P00-14 FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Print Media: 301-827-6242 June 28, 2000 Consumer Inquiries:888-INFO-FDA
An international team successfully collaborated to combat international trafficking of dangerous herbals and illegal bulk drugs. The team of 15 scientists from the Food and Drug Administration and five foreign countries will receive Vice President Gore's prestigious Hammer Award for their efforts in this world-wide initiative. Members of the honored partnership come from FDA's Central regional office; FDA's Forensic Chemistry Center; the United Kingdom's Medicine Control Agency; Germany's Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices, and the Institute for Public Health Service of the State of North Rhine/Westfalia; Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration, Canada's Health Protection Branch; and the Netherland's National Institute of Public Health. The award will be presented by Morley Winograd from the Vice President’s office at a ceremony in Washington D.C. on June 29, 2000.
The scientists are recognized for their outstanding collaboration in developing technical data on the quality of active pharmaceutical ingredients and on toxic substances in herbal products in worldwide trade, and for sharing associated analytical and forensic methodology and intelligence. Their efforts have enabled the involved governments to identify harmful herbal products and unapproved and counterfeit bulk ingredients for the manufacture of medicines.
By collaborating and sharing resources, technology, and information, the group has eliminated costly duplicative efforts involving worldwide sample collections, development of methodologies, and intelligence gathering to prevent the manufacture and sale of unsafe drugs and herbal products. Thanks to the team, patients in all countries are better protected against health fraud and hazardous medications.
The Hammer Award is presented by the Vice President's National Partnership for Reinventing Government to federal employees and their partners who have contributed to making the government work better for less. In addition to a $6.00 hammer, the award includes a ribbon and the Vice President's note of appreciation, all set in an aluminum frame.
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