House Hearing Addresses Drug Shortages and Manufacturing Challenges in the U.S.

At a House Ways and Means Committee hearing, the issue of chronic drug shortages in the U.S., exacerbated by questionable generic drug manufacturing and low prices, was examined. Committee Chair Jason Smith highlighted poor manufacturing quality as a primary and preventable cause of these shortages. Experts, including Stephen Schleicher from Tennessee Oncology, discussed the impact on patient care, particularly for cancer treatments. Proposed solutions included transparent drug production, incentives for stockpiling drugs, and boosting Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) manufacturing within the U.S. to reduce dependence on imports. The hearing also explored policies to encourage domestic production and improve the quality and resilience of the generic drug supply amidst discussions on government intervention to maintain competitive markets without creating adverse incentives.

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[Source: Endpoints, February 6th, 2024]