Groups Voice Support for Drug Shortages Bill; FDA Reports on Root Causes

The AHA, American Society of Anesthesiologists, American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and Institute for Safe Medication Practices voiced strong support for the Mitigating Emergency Drug Shortages Act (S.2723), which includes provisions recommended by a recent drug shortages summit convened by the organizations. Introduced by Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Tina Smith, D-Minn., the legislation would require manufacturers to disclose the root causes and expected duration of shortages, and develop contingency plans to ensure an ongoing supply. It also would extend reporting requirements to include contract manufacturers and active pharmaceutical ingredients; develop recommendations to incentivize manufacturers to enter the market for drugs in shortage; and examine the national security risk of shortages.