Of the 168 products on the FDA drug shortage list as of 7 October 2011, the majority (139 out of 168 or 83%) were sterile injectables and 83% were generics, see Figure 1. Brand-name drugs accounted for only 11% of the shortages and 4% were branded generics.

Figure 1: Proportion of drugs by type contributing to drug shortages

Source: IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics [1]

Five therapy areas accounted for 63% of the drugs on the shortages list, see Figure 2. Cancer drugs were the therapy area most affected by the shortages, with 28 of the 168 shortages affecting cancer drugs (16%). Anti-infectives was the second largest group with 15% of shortages being anti-infectives. These were followed by cardiovascular drugs (12%), central nervous system (11%), pain medications, and vitamins and minerals (both 9%).

Figure 2: Proportion of drugs by therapy area contributing to drug shortages

Source: IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics [1]

Of the 28 cancer medications on the drug shortages list, 22 are used in chemotherapy treatment of cancer, of which 20 are injectable. For these injectable oncology products, an estimated 550,000 patients received treatments during the year ending 30 June 2011.

The shortage problem appears to be not just a problem for older drugs, which are often less profitable, as has been previously reported [2]. Although half of the drugs on the drug shortages list came to the market before 1990, a further 25% were introduced to the market since 2000.

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References

1. IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics. Drug Shortages: A closer look at products, suppliers and volume volatility. November 2011.

2. GaBI Online - Generics and Biosimilars Initiative. US drug shortages – frustration and safety concerns [www.gabionline.net]. Mol, Belgium: Pro Pharma Communications International; [cited 2012 Jan 27]. Available from: www.gabionline.net/Reports/US-drug-shortages-frustration-and-safety-concerns