Compounding industry opposes new laws

(AP) The top lobbyist for compounding pharmacies is preparing to tell members of Congress that more federal oversight is not needed for his industry, in the wake of a deadly meningitis outbreak tied to contaminated medications.

Testimony released ahead of a Senate hearing on the outbreak shows that the head of the International Academy of Compounding Pharmacies will tell lawmakers that current regulations are adequate to police specialty pharmacies.

More than 460 people have been sickened by contaminated steroid shots distributed by New England Compounding Center, and more than 32 deaths have been reported.

The Senate panel is meeting one day after a similar hearing in the House to consider new restrictions on compounding pharmacies, which currently operate in a legal gray area between state and federal regulation.