HURRICANE VICTIMS GET HELP FROM PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY

As it did after last December's tsunami in Asia, the U.S. pharmaceutical industry has announced it will donate millions of dollars in drugs and cash to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

U.S. drug companies so far have contributed nearly $25 million in drugs, medical supplies and cash to assist in the relief efforts along the Gulf Coast, PhRMA said recently. In addition, many PhRMA member companies have pledged matching contributions by employees, which will be sent to charities supporting relief efforts, PhRMA said.

"America's pharmaceutical research companies will continue to provide drugs and money to help struggling, homeless people in the Gulf Coast as they did in the wake of the Asian tsunami," said Billy Tauzin, president and CEO of PhRMA. Less than a month after the Dec. 26, 2004 tsunami, PhRMA member companies had contributed more than $61 million to aid victims.

To view a summary of PhRMA member company contributions to the hurricane relief effort, go to http://www.phrma.org (http://www.phrma.org).