Angels for Change Supports Bipartisan End Drug Shortages Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. — November 22, 2024

We are thrilled to announce that Angels for Change supports the End Drug Shortages Act introduced November 22nd. This critical piece of legislation aims to tackle the ongoing drug shortage crisis through additional transparency between drug manufacturers, the FDA, and pharmacies to improve the mitigation of shortages.

We are incredibly proud to share that project PROTECT played a role in inspiring this bill. Thank you to all of our Partners, Protectors, and Donors who make PROTECT a success.

The End Drug Shortages Act would:

  • Improve communication by:

    • Requiring drug manufacturers to notify the FDA when there is a surge in demand of a drug that is likely to lead to a disruption in the supply of the drug.

    • Establishing a definition of the term “surge.”

    • Ensuring that the FDA considers information reported by patients, health care professionals, and manufacturers when designating a drug shortage.

  • Instruct the FDA to finalize October 2021 guidance for hospital and health system pharmacies and ensure that such guidance is consistent with the most current research and best clinical practices.

The legislation is supported by: American Hospital Association, American Society of Health System Pharmacists, Angels for Change, Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding, Association of American Medical Colleges, Children's Hospital Association, Federation of American Hospitals, Inova, Kaiser Permanente, National Community Pharmacists Association, UVA Health, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Vizient.

“Angels for Change applauds Senator Kaine, Senator Cotton, Representative Spanberger, and Representative Smith for their bipartisan leadership in taking on the drug shortage crisis and advancing this vital work. We are proud to support the End Drug Shortages Act, which will implement critical transparency measures and flexibility for compounding pharmacies to help fill the gaps in times of shortage. Nearly 50% of all shortages in 2023 came from an increase in demand, so it is vital that we have the tools to give patients access to lifesaving medications during shortages, whether they are caused by decreases in manufacturing supply or surges in demand,” said Laura Bray, Founder and Chief Change Maker, Angels for Change.

We will continue to work tirelessly for positive change that directly impacts the lives of patients and families impacted by drug shortages.

Read the full Press Release here: https://bit.ly/3ZFHy4X