

The Annual Executive Conference (AEC) held March 16-18, featured three informative general sessions that covered a wide range of issues that directly, or indirectly, have an impact on the industry. Expert speakers and panelists focused on such topics as the history of CHPA, the future of healthcare reform, using new tools to market consumer products, treating consumers as sovereign, and right- versus left-brain thinking.

A tribute to industry’s rich history

The March 17 morning general session provided an historical look into one of the oldest trade associations in the country, CHPA. During the session, which was sponsored by Cargill, and hosted by Ted Ziemann, president, Cargill Health & Food Technologies, attendees learned about the Association's 125 years of service to consumer healthcare initiatives, as well as its future challenges and goals.

Ted Ziemann leads the proceedings at the March 17 AEC general session, sponsored by Cargill.

Interspersed between a fitting video tribute to the Association, CHPA President Linda A. Suydam, D.P.A., shared the stage with present, future, and past CHPA chairs who spoke to the progression of the industry since its founding in 1881.

Suydam began her remarks by noting that the Association has been “an active participant in helping to shape the legislative and regulatory landscape of our industry and marketplace over the years.” She brought this thought into perspective by citing some historical highlights. “In November 1881,” Suydam said, “CHPA was formed by a small number of companies with a twofold mission: to repeal a Civil War tax on what were known as ‘proprietary’ medicines and to ensure continued consumer access to convenient medications.”

The Association helped shape several subsequent significant regulatory and legislative initiatives in the time intervening, resulting in increased quality healthcare options and more confidence in the safety and effectiveness of OTCs.

"We have 125 years of experience and success upon which to draw, and we expect the best is yet to come.”

— CHPA President Suydam
________________________

Suydam concluded her remarks by thanking AEC attendees for sharing in the celebration of the Association's anniversary.

The next to speak was outgoing CHPA Chair Timothy G. Hayes, senior vice president and region head, North America, Bayer HealthCare LLC, who offered his perspective on industry’s long-standing commitment to its consumers, focusing on CHPA’s dedication towards consumer education. Past efforts, Hayes said, include combined educational initiatives with government partners such as FDA, as well as the most recent initiative, the Consumer Health Education Center, launched in October 2005. “Consumer education has a rich history at CHPA,” commented Hayes, “and its success is the direct result of many years of dedicated work. I cannot tell you how gratified I am to be part of yet another exciting advancement.”

Dovetailing Hayes’ remarks on the importance of consumer education, incoming CHPA Chair John T. Hendrickson, executive vice president and general manager, Perrigo Consumer Healthcare, spoke to the significance of the consumer healthcare products industry within the larger healthcare community.

“With more than three-quarters of Americans turning to OTCs, and millions using them every day, this highly regulated, scientifically grounded, and essential industry is important to any number of constituencies across the country.”

Rounding out the tribute to the Association’s past, as well as its outlook on the future, were presentations by two esteemed former CHPA Chairs, Charles J. Hinkaty, president and chief executive officer, Del Laboratories, Inc., and Richard K. Green, board member, Blistex Inc. Based on their vast leadership experience with the Association, as well as within the workings of their respective companies, the executives offered thoughts on the cornerstone of the Association—its membership. “Any Association,” said Hinkaty, “is only as strong as we, the members, are active and dedicated."

Former Congressman and Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Newt Gingrich provided attendees of the Cargill general session with his thought-provoking discussion on “Saving Lives and Saving Money: Transforming Health and Healthcare in the 21st Century.” Before beginning his presentation, however, Gingrich told the audience that since his last appearance at CHPA's 2002 annual meeting, the role of OTC medicines and nutritional supplements has taken on new meaning in his life, and he now takes these products daily for preventive reasons. Praising the industry for its cost-effective efforts to meet many healthcare needs, he added, “You are the least expensive and most pervasive form of healthcare we have."

Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Newt Gingrich shares his thoughts on healthcare reform with AEC attendees.

”The reality of the 21st Century,” continued Gingrich, “is that there will be more change in scientific knowledge during the next 25 years than there was in the entire last 100 years.” Healthcare, he opined, has a lot of work to do in order to catch up. He likened the success of meaningful healthcare reform to that of the positive impact on consumers’ wallets that resulted from the U.S. Deregulation of Airlines Act in 1978. Applying this model to a proposal to reduce the soaring costs associated with today’s healthcare system, he said that implementing a “Travelocity for drug purchasing” plan would result in a system that would better capture the price and effectiveness information so that knowledgeable consumers may comparison shop.

The key to successfully reforming healthcare as we know it, Gingrich concluded, lies within the successful business models and strategies of today’s marketplace, rather than the antiquated government-sponsored model of the past.

Following his discussion, Judy Feder, Ph.D., professor and dean, Georgetown Public Policy Institute, Georgetown University, and Gail R. Wilensky, Ph.D., senior fellow, Project HOPE, joined Gingrich to offer their viewpoints on the daunting task of reforming the nation's healthcare system. Feder immediately took issue with Gingrich's so-called “Travelocity” model, and reminded her colleague that the necessity of insurance pools stems from a patient’s inability to predict his or her future needs. The ideal healthcare system, Feder added, “ensures quality, access, and incentives to innovations.” Wilensky, who was more optimistic regarding the possible success of Gingrich's plan, called for a dramatic change in how this country pays for its medical services, adding that implementing a system that pays for performance would be a radical but cost-effective alternative to today’s healthcare reimbursement procedures.

Other concepts debated at the forum included a shift of the Medicaid program to a voucher-based program, more incentives for health savings accounts, larger tax credits for the working poor, efforts to address fraud and abuse, and an insurance mandate for those individuals who can afford coverage.

Applying political campaign techniques to consumer product marketing

The March 17 afternoon general session, sponsored by DPT Laboratories, Inc., and hosted by Paul H. Johnson, president, focused on how some of the tools and techniques sharpened in political campaigns translate to the world of consumer product marketing. Three experts, including Jonathan Spalter, Dewey Square Group; Jed Alpert, Politxt; and Frank Luntz, Luntz Research Companies, shared their thoughts during a panel discussion on this subject.

During his comments, Spalter stressed the importance of peer-to-peer validation of products and concepts, the growing role of non-traditional message platforms, and more bottom-up, or consumer-driven, messaging. As an illustration, he said that the search engine Technorati tracked an estimated 21 million Internet blogs last year, with 50 million anticipated by year’s end. Similarly, he noted the greater ability by people to control what, where, how, and when they view or access information, as illustrated by the success of a number of comparatively low-cost, Internet distribution-only video ads (Click here for a graphic example). Finally, Spalter pointed to significant demographic shifts taking place, with implications for messaging techniques, such as estimates that one quarter of Americans will be of Hispanic origin by 2050 and the rise of the “Millennial Generation,” a population now entering the voting booth, with little known consumer habits (See related story).

Panelist Frank Luntz (standing) makes a point, while moderator David Skinner, Jonathon Spalter, and Jed Alpert look on.

Alpert's comments built on the non-traditional message-platform theme. He explained that cell phones are an excellent marketing tool because text messages can be sent directly to an individual, allowing them to take action on themes of importance to them. This is especially true for people in their teens or twenties. But he also warned that due to the highly personal nature of one’s cell phone, it makes it a poor option as a medium to shape messages.

Americans want less hassles, more choices, more time, and more money, stated Luntz. For women, more time leads the way; for men, more money. Building on that thought, he encouraged the audience to think in terms of providing peace of mind as a touchpoint, as opposed to fixing a negative. Finally, he stressed that language matters, noting the importance of using examples that demonstrate value in very human terms.

The "consumer as sovereign"

The final AEC general session, held March 18, was sponsored by Information Resources, Inc. (IRI), and hosted by Steven Johnson, executive vice president and general manager, Healthcare Solutions Group. One of the highlights of the session was a panel discussion, moderated by ABC's Sam Donaldson, on the subject of "the consumer as sovereign."

In his opening remarks, Donaldson used J.C. Penney's quote, "the customer is always right" to bridge to the panel's theme. The veteran Washington, D.C., correspondent kept panelists George Quesnelle, GlaxoSmithKline; Tom Furphy, Amazon.com; Sunil Garga, Information Resources, Inc.; and Jonathon Harries, Foote Cone & Belding, on their toes with questions involving shifts in the shopping experience, media diffusion, customization, and "is 50 the new 20?"

In his comments, Furphy tied the shopping experience and customization areas together, by pointing out that Amazon has 100 million customer profiles. These profiles allow Amazon to target, and sub-target, communication so that it is more relevant and individualized based on customer preferences and needs.

Garga illustrated the media diffusion and customization points with a nod to the Slingbox™, a hardwired device which allows its users to shift their television signal to wherever they have Internet access, such as laptops, cell phones, handhelds, etc. With consumers' ability to view, delete, add, or fast-forward content more easily every day, customizing messages becomes more important.

While media diffusion and message customization are facts, Quesnelle stressed that it is imperative for consumer healthcare product makers to understand consumer needs through science that supports their products. Similarly, Harries stressed the importance of comprehending consumer needs, and encouraged the audience to think from that consumer viewpoint, and not from a market gap analysis view.

Donaldson wrapped things up by asking the panelists to pick one favorite marketing technique to reach consumers effectively. Relating to consumers one-to-one, and finding those venues, was Quesnelle's choice, and he pointed to his company's work on smoking cessation at NASCAR racing events.

Harries picked understanding when a consumer is most receptive to receiving a message, while Furphy stressed interaction. Sharpening the focus on interaction and bridging from health products to other consumer goods, Garga opined that video games are a good tool to reach 20-somethings, and experiential marketing is a good technique for older audiences.

Rounding out this year’s AEC business program was Daniel Pink, author of A Whole New Mind. Pink’s lively demeanor sparked interest among the attendees who were looking to learn more about the key elements to the successful business model of tomorrow.

In a world of Mars versus Venus, Democrats versus Republicans, introverts versus extroverts, Pink illustrated the often overlooked division of labor between the abilities of the right hemisphere of the brain compared to that of the left. As technology advances and automation begins to replace many aspects of the analytical thinking process, Pink argued, those professionals who excel at the so-called right-side brain functionality will continue to excel, and will prove to have greater significance to business in the long run.

According to Pink, success, or more accurately, larger profit margins, stem from a product’s engineering and design. In a country where there are more registered cars than there are registered drivers, Pink said that consumers do not seek out products out of necessity; rather, they are looking for the next thing that tells a story. “Margins come from significance, not from utility,” he mused. “Anything that is routine will disappear from this country.”

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AEC breakfast sessions speak to the generations

Howe explains shifting demographics at Hearst session

Well-known author and demographer Neil Howe entertained attendees at the March 17 AEC breakfast session, sponsored by Hearst Magazines, with his perspective and commentary on the concept of generations. While these groups are most commonly divided according to age, Howe illustrated that the commonality extends far beyond an individual's date of birth.

Beginning with the "G.I. Generation," Howe offered his insight on how this group’s attitudes were influenced by the strong institutions of their time, which resulted in a profound appreciation for authority. Following this generation was the smaller, but equally significant, "Silent Generation." One of the most notable trends among this generation, said Howe, was its unease with taking chances in life, gauging ultimate success by working for government or larger, more stable companies.

Nipping at the Silent Generation’s heels is the "Boomer Generation." Based on a show of audience hands, their presence among today’s business leaders is significant. Ranging in age from 44 to 61, boomers are less active politically than their parents, replacing that passion with a focus on the quality of life. “Boomers just don’t buy a briefcase, they buy a briefcase experience," commented Howe. He termed successful product advertising toward this group as "the art of non-ism," explaining that it was important to promote what products do not have—no color, no caffeine, no preservatives—in order to reach this audience.

Sandwiched in between the Boomer Generation and today’s youth is "Generation X." Howe explained that for the parents of this generation, “having kids was not as important as living a good life.” This generation also introduced society to latch-key kids, which inevitably attributes the Gen Xers focus on pragmatism and individualism.

Howe rounded out his discussion with the "Millennial Generation." This generation, Howe mused, “inspired parents to become better parents.” One significant shift was a call for government protection of children, resulting in debates about a child’s health and welfare at the national level. The Millennial Generation shares its parents’ values and have become more active politically than preceding generations.

Halberstam shares his thoughts on how the past impacts the future at Reader's Digest session

Popular author and historian David Halberstam headlined the March 18 AEC breakfast session, sponsored by Reader’s Digest. Halberstam offered his perspective on the generational shifts of the past and the impact such changes have had on present day. Echoing some of the concepts outlined in Neil Howe’s discussion from the previous day, Halberstam attributes the most significant change of past years surrounding “work driven by blue collar muscularity to work driven by education.” Halberstam’s optimism stems from what he deemed the “educational superiority” of higher education in this country.

ABC's Orlando Reece (center) listens intently while ABC Correspondent Sam Donaldson (right) explains his own viewpoints on the impact of generational shifts.

For such a distinguished historian, no commentary would be complete without his perspective on the current war in Iraq. While likening the U.S. presence in Iraq as “punching a fist in the largest hornets nest,” he has concerns about finding a fast way to end the war, but is confident that a suitable solution can be reached. Following his talk, Halberstam opened the floor up for questions and was greeted by an enthusiastic crowd whose questions ranged from inquiries on the Patriot Act, professional football scouting, and his tour in Vietnam.

AEC 2006 photo gallery

CHPA staff has put together a photo album of some of the highlights from the 2006 Annual Executive Conference (AEC). If you weren't at the meeting, you may want to see what you missed. If you were there, see if we caught you or your colleagues on camera!

Click here for 2006 AEC photos.

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Social events bring members together

CHPA’s 2006 Annual Executive Conference opened with a fitting tribute to the Association’s 125 years of service to the OTC medicine and nutritional supplement industries. ACNeilsen sponsored the opening social networking opportunity with a live production of Neil Goldberg’s Cirque. The inner child in both young and old was wowed by amazing feats of acrobatics and agility. Following dinner and the show, a festive balloon drop and tribute to CHPA’s birthday, complete with a large cake and pyrotechnics, was sponsored by The Emerson Group. CHPA thanks the sponsors and all AEC attendees who participated in the celebratory event.

Perrigo and ACNielsen executives clown around with one of the performers from the Cirque production, sponsored by ACNeilsen.

Grey Worldwide also sponsored an opportunity for attendees to swap stories poolside, which preceded an open evening for networking. Saturday brought a bit more for those attendees who wanted to enjoy some of the south Florida sunshine with an early Saturday morning fun run and walk sponsored by Prevention Magazine. Following the conclusion of the 2006 business program, many meeting attendees took advantage of the weather for a round of golf or a match of tennis. A final, casual, bar-b-cue capped the evening, sponsored by The Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort & Club.

Once upon a time in healthcare history...

The following events occurred during this two-week span in history:

March 14, 1936:	The first edition of the Federal Register is published.
March 26, 1953:	Jonas Salk introduces his polio vaccine.
March 23, 1982:	FDA approves the Rx-to-OTC switch of miconazole nitrate as a topical antifungal.
March 17, 1999:	FDA issues its final "Drug Facts" labeling regulation for OTC medicines.

Coming this summer: FDA/industry workshops

Two dates and locations provide two great opportunities to attend this essential educational collaboration between FDA and industry.

June 23, 2006
Hilton Parsippany
Parsippany, NJ

July 20, 2006
Hyatt Regency Chicago
Chicago, IL

Be sure to mark your summer calendar for the FDA/industry workshops. Additional information will follow in future issues of the Executive Newsletter.

CHPA staff travel inside the Beltway and beyond

CHPA's Acting Vice President of Regulatory and Scientific Affairs Lorna C. Totman, Ph.D., was on Capitol Hill March 14 to attend a Poison Prevention Week Council (PPWC) ceremony in which the council presented U.S. Senator Michael DeWine (R-Ohio) with the 2006 Friend of the Council Award. During the award ceremony, DeWine was praised for his longtime advocacy of poison prevention efforts. The event was held prior to the observance of National Poison Prevention Week (See March 10 XNL)...

Attendees of the PPWC award ceremony from left: Patricia Adkins, Home Safety Council; Nychelle Fleming, CPSC; Nancy Bock, The Soap and Detergent Association; U.S. Senator Mike DeWine; Lorna Totman, CHPA; Anne Flanagan and Elena Juris, American Association of Poison Control Centers; and Former U.S. Senator David Karnes.

CHPA's Associate Director of Scientific Affairs Marcia D. Howard, Ph.D., attended the 45th Annual Society of Toxicology Meeting and ToxExpo March 5-9 in San Diego, California. Various aspects of toxicology were addressed during the symposia...

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Industry News

Bush nominates von Eschenbach as FDA commissioner, Boyer to head Agency's legislative affairs

President George W. Bush issued a March 15 personnel announcement announcing his nomination of Andrew C. von Eschenbach, M.D., as commissioner of FDA. von Eschenbach has been serving as acting commissioner of the Agency since the departure of Lester M. Crawford, D.V.M., last September (See September 30, 2005, XNL). In addition to handling his responsibilities at FDA, von Eschenbach also has been serving as director of the National Cancer Institute, a position he has held since January 2002.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Michael O. Leavitt, issued a press release expressing his support for the nomination. "Andy is an inspired choice to provide permanent leadership at this critical agency," said Leavitt. "His career has been defined by his vision for progress in research and passion for the care of patients—two qualities which will serve the Agency and the American public well."

In other FDA news, von Eschenbach issued a news release March 15 announcing the appointment of David W. Boyer as the Agency's assistant commissioner for legislation. In addition to managing FDA's Office of Legislation, Boyer is responsible for overseeing the drafting of congressional testimony, responding to congressional inquiries, and assisting in the development of public health legislation. He also will work closely with FDA's Office of the Commissioner and the Agency centers.

Boyer has held a number of positions at HHS, most recently serving as the special assistant for oversight in the office of the assistant secretary for legislation. He took over his new role at FDA March 20, replacing Patrick Ronan, who now serves as the Agency's chief of staff.

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FDA's Science Board advisory committee meets on drug safety

FDA announced a meeting of its Science Board advisory committee in the March 15 Federal Register. The public meeting will be held March 31 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at FDA's office in Rockville, Maryland. According to FDA, the meeting has been scheduled to allow the Science Board to continue its discussion on drug safety, initiated during a November 4, 2005, meeting, and to review FDA's science programs. Additional topics to be discussed include the science priorities of the Agency's Office of Women's Health. Written submissions and requests to present at the meeting should be directed to FDA's Jan Johannessen by March 24.

CHPA contacts: Fred Razzaghi | Back to the top

Manufacturing Subcommittee advisory committee meeting cancelled

FDA issued a notice in the March 17 Federal Register canceling the April 18-19 meeting of the Manufacturing Subcommittee of its Advisory Committee for Pharmaceutical Science. The subcommittee was slated to discuss current activities of the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH), discuss future ICH quality topics, and address current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) approaches to process validation. No new meeting date has been announced.

CHPA contacts: Fred Razzaghi | Back to the top

International Perspectives

UN drug commission adopts resolution to fight diversion of precursor chemicals

The United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) adopted a resolution March 17 that calls for voluntary international cooperation in the control of pseudoephedrine and other precursor chemicals used in the illicit manufacture of synthetic drugs, such as methamphetamine. The CND is the central policy-making body within the United Nations that assesses the global drug situation and develops proposals to strengthen the international drug control system. The resolution, which was proposed by the United States and sponsored by a number of other nations, includes several provisions aimed at curbing the diversion of precursor chemicals.

According to a March 17 statement released by the Office of National Drug Control Policy in support of the CND's efforts, provisions in the resolution include:

CHEC update: AARP offers OTC facts, PR efforts recognized

Working in cooperation with the Consumer Health Education Center (CHEC), AARP now offers Over-the-Counter Drug Fact Labels, an article that provides a primer on the OTC Drug Facts label and tips for using these important medications safely. CHEC is CHPA’s nonprofit educational foundation dedicated to providing consumers with information on the safe and effective use of OTCs.

Separately, CHEC’s PR efforts to promote its inaugural campaign, the Doctor in the House, have been recognized with a nomination for a silver Sabre Award in the “consumer health” category. The Doctor in the House campaign focuses on providing women, often the caregivers of the family, information on OTC safety. Sabre Awards winners will be announced in May.

If you are interested in becoming more actively involved in CHEC’s work on behalf of consumers, contact Virginia Cox at (202) 429-9260.

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NHCOA holds annual conference in Miami

The National Hispanic Council on Aging (NHCOA) is hosting its annual conference April 7-9 in Miami, Florida. The three-day meeting will feature a series of workshops and presentations by political, academic, and corporate speakers on such topics as maximizing retirement security, addressing diabetes and other health disparities, and outlining policy for the nation's Latino elderly. The conference also will feature a community walk, awards dinner, and an exposition, which is free and open to the public. The exposition, entitled "Plaza del Intercambio: A Resource Exchange," will provide businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations the opportunity to showcase products and services to Latino seniors and their families. Program and registration information for the conference is available online.

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Supply Side East is set for May

Virgo Publishing is hosting its annual Supply Side East international trade show and conference May 1-3 at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, New Jersey. The event features an educational program with speakers from government, academia, and industry, who will focus on a variety of topics, including the benefits of vitamin D, the benefits and risk of co-branding ingredients, and dietary supplement quality concerns. Supply Side East also offers an exhibit hall with hundreds of ingredient suppliers and manufacturing service providers; a seminar on product-specific science, formulation, and marketing, and four networking events. Additional information is available online.

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Director of validation, quality assurance positions available

The following career opportunities are currently featured on CHPA's members-only Job Board: