The GPhA is a group that represents the interests of generic drug manufacturers in the US. To achieve this they pursue an active lobbying policy. The association is, however, not without controversy, as several former members of the GPhA, including Apotex, Hospira, Perrigo Laboratories and Teva left the group in June 2010 and formed the Generic Drug User Fee Coalition [1].

Israel-based generics giant Teva rejoined the association back in 2011, following a change in the group's governance structure to give larger firms more say in the association.

It seems now that Hospira and GPhA have also put past disagreements behind them. Dr Thomas Moore, President of Hospira US, said: ‘Hospira is pleased to announce our membership in the GPhA today.’ He added that ‘we commend the leadership shown by GPhA President Mr Ralph Neas and the excellent staff he has assembled. GPhA is a strong industry trade association that will continue to work tirelessly to bring the safest, high quality, lower-cost generic drugs to patients and families who need them, and Hospira looks forward to working with the association on the many pressing issues facing our industry.’

Mr Neas also gave a positive reaction with no mention of past differences. He said, ‘we are pleased to welcome Hospira to GPhA, and we look forward to their joining in the association’s mission to improve the lives of consumers by providing timely access to affordable pharmaceuticals.’ Mr Neas concluded by saying that ‘Hospira’s products, like those of all our members, have enabled millions of Americans to obtain affordable treatments for critical conditions. Their input and participation will be a valuable asset for GPhA as we move into this new and exciting time for our industry.’

Hospira’s Dr Moore will also sit on the board of directors of GPhA, along with Teva’s Senior Vice President of Government and Public Affairs, Ms Debra Barrett.

Reference

1.  GaBI Online - Generics and Biosimilars Initiative. Who are the GPhA and what do they do? [www.gabionline.net]. Mol, Belgium: Pro Pharma Communications International; [cited 2012 Mar 2]. Available from: www.gabionline.net/Generics/General/Who-are-the-GPhA-and-what-do-they-do