Upsher-Smith's McBride wins lifetime achievement award

PHOENIX — The Healthcare Distribution Alliance (HDA) this week presented its annual Distribution Industry Awards for Notable Achievements in Healthcare (DIANA) to pharmaceutical manufacturers for supply chain innovation and collaboration.

Given at the HDA 2017 Business and Leadership Conference in Phoenix, the DIANA awards honor HDA member manufacturers that develop innovative new products and promotions for the health care distribution industry. Winners also are recognized for building exceptional trading partner relationships with HDA distribution members, advancing trade relations and establishing business practices that benefit the health care supply chain.

HDA president and CEO John Gray opens the 2017 Business and Leadership Conference in Phoenix.

As part of the DIANA awards, two companies are named HDA Manufacturer Partners of the Year. This year’s winners are Lilly USA LLC (sales to health care distributors of more than $500 million) and Zydus Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. (sales to health care distributors of less than $500 million).

Manufacturer Partners of the Year are honored for their active participation in HDA. Winners have at least five consecutive years of membership, regularly participate in HDA conferences and serve on committees, and support the organization through further event attendance and sponsorships.

“The 2017 DIANA winners set the standard for excellence through their hard work, creativity and collaborative spirit,” stated HDA president and chief executive officer John Gray. “Their dedication to advancing the pharmaceutical supply chain, and the patients it serves, helps fuel this industry and our organization. All of us at HDA congratulate them on their achievements.”

Other 2017 DIANA award winners included the following:

Best New Product Introduction or Promotion

Biotechnology: Bristol-Myers Squibb U.S. Medicines Group for Orencia ClickJect

Branded Drugs: Allergan for Vraylar

Generic Drugs: Alvogen for launch of oseltamivir (generic Tamiflu)

OTC and Home Health Care: Reckitt Benckiser for Mucinex Clear & Cool

Rx Support Systems, Supplies & Services: Broadway Industries for Re-Use-A-Bag Reusable Plastic T-Sack

Best Overall Manufacturer Awards

Branded Drug Manufacturer (sales to health care distributors of less than $300 million): LEO Pharma

Branded Drug Manufacturer (sales to health care distributors of more than $300 million): Allergan

Generic Drug Manufacturer (sales to health care distributors of less than $100 million): Alvogen

Generic Drug Manufacturer (sales to health care distributors of more than $100 million): Amneal Pharmaceuticals

Consumer Product Manufacturer: Reckitt Benckiser

Upsher-Smith’s Michael McBride receives the 2017 Nexus Award.

Also at the Business and Leadership Conference, the HDA Research Foundation, Genentech Inc. and Mylan Inc. presented the 2017 Nexus Award for Lifetime Achievement to Michael McBride, vice president of partner relations at Upsher-Smith Laboratories.

The pharmaceutical distribution industry’s highest individual award, the Nexus Award recognizes exceptional character, professional accomplishments and leadership in the HDA, industry and community.

“For more than 60 years, the Nexus has recognized extraordinary supply chain leaders,” commented Gray, who’s also president of the HDA Research Foundation. “HDA and the HDA Research Foundation are pleased to continue the proud legacy of the Nexus Award by recognizing Mike McBride, a consummate team player and champion for trade relations, with the distribution industry’s highest honor.”

In his current role, McBride leads Upsher-Smith’s efforts to establish and grow relationships with chain, wholesale and other partners to support its new product development and business objectives.

“For almost 30 years, Mike’s leadership — driven by his ability to connect with colleagues and collaborators, and tireless dedication to advancing industry excellence — has not only benefited Upsher-Smith, but the entire supply chain,” stated Rusty Field, president of Upsher-Smith. “All of us at Upsher-Smith are lucky to work with Mike every day and thrilled that HDA has recognized his unique vision and talents by presenting him with the 2017 Nexus Award.”

Americares’ Jed Selkowitz (c.) presents Power of Partnership Awards to Lisa Walker of Endo Pharmaceuticals (l.) and Sandra Bayer of Par Pharmaceutical (r.).

HDA also teamed up with Americares to present the global health relief organization’s annual Power of Partnership Award to Endo Pharmaceuticals and Par Pharmaceutical.

As the branded and generic drug divisions of Endo International plc, the two companies are longtime supporters, providing pharmaceutical products for Americares’ emergency response work and ongoing health programs.

“Endo is committed to delivering quality medicines to patients in need, and we are proud to support the important work of Americares,” commented Paul Campanelli, president and CEO of Endo. “We are honored to receive this recognition from Americares and HDA as we share the goal of expanding access to care.”

The Power of Partnership Award recognizes medical manufacturing and distribution organizations that have shown exceptional dedication to expanding access to health care for disadvantaged populations.

“Time and again, HDA members have answered the call to respond to those affected by disasters and other emergencies. This spirit of generosity is at the heart of every Power of Partnership honoree,” according to Gray. “We are proud to partner once again with Americares to honor the dedication to care that Endo has shown for many years.”