November 15, 2010

Richard H. Roberts, M.D., Ph.D.
URL Pharma
1100 Orthodox Street
Philadelphia, PA 19124

Dear Mr. Roberts,

I am writing to you to discuss Colcrys, URL Pharma’s FDA-approved colchicine product.

As you know, the FDA recently took action to remove unapproved versions of oral colchicine from the American marketplace.  60 Plus applauds this important action taken by the FDA to protect patients from exposure to potentially dangerous unapproved colchicine products and will continue to encourage the agency to enhance its management of the Unapproved Drugs Initiative, which calls for the removal of unapproved drugs from the market.

We believe that when approved versions of a drug are available, patients should not be put at potential risk by being exposed to untested versions of a similar drug. As a senior’s organization, drug safety is extremely important to us and we are dedicated to ensuring that pharmacy shelves in the United States are as safe as possible.

We also know that pricing matters, and that we have to make sure that patients can afford the drugs they need.

URL Pharma’s “Colcrys Patient Assistance Program” helps ensure that low-income patients are able to obtain the medicine they need. We thank you for offering this option to patients.

It has, however, come to our attention that some patients have expressed concern that this program may become unavailable now that FDA has temporarily removed Colcrys’ competitors from the market. Though I have seen no evidence suggesting that this is the case, I believe it to be a logical and reasonable concern on the part of patients.

Do you have plans to continue offering the Colcrys Patient Assistance Program moving forward?

Judging by your company’s track record and your personal reputation, I am confident that URL Pharma will continue making Colcrys available to patients in need of financial assistance. Nevertheless, your assurance of this intention would certainly help put the minds of concerned patients at ease.

Sincerely,

James L.  Martin, Chairman
60 Plus Association