Chinese Premier raises concerns over leukemia medicine shortage

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has stepped in to encourage more domestic production of leukemia medication mercaptopurine, after an acute shortage has left many in China scouring social media and traveling abroad in search of supplies.

Mercaptopurine tablets are a potent therapy used for certain types of acute leukemia in combination with other drugs.

On the State Council website, Premier Li stated: "It is another heavy blow to the families suffering from leukemia. Related departments should take measures to increase the drug supply.”