Pharmacist Group Wins Contract to Improve Safety of Intravenous, Liquid Medicines

The FDA awarded a three-year contract to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists to develop and implement standardized concentrations for intravenous and oral liquid medicines as part of the agency’s Safe Use Initiative.

The agreement begins in October when ASHP starts to collaborate with member experts and other stakeholders to develop nationally recognized, standard concentrations for adult-based IV continuous infusions and compounded liquid oral medications. The group will provide the FDA with regular progress updates leading up to its final standardized lists scheduled to be presented by March 30, 2016.

The three-year contract is valued at $590,190, FDA spokesman Tim Irvin said. There were no other groups considered. — Kellen Owings