Spanberger, Smith, Kaine, Cotton Lead Bipartisan, Bicameral Effort to Address Drug Shortages

According to the FDA, More Than 275 Drugs Are Currently in Shortage

The “End Drug Shortages Act” is Supported by Inova Health System, UVA Health, & VCU Health System

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07) and Adrian Smith (R-NE-03) introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation alongside U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Tom Cotton (R-AR) to help reduce the prevalence and severity of prescription drug shortages.

Drug shortages can adversely affect clinical care and patient outcomes. In the most severe cases, drug shortages can lead to delayed care, inferior treatment, and medication errors. As of September 2024, there were more than 275 active drug shortages listed on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s drug shortage list.

The bipartisan, bicameral End Drug Shortages Act would improve communication between patients, healthcare professionals, the FDA, and drug manufacturers to identify when demand for a drug surges to prevent a potential shortage. The legislation would also help minimize the impact of shortages when they do occur.

“When Americans are consistently unable to fill a prescription at their local pharmacy or when hospitals are rationing lifesaving medications, it’s clear that there is a breakdown along our pharmaceutical supply chain. By requiring drug manufacturers to notify FDA when demand for a drug is surging, pharmacies and health systems can more quickly prepare for a potential shortage,” said Spanberger. “Improved communication between patients, healthcare professionals, and drug manufacturers can shore up our supply chains and help prevent Americans from going without their medications. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan legislation alongside my friend and fellow Virginian, Senator Kaine, as well as Representative Smith and Senator Cotton — because Congress must do more to make sure Virginians and Americans across our country can access the medications on which they rely.”

“Timely information sharing is critical to addressing our drug shortage crisis and empowering providers to connect patients with the treatments they need, thereby improving health outcomes,” said Smith. “This bill would enhance access to critical medicines Americans depend on by streamlining communication among providers and the FDA when supply chain needs are anticipated. I thank my Senate colleagues, Sens. Cotton and Kaine, and Rep. Spanberger for working with me to introduce this legislation.”

“Drug shortages can have tragic consequences for patients and force providers to ration life-saving medications,” said Kaine. “We must do more to ensure that Americans have access to the treatment they need. That’s why I’m introducing this bipartisan legislation to help prevent and limit the impacts of these dangerous shortages.”

“Shortages in the medical supply chain are a matter of life and death. Our bill will enhance communication processes, support hospitals, and strengthen health systems to ensure that Americans have access to the medicines that they need,” said Cotton.  

Specifically, the End Drug Shortages Act would:

• Improve communication between drug manufacturers, the FDA, and pharmacies that support hospitals and health systems to ensure more accurate and timely information regarding the supply of prescription drugs by:

• Requiring drug manufacturers to notify the FDA when there is a surge in demand of a drug that is likely to lead to a disruption in the supply of the drug,

• Establishing a definition of the term “surge,”

• Ensuring that the FDA considers information reported by patients, healthcare professionals, and manufacturers when designating a drug shortage.

• Instruct the FDA to finalize October 2021 guidance for hospital and health system pharmacies and ensure that such guidance is consistent with the most current research and best clinical practices.

The legislation is supported by Inova Health System, UVA Health, VCU Health System, the American Hospital Association, American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Angels for Change, the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding, Children’s Hospital Association, Kaiser Permanente, and Vizient.

“As COVID-19 raised previously unimaginable challenges for the nation’s healthcare system, pharmaceutical supply chain issues continue to be among the most pernicious. Drug shortages have impacted every area of our health system, from obstetrics and pediatrics to oncology services. Establishing a more effective early warning system for drug shortages will ensure health systems across Virginia and the nation can better prepare and mitigate their impact,” said J. Stephen Jones, MD, FACS, President and CEO, Inova Health System. “We are grateful that Senator Kaine and Representative Spanberger stepped up to address this challenge after hearing from Inova team members about the impact of drug shortages on our patients and community. We especially appreciate them for seeking our input in crafting this meaningful legislation.”

“UVA Health appreciates Sen. Kaine and Rep. Spanberger’s leadership in sponsoring legislation to address drug shortages, as we manage an average of 300 drug shortages per day across our health system,” said Wendy Horton, PharmD, MBA, Chief Executive Officer, UVA Health University Medical Center. “Addressing drug shortages is critical to providing the best care and treatments for our patients, as many drugs in short supply are the first-line treatment for cancers, infections or managing chronic illnesses.”

“VCU Health thanks Sen. Kaine and Rep. Spanberger for sponsoring the End Drug Shortages Act,” said Matthew Jenkins, PharmD, Chief Pharmacy Officer, VCU Health. “Drug shortages continue to critically impact health systems nationally in their ability to continue to provide high quality care and this legislation is a step in the right direction in maintaining medication access for our patients.”

“Angels for Change applauds Senator Kaine, Senator Cotton, Representative Spanberger, and Representative Smith for their bipartisan leadership in taking on the drug shortage crisis and advancing this vital work. We are proud to support the End Drug Shortages Act, which will implement critical transparency measures and flexibility for compounding pharmacies to help fill the gaps in times of shortage. Nearly 50% of all shortages in 2023 came from an increase in demand, so it is vital that we have the tools to give patients access to lifesaving medications during shortages, whether they are caused by decreases in manufacturing supply or surges in demand,” said Laura Bray, Founder and Chief Change Maker, Angels for Change.

“ASHP strongly supports the End Drug Shortages Act.  By expanding criteria for reporting drug shortages, and reporting interruptions and discontinuances, this legislation can help ensure Americans have continuous access to essential medicines,” said Tom Kraus, Vice President, American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Government Relations.

“By improving communication between drug manufacturers, the FDA, and healthcare providers, the End Drug Shortages Act will significantly mitigate the frequency and impact of drug shortages, including those caused by a surge,” said Shoshana Krilow, Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Government Relations, Vizient. “We deeply appreciate the leadership of Sens. Tim Kaine and Tom Cotton and Reps. Abigail Spanberger and Adrian Smith for their decisive action in addressing drug shortages through the bipartisan End Drug Shortages Act.”

Click here for the bill text.

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