Since the widespread disruptions to Chinese factory activities in February caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, concerns of drug shortages have been rising among the medical community as China is one of the world’s largest supplier of pharmaceutical ingredients. The situation has escalated towards the end of February as the COVID-19 outbreak spreads to Europe, followed by North America and the rest of the world. Since then, the global pharmaceutical supply chain has come under tremendous pressure and nearing depletion.

According to the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration’s (TFDA) information platform, the number of drugs flagged as in short supply have shot up to more than one hundred between March 12 and 30, with 19 drug shortage alerts being filed on March 27 alone. That compares to the monthly average of one to two drugs prior to the outbreak. The severity of supply chain disruption is unprecedented and is occurring worldwide and not limited to China, according to Chang Lien-cheng, who heads the Division of Medicinal Products at TFDA.

Currently, the TFDA’s information platform show that a vaccine for streptococcus pneumoniae is among those reported as being in shortage. The vaccine is not expected to become available for patients willing to pay out of pocket until May. In addition, a wide variety of drugs, including pain and epilepsy drugs, diuretics, as well as drugs for treating high blood pressure, thyroid conditions and cardiotonic drugs have gone into shortage, showing an unprecedently diverse list of drugs in shortage.

Division Chief Chang said that in response to disruptions to the global drug supply chain, the TFDA and community pharmacies and pharmacists’ associations have joined hands in speeding up confirmation of drug shortage reports as well as quickening the approval process for the importation and manufacturing of drugs that cannot be easily substituted with similar drugs. Manufacturers who have no option but to switch ingredient suppliers may apply for assistance on seeking expedited approvals, which can be completed in one month to help ease shortages.

Division Chief Chang also urged manufacturers to precisely report the amount of drugs in shortage and the list of hospitals in need of the drugs to ensure that their applications are processed smoothly.

[2020-03-31 / Apple Daily]