House Republicans Press FDA on Drug Shortages

Republicans on the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability have launched a probe into the shortage of medicinal drugs in the US, and fired off a letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) demanding documents and a staff-level briefing on efforts to alleviate shortages.

"At the time of this letter, the FDA lists 128 drugs currently in shortage on its drug shortage database," lawmakers wrote to FDA Commissioner Robert Califf.

The committee's letter — written by Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., and Subcommittee on Health Care and Financial Services Chairwoman Lisa McClain, R-Mich. — calls on Califf and the FDA to provide information on the agency's "response to a growing number of critical drug shortages delaying and prohibiting American patients from receiving lifesaving medical care."

Comer and McCalin also called on Califf to make arrangements for a House briefing on the matter. The letter also instructs the FDA to present the requested documents no later than Nov. 16, 2023.

Key drugs are in such short supply across the nation that some hospitals are being forced to ration even life-saving medicines, a recent survey found. The problem is exacerbated by short-staffing and overwhelmed pharmacists at drugstores during the busiest season.

To help untangle the problem, the Oversight Committee has requested communications on the FDA's plans to invest in pharmaceutical data and supply chain analytics, on efforts to incentivize domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing, and on medication shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The committee is also seeking communications among the FDA, Department of Health and Human Services, and the White House regarding drug shortages, and information on the FDA's compliance with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.

"It is of vital importance that the FDA monitor and prevent future drug shortages to maintain Americans’ health and quality of life," the lawmakers wrote.