Supreme Court orders Big Pharma to pay damages for prescription drug disposal in Alameda County

The Supreme Court has ordered Big Pharma, which refers to the pharmaceutical industry, to pay for damages it incurred in disposing prescription drugs in Alameda County, California. The top court rejected the pharmaceutical industry's challenge to the County which calls for drug makers to shoulder the cost in throwing away consumers' unused medicines.

PROPER DRUG PROPOSAL

According to a report, Alameda County's proposed law that obliges Big Pharma to pay for the collection and disposal of unused drugs, was approved by the Supreme Court. The law aims to keep drugs out of waterways and the hands of possible drug abusers. Flushing away drugs or throwing them in garbages are also said to contaminate the environment.

The plaintiffs were identified as the Biotechnology Industry Organization, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, and the Generic Pharmaceutical Association who say that the law violates the Constitution's Interstate Commerce Clause which allowed the free flow of goods.

Meanwhile, the pharmaceutical industry estimates their payment to amount to $1.2 million a year in the said county. The County however pegged it to be only $330,000 annually. Art Shartsis, the county's defendant said that this is nothing because it will just cost a penny for every $10 sale the industry sells in the county.

BIG PHARMA'S COMMITMENT

The pharmaceutical groups issued a statement on Tuesday that they will continue to inform residents on proper drug use, safekeeping and disposal. A report says they have alreay submitted two plans on how to go about the collection and disposal of drugs which are now being reviewed by the Department of Environmental Health who is in charge of the program. The program will run for three years wherein there will be approximately 110 collection sites near pharmacies, hospitals and police stations.

A report says the law is considered to be the first of its kind in the US. County officials foresee this law to be replicated in other counties such as San Francisco, San Mateo, King and Santa Clara in the state of Washington.

The Supreme Court has approved the law that makes Big Pharmas pay for drug prescription disposal without any comments or further review.