President Biden is addressing widespread drug shortages by unveiling a plan to boost domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing, leveraging the Defense Production Act to increase essential medicine production in the U.S. The move comes as the number of drug shortages reaches a decade-high, with U.S. manufacturers heavily relying on overseas suppliers. Biden’s plan includes empowering the Health and Human Services Department to invest in non-pandemic-related medical products, such as insulin, morphine, vaccines, and ventilators. The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response will oversee the effort, with a $35 million investment in key starting materials for sterile injectable drugs. While experts view the announcement positively, they emphasize the need for comprehensive actions to address the fragile drug supply chain. Additional funding and congressional support are seen as essential for achieving long-term resilience in pharmaceutical supply chains. The plan aligns with a common goal from both Biden’s and Trump’s health policy agendas to reduce dependence on foreign sources for essential medicines. The Department of Defense will also release a report aimed at reducing reliance on “high-risk” foreign suppliers.
November 27, 2023