MARCH 18, 2020

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Compounding pharmacies get FDA go-ahead to produce hand sanitizers

HOUSTON – March 18, 2020 – Thanks to the go-ahead from federal regulators, compounding pharmacies are stepping up to produce non-commercial hand sanitizers – and, on Wednesday, a pharmacist in Southeast Texas was among the first in the state to deliver free supplies to police, firefighters and other emergency responders.

PCCA, an FDA-registered and -inspected chemical repackager and relabeler, said one of its members, Steven C. Hoffart, PharmD, owner and operator of Magnolia Pharmacy in Magnolia, Texas, has compounded several orders of pharmaceutical-grade, alcohol-based hand sanitizers for use by first responders in his community.

“Harnessing the flexibility and ingenuity of pharmacists to create individually tailored treatments will help the country respond quickly and effectively to this and future crises,” Hoffart said. “This is a way now to protect our first responders who like others have faced overwhelming demands for health care products.”

Hoffart delivered potent antiseptic 80% topical solution to police and other first responders in Magnolia, northwest of Houston in Montgomery County. The departments, he said, were having trouble finding enough sanitizers for its personnel.

PCCA said the Food and Drug Administration recognized the shortage of alcohol-based hand sanitizers and provided the ability for compounding pharmacies to compound these during the COVID-19 outbreak. At the urging of the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding and others, the FDA last week provided formulations for compounders to prepare alcohol-based hand sanitizers during the current health emergency.

“PCCA salutes Steve and our other members who have risen to the challenge presented by the spread of the coronavirus to improve safety and health in their communities. This is an example of pharmacists taking their skills preparing personalized medications for patients and pivoting them to contribute to solving a healthcare need for many,” PCCA President Jim Smith said. “We are grateful that compounding pharmacies and our industry as a whole can be a part of the solution during this public health crisis.”

A pharmacist in Magnolia since 2002, Hoffart has long been an active member of the community, assisting in local relief operations, including the response to Hurricane Harvey.

ABOUT PCCA

PCCA helps pharmacists and prescribers create personalized medicine that makes a difference in patients’ lives. As a complete resource for independent compounding pharmacists, PCCA provides high-quality products, education and support to more than 3,500 pharmacy members throughout the United States, Canada, Australia and other countries around the world. Incorporated in 1981 by a network of pharmacists, PCCA has supported pharmacy compounding for more than 39 years. Learn more at www.pccarx.com.

MEDIA CONTACT

Kim Speairs, APR, MBA, Director of Communications and Engagement, PCCA, 281.709.8277, kspeairs@pccarx.com