HDA gives 2025 Distribution Management Award to Cencora, Dispensary of Hope and Viatris

TAMPA, Fla. — The Healthcare Distribution Alliance (HDA) today recognized Cencora, Dispensary of Hope and Viatris with the 2025 Distribution Management Award (DMA) for developing and implementing a first-of-its-kind manufacturer channel inventory donation model. The award was presented during HDA’s 2025 Distribution Management Conference and Expo in Tampa, Florida.

Each year, the DMA recognizes HDA member companies’ efforts to enhance the efficiency, effectiveness and safety of the healthcare supply chain through innovative and successful trading partner initiatives. Winning companies are selected by the distributor and manufacturer member executives of the HDA Industry Relations Council.

Born out of a pilot program, the companies’ “Manufacturer Channel Inventory Donation Model” identifies and sources short-dated medicines from within a manufacturer's channel inventories and designates them for donation to Dispensary of Hope rather than being destroyed. Dispensary of Hope, which provides pharmacies and safety-net clinics with reliable access to vital medications, saw an opportunity to partner with Cencora and Viatris to help manufacturers and distributors reduce waste and better serve patients with limited access to prescription drugs. Pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors have short-dated medication in their possession, which they must store, ship or destroy.

More than 300 products across six drug classes were donated during the pilot, with four distribution centers ultimately participating in the project. Previously, no process allowed a manufacturer to donate a product housed at a distributor’s warehouse for use at a qualified pharmacy. Thousands of patients can benefit from this program, which leverages the commercial expertise of distributors and manufacturers for underserved patients.

“This collaboration is a true example of how supply chain partners can come together on solutions that truly improve the lives of patients,” said Perry Fri, Chief Industry Relations Officer and President, HDA Research Foundation. “On behalf of HDA, it is my privilege to award this year’s DMA to Cencora, Dispensary of Hope and Viatris for their remarkable commitment to enhancing safe and effective healthcare distribution for all.”

Dispensary of Hope plans to incorporate additional manufacturers and increase the number of eligible products included in this enhanced donation model. The organization estimates the donation model has the potential to give more than 25 percent of the packages returned for destruction to patients.