DEA, Harvard Drug Group announce agreement to modify suspension

Today, the Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Attorney's Office, and Harvard Drug Group announced their agreement to immediately modify the suspension, upon certain conditions, of Harvard's registration to distribute schedule III through V controlled substances out of its Livonia Distribution Center, and a mutual commitment to commence discussions, towards resolution of the issues raised in the DEA's suspension order.  The suspension remains as to schedule II controlled substances.  Harvard has withdrawn its request for a Temporary Restraining Order and its Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief, while the parties engage in their discussions.

Harvard believes the best way to combat the industry problem of illegal diversion and abuse of controlled substances is through the cooperation of private industry and regulators.  By reason of this settlement, we are earnestly beginning the process of building a stronger partnership between Harvard and the DEA, which will result in more effectively eradicating abuse.

"I compliment the DEA," said Harvard Drug Group CEO Randolph Friedman.  "Protecting the public against pharmaceutical abuse is a difficult job requiring tenacity and determination by all involved, particularly the regulatory agency. We are all aware that criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their methods to illegally divert and abuse drugs.  At Harvard Drug, we are doing everything in our power to help stop them."

"As the CEO of Harvard Drug, a Company whose mission statement includes the words, 'we work honest' and which was selected as one of the 101 Best and Brightest Companies to work for in Metro Detroit, I confess that it was difficult to read the press coverage over the last few days.  I am pleased that the misinformation contained in that coverage can now be set aside and focus placed instead on where it belongs: a joint effort by a private business and its regulator to improve techniques and systems to better identify orders emanating from customers licensed by the DEA and State Boards, who are nevertheless engaged in or likely to engage in suspicious, potentially illegal activity."