From abundance to access: Dispensary of Hope offers over-supply solutions
September 2017
It’s estimated that more than $10 billion in surplus medication is destroyed annually throughout the pharmaceutical supply-chain.
An over-abundance of drug product can be an unavoidable reality in pharmaceutical manufacturing, whether due to validation lot sizes that exceed launch demand, product dating, or other market factors and events.
For any number of reasons, you may find yourself with excess product on hand. Out of necessity and in consideration of safety concerns, there are times when destruction of product is required. However, there are also times when excess drug supply can make a meaningful difference to those in need. Dispensary of Hope is a non-profit organization dedicated to linking the pharmaceutical industry with a national network of charitable pharmacies, free clinics and outpatient pharmacies to find valuable use for branded and generic drugs that would otherwise be destroyed.
The patients and caregivers helped by Dispensary of Hope donations are those most in need—uninsured and low-income patients. These patients often go without needed treatments, because they are unable to afford their medication. For those who suddenly find themselves struggling financially due to a lay-off or other job interruption, receiving donated product can help them gather the strength they need to return to work and transition back to the private insurance market where they continue on therapy.
Dispensary of Hope is fully-licensed in each state it operates and offers product donation services that are track and trace compliant under the Drug Supply Chain Security Act. They are members of the Healthcare Distributors Association (HDA) and the Association for Accessible Medicines (AAM)— formerly the Generic Pharmaceutical Association.
When faced with the forecast of looming product over-supply, donation via Dispensary of Hope can be a valuable solution for organization. Beyond the immeasurable gratitude of those in need, donating corporations can receive tax benefits, create corporate goodwill and fulfill corporate social responsibility goals. There is the added benefit of reduced environmental impact - over the past 5 years, Dispensary of Hope has provided more than 2 million thirty-day scripts - medication that would have otherwise been destroyed.
Cardinal Health 3PL can help you in assessing alternatives to product destruction.
Learn more about Dispensary of Hope.
Note: A member of the Cardinal Health management team is currently serving on the Board of Directors of Dispensary of Hope.
To learn more about how we can support your unique product packaging needs, please contact your Client Relations Manager.