February 8, 2008 [Contact: Dr. Albert H. Ahn – (201) 242-8409]
(article from Summit VetPharm press releases)
This week, Summit VetPharm identified the first instance of a veterinarian who was diverting its veterinary exclusive Vectra 3D™ flea and tick product. This situation, where product was found available for sale on a popular website targeting pet owners, is a clear violation of the Company’s anti-diversion policy.
Summit VetPharm, after confirming the identity of the California veterinarian, swiftly implemented corrective action against this individual. By utilizing the proprietary Summit VetPharm Bloodhound™ track and trace technology, the company was able to immediately pinpoint where the violation had occurred. Within six hours of legal notification to the veterinarian, the diverted product was no longer available for sale.
“I am delighted that our Bloodhound track and trace technology provided us with rapid identification which allowed us to pursue immediate action against this individual who appears to have willfully violated our signed anti-diversion contract and placed our product outside the veterinary channel for sale,” stated Julia Stephanus, president and CEO of Summit VetPharm. Vectra 3D and all Summit VetPharm products are exclusively dispensed by licensed veterinarians. We will not tolerate product diversion because it undermines the relationship between veterinarians and pet owners and raises questions about product integrity.”
“Veterinary response across the country has been unanimously positive about Summit VetPharm’s commitment to the profession,” stated Dr. Albert Ahn, Senior Director of Veterinary Services. “Over the years, veterinarians have expressed their concerns to me that companies were unwilling or unable to stop unauthorized product diversion. The veterinarians I have spoken with are genuinely impressed with the commitment that Summit VetPharm has made. One of the core principles upon which our company was founded was the commitment to ensure that our products are developed and made available exclusively through licensed veterinarians. By securing our supply chain, we are able to protect the veterinary professional, maintain authenticity of our products, and enhance the role of veterinarians in the lives of the animals they treat,” continued Dr. Ahn.
“We will remain vigilant for future instances of product diversion. Our goal is to keep companion animal health exactly where it belongs — in the hands of professionals. The terms of our Anti-Diversion Agreement strictly prohibit the sale of Vectra 3D outside of the veterinary-client-patient relationship. This agreement explicitly states that sales outside of this relationship will result in legal action against the identified veterinary diverter and any third parties involved in that diversion,” continued Julia Stephanus.
Vectra 3D’s new triple-action topical ectoparasiticide formula is available to pet owners only through licensed veterinarians. Vectra 3D is available in four different sizes: for dogs and puppies over 7 weeks of age weighing 2.5 to 20 pounds; 21 to 55 pounds; 56 to 95 pounds, and for dogs over 95 pounds. Vectra 3D is currently available to veterinarians from the following distributors: NLS Animal Health, Henry Schein Animal Health, Midwest Veterinary Supply, Inc., Merritt Veterinary Supplies, Inc., Associated Medical Supply, Great Western Animal Health Supply, Northeast Veterinary Supply Company (NEVSCO), Victor Medical Company, PCI Animal Health and Sanum Puerto Rico, Inc.
Summit VetPharm
Founded by veterinarians and experienced industry professionals, Summit VetPharm is committed to protecting the health and welfare of both companion animals and companion animal veterinary practices. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Sumitomo Corporation and part of the Sumitomo Corporation group of companies, Summit VetPharm is backed by a longstanding reputation for values and ethics in business and is dedicated to raising the standards in animal health. Summit VetPharm is headquartered in Fort Lee, New Jersey, USA. For more information, visit Summit VetPharm at www.summitvetpharm.com