As the number of coronavirus cases increases, the drug industry in Taiwan expresses their concerns over the possible shortage of active substances for generic drugs.  Chinese imports currently account for 30% of the active substances for generic drugs.  The drug industry in Taiwan may feel the impact of the manufacture standstill in China as soon as in March.

According to Peter Wu, the President of TWi Biotechnology, he was so far not aware of any drug shortage reports in Taiwan.  However, the suspension of manufacture in China due to the outbreak of the disease will certainly have an impact on the drug production in Taiwan, especially for drugs depending on imported APIs from China.  He predicts the effect may emerge as soon as in March.

Chen Wei-Jen, the Honorary President of the TPMA, expressed that drug companies usually keep a 6-month stock; therefore, the short term effect on drug supply will not be significant.  However, if the situation in China continues, drug manufacturers will have to find other supply sources.  This may also affect drug prices.

Su Mei-Hui, the Secretary General of the TPMA, expressed that China and India are two major suppliers of active drug substances.  India depends on China to supply starting chemical materials.  It shows how dependent the global drug supply chain is on China.  In situations of a global outbreak, the drug shortage will be devastating.  The TFDA should have a contingency plan in place.

So far, there have been no reports of drug shortage in hospitals; but, clinics are most likely to experience the effect head-on due to a lower stock level.

The TFDA has advised drug companies to report drug shortage cases.  Upon receiving the report, the TFDA will import the needed drugs through special projects or commission the production.  The TFDA will also provide regulatory assistance if drug companies want to source APIs from countries other than China.

【2020-02-18 / United Evening News】