The Massachusetts drug manufacturer at the center of a meningitis outbreak that has killed at least four people and spread to five states has brought in PR support as it suspends operations.
The New England Compounding Center, based in Framingham, Mass., is working with Boston firm O’Neill and Associates to tackle to the crisis.
The Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control held a joint press conference Oct. 4, noting the outbreak has been traced to a steroid drug made by NECC infected with fungus and traced to patients who received injections for back pain in Tennessee, North Carolina, Florida, Virginia and Maryland.
NECC said Oct. 4 that it is working closely with state and federal authorities and has initiated a series of recalls and suspended operations.
The FDA is urging medical professionals not to use any NECC products, although the company says there is no indication of any issues with other drugs.
“We have voluntarily suspended operations while we assist authorities in this investigation,” NECC said in a statement via the PR firm. “The fatalities and illnesses confirmed today by the CDC and FDA are tragic. The thoughts and prayers of everyone employed by NECC are with those who have been affected.”
O'Neill and Associates is led by Tom O'Neill, a former state legislator and lieutenant governor who is the oldest son of the late U.S. Speaker Tip O’Neill.