Summit VetPharm has Identified Two Instances of Diverted Vectra 3D™
February 01, 2008
Contact: Jewelle Yamada – (212) 207-0574
This week, Summit VetPharm has identified two instances where its veterinary exclusive Vectra 3D™ product has been found on the websites of internet pharmacies, which is in clear violation of the Company’s anti-diversion policy.
“I am very disappointed that individuals have willfully violated our 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.”
Summit VetPharm swiftly implemented corrective action against the first instance of attempted product diversion which occurred in Arizona. In the case of the second occurrence, we have determined the source to be originating in California and Summit VetPharm is aggressively investigating this situation so that it can be rectified as quickly as possible. Utilizing the proprietary Summit VetPharm Bloodhound™ track and trace technology, we have been able to pinpoint where the violations have occurred.
“Veterinarians are highly concerned by product diversion of flea and tick as well as other animal health products. Fellow practitioners have expressed their concerns to me and we will fully enforce our anti-diversion policy. 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,” stated Dr. Albert Ahn, DVM.
“Through our Bloodhound Technology and our legally-binding anti-diversion agreement, which must be signed by the practice owner prior to a purchase of Vectra 3D, we can keep companion animal health exactly where it belongs — in the hands of professionals. The terms 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 both the identified veterinary diverter as well as any potential reseller of the product. Veterinarian response to the Summit VetPharm anti-diversion policy and the proprietary Bloodhound technology has been overwhelmingly positive,” 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, a division of Henry Schein Inc, Midwest Veterinary Supply, Inc., Merritt Veterinary Supplies, Inc., Associated Medical, Great Western, Northeast Veterinary Supply Company, Victor Medical Company 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
