In response to the COVID-19 crisis in the United States, Nashville-headquartered Cumberland Pharmaceuticals announced a national initiative, launched March 23, to support treatment of patients with hospital-acquired (HAP) and ventilator-associated (VAP) pneumonia associated with the outbreak of the novel coronavirus.

Pneumonia caused by secondary bacterial infections - such as a Gram-positive bacterial infection - is common among patients with viral respiratory infections. Cumberland's initiative includes the availability of special financial arrangements for hospitals and clinics to help ensure supply during this unprecedented healthcare crisis. In addition, Cumberland is sponsoring a national program with infectious disease experts to provide information on the management of complicated respiratory infections resulting from the novel coronavirus.

Cumberland manufactures the potent antibiotic VIBATIV^® (telavancin) injection, designed to treat serious infections due to Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and other Gram-positive bacteria, including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA).

"We have been closely monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation and its impact on our country, including our economy, financial markets and healthcare system," said A.J. Kazimi, chief executive officer of Cumberland Pharmaceuticals. "Based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), we are taking appropriate action to secure our supply chain, support hospitals and clinics, and assure the supply of our medications."

Cumberland reports having a stable and sufficient supply of VIBATIV to support not only the current demand, but also the potential increased demand due to shortages of other antibiotics, such as vancomycin and daptomycin.

For information on direct ordering and the special financial arrangements being set, contact Jim Herman at jherman@cumberlandpharma.com. For information on the national infectious disease program, contact Claire Wyant at cwyant@cumberlandpharma.com.