Drug Shortages

The current oncology drug shortages facing the nation are threatening patient health, well-being, and outcomes and undermining the completion of certain clinical trials to test new therapies, treatments, and protocols.  ONS stands ready to work with Congress, the FDA and other stakeholders to ensure people with cancer have access to the timely, comprehensive, quality care they need and deserve.

HHS issues an interim final rule preventing prescription drug shortages. FDA will receive reports from manufacturers on certain critical drugs. Report the rule here.

US Senate Finance Committee holds hearing on the national drug shortage. Formal and written testimony was presented by oncologists, pharmacists, and economists. ONS also submitted coalition testimony on the importance of the issue.

President Obama signed an Executive Order on October 31, 2011, on FDA oversight and prevention of prescription medications supplies.
FDA Report | White House Fact Sheet | Executive Order

Watch the webcast of the FDA drug shortage workshop, which took place on Monday, September 26:
Part One | Part Two | Part Three

ONS testifies at the FDA on September 26, 2011, regarding the national drug shortage. Read the testimony about how drug shortages are effecting oncology patients.

Learn how FDA helps reduce the impact of drug shortages for patients and our nation’s health care system in this 30-minute webinar. An FDA expert will discuss the extent of the current drug shortage and the importance of communication among FDA, drug manufacturers, health professionals, and the public in helping to reduce the shortages’ impact on public health.

To find out the FDA’s most frequently asked and answered questions by the Center for Drugs and Evaluation and Research (CDER) Drug Shortage Program, click here.