Civica Rx, the nonprofit generic drug company, recently celebrated a key milestone in its mission to increase access to lifesaving medications — the inauguration of its brick-and-mortar headquarters in Lehi, Utah.
“Together we celebrate the reason why Civica Rx exists … and that is to do what is in the best interest of patients by stabilizing the supply of generic medications,” said Martin Van Trieste, Civica Rx CEO. “Drug shortages strain hospital staff, lead to delayed surgeries and sub-optimal treatments for patients, and can lead to unpredictable price increases that result in budgetary instability in hospitals.”
Civica Rx Grand Opening
- Martin Van Trieste, Civica Rx President and CEO.
Dan Liljenquist, Civica Rx Board Chair and Senior Vice President of Strategy at Intermountain Healthcare.
- Utah Gov. Gary Herbert.
- Rep. Ben McAdams, D-Utah, Marc Harrison,
President and CEO of Intermountain Healthcare, and Utah Gov. Gary Herbert.
Many generic drug manufacturers have little competition, which can lead to high prices and supply interruptions for hospital patients. According to an American Hospital Association survey, more than 90 percent of surveyed hospitals reported having to identify alternative therapies to mitigate the impact of drug price increases and shortages.
Civica Rx is trying to change that. It will soon manufacture some of the most essential generic medications to ensure hospital patients have access to drugs when they need them.
Civica Rx has buy-in from every health system in Utah and dozens more outside the state representing more than 800 hospitals in the U.S.
“Like most things in life, it takes many people working together to find a solution,” said Utah Gov. Gary Herbert at Thursday’s grand opening celebration.
The FDA-approved manufacturer will begin supplying 14 widely used generics — drugs that have seen price hikes or been on shortage lists — before the end of the year, according to Van Trieste.
Arnold Ventures began investing in Civica Rx in 2018 and is among three major philanthropies that currently serve as governing board members.
