In the United States, drug shortages have become a persistent public health issue, negatively impacting patient care and outcomes. In the last decade, the frequency of shortages has continued to rise, with 271 identified drug shortages by year-end 2024, a significant increase from 185 in 2015.
Shortages affect many disease areas, but disproportionately impact generic drugs. Generic sterile injectables (GSIs) which include saline for IVs, life-saving cancer therapies, and essential antibiotics, are particularly vulnerable, with GSIs accounting for 67% of drug shortages in 2023. In this report, CRA’s Kirsten Axelsen, Rajini Jayasuriya, and Milan Ferguson provide an overview of the root causes for shortages, assess the potential impact of proposed federal policies, and suggest next steps for policymakers.
Read more about addressing generic drug shortages here.
