FDA standards do not permit substandard drugs to be manufactured or distributed under any circumstances. Our commitment to high standards remains the same whether we are manufacturing medications in small or large quantities. We remain committed to producing and marketing products that meet only the highest standards of safety and efficacy. Companies assess their own pricing strategies and that information is privately held. However, it is not anticipated that issues related to the Year 2000 should affect prices at any point in the supply system.
Distribution is a critical link in getting medications to patients.
We are giving it considerable attention, including working very closely with the wholesale distribution network to the point of testing manufacturing, distribution and pharmacy systems together to make sure the system works. This isn't just a concern of the pharmaceutical supply system, but for the healthcare industry as a whole. Pharmaceutical companies, distributors, pharmacists, health plans and hospitals are working together to share information. Because business depends on computers all over the world, our country is not isolated in its concern for the Y2K computer bug. But much of our supply system is self-contained and does not rely on any other countries for its smooth operation.