ONLINE PHARMACY INVESTIGATION

The Committee on Energy and Commerce has been investigating a number of issues pertaining to the sale of pharmaceutical products over the Internet.  Information regarding this investigation is provided on this page.

CORRESPONDENCE | STATEMENTS

CORRESPONDENCE

• November 26, 2001 -- to Health and Human Services Secretary Thompson regarding actions to prevent inappropriate sales of Cipro and other antibiotics over the Internet
• October 3, 2001 -- to U.S. Comptroller General Walker asking the GAO to review the regulations and inspection procedures for international mail and package delivery operations
• March 8, 2001 -- to Dr. Bernard Schwetz, Acting Principal Deputy Commissioner, Food and Drug Administration,  regarding the internet pharmacy investigation
• October 18, 2000 -- to FDA Commission Henney regarding reimportation of drugs
• October 11, 2000 -- Floor Statement on H.R. 4461, Agriculture Appropriations for FY 2001 Conference Report
• October 11, 2000 -- Extension of Remarks, Agriculture Appropriations for FY 2001 Conference Report
• September 29, 2000 -- to FDA Commissioner Henney regarding importation of pharmaceuticals from Mexico
• July 24, 2000 -- to Mr. Alan Holmer, President, PhRMA, regarding drug imports and selling drugs on-line
• July 14, 2000 -- to Commissioner Henney, Food and Drug Administration, regarding importing prescription drugs safely
  July 25, 2000 FDA response (in pdf format)
• March 27, 2000 -- to Commissioner Henney, Food and Drug Administration, regarding pharmaceuticals purchased over the Internet
• March 14, 2000 -- to Commissioner Henney, Food and Drug Administration, regarding pharmaceuticals purchased over the Internet
• February 28, 2000 -- to Commissioner Kelly, U.S. Customs Service, regarding pharmaceuticals purchased over the Internet
• February 11, 2000 -- to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Henney regarding FDA's FY 2001 budget request for online pharmacies oversight
• February 2, 2000 -- to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairman Pitofsky requesting an investigation to determine whether certain medical web sites are violating the "unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce" section of the FTC Act
• July 1, 1999 -- to Mr. Carmen Catizone, Executive Director, National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, regarding its Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) program
• June 29, 1999 -- to Chairman Robert Pitofsky, Federal Trade Commission, regarding investigation pertaining to the sale and distribution of pharmaceutical products over the Internet
• June 14, 1999 -- to Chairman Robert Pitofsky, Federal Trade Commission, regarding Commerce Committee's investigation of issues pertaining to the sale of pharmaceutical products over the Internet
• June 14, 1999 -- to Attorney General Janet Reno, Department of Justice, regarding Commerce Committee's investigation of issues pertaining to the sale of pharmaceutical products over the Internet
• March 25, 1999 -- to Commissioner Jane E. Henney, Food and Drug Administration, regarding pharmaceuticals sold over the Internet
• March 2, 1999 -- to Comptroller General David Walker regarding pharmaceuticals sold over the Internet

STATEMENTS

• June 7, 2001 -- Hearing, "Continuing Concerns Over Imported Pharmaceuticals"
• July 11, 2000 -- Extension of Remarks of the Honorable John D. Dingell regarding Importing Drugs Safely