The Hill News

Every new medicine that appears on pharmacy shelves requires an investment of close to a billion dollars, at least half a decade of testing, and, rigorous oversight by Federal and state regulators. All this is worth it. Modern drugs can do virtually everything from regrowing hair to helping people with HIV/AIDS â€" a death sentence just 15 years ago â€" live full, normal lives. Given the near miraculous results they can deliver, making sure that drugs remain safe and effective is vital. With more and more media and political attention focused on deadly, counterfeit drugs, it’s time to reconsider how our country can protect its pharmaceutical supply. 

Based on my experience directing the FBI’s health care fraud program and currently running a pharmaceutical security non-profit institute, I strongly believe that the Obama administration and Congress should continue efforts to strengthen the safety of America’s drug supply and, simultaneously, coordinate ! a global response to the problem of counterfeit drugs. 

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