GPhA joins in US drug shortages challenge, urging 'unprecedented multi-stakeholder collaboration'

With shortages of prescription drugs continuing in the USA, the country’s Generic Pharmaceutical Association (GPhA) reaffirmed its dedication to working with all stakeholders to minimize current shortages of medically necessary drugs and mitigate factors that could contribute to future shortages.

In his first public policy presentation as president and chief executive of the GPhA, Ralph Neas told a Food and Drug Administration drug shortages workshop that the generic pharmaceutical industry is resolute in its commitment to ensuring that lifesaving generic medications are available for all patients who rely on them.

Figures from the US FDA showed that 178 drugs were in short supply in 2010 versus 61 in 2005 (The Pharma Letter May 4) and the agency more recently stated that there were now 246 drugs in short supply.