Citing a growing body of information that opening the US borders to foreign drugs is risky and unsafe, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) has launched the first-ever online research clearinghouse so patients and consumers can learn first hand the opinions of experts on the dangers associated with importing medicines.

"This site (www.buysafedrugs.info) will help people understand the wide scope and depth of information that demonstrates importing prescription drugs outside of the FDA delivery system puts patients at risk. It also points patients to safe, legal alternatives to importation if they need help with their prescription drugs," said Billy Tauzin, president and CEO of PhRMA.

The Web site also details safe, legal alternatives to importation, pointing visitors to various federal and state assistance programs and the pharmaceutical industry's recently formed Partnership for Prescription Assistance (www.pparx.org or 1-888-4PPA-NOW), which matches those in need to programs that provide medicines for free or at reduced costs.

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) represents the country's leading pharmaceutical research and biotechnology companies.