Introducing Project GOLD: A Lifeline for Cancer Patients
Angels for Change (A4C) proudly announces the launch of our groundbreaking initiative: project GOLD (Generic Oncology Lifesaving Drugs). Launching November 2024, project GOLD establishes a reliable buffer supply of essential cancer medications at the distribution and manufacturering level, helping to safeguard patients from drug shortages.
This groundbreaking industry and patient advocacy buffer supply partnership was made possible through the support of A4C founding pilot members Cencora, McKesson, and Fresenius Kabi-US. GOLD will offer hope and stability to physicians and patients when it matters most. Scroll below to discover how Project GOLD is transforming resiliency in cancer care and see the pilot list of shortage vulnerable oncology products.
GOLD aims to showcase how buffer stock inventories, collaboration, proactive engagement, supply stewardship, and patient advocacy can eradicate the patient harm of drug shortage. This proactive approach will also endeavor to avert potential shortages through data collection to inform how much supply and where buffer should exist to crucial medications remain accessible to those in need no matter the reason for disruption.
John Ducker, CEO Fresenius Kabi, Robert Mauch, CEO Cencora, Laura Bray, Founder Angels for Change, Brian Tyler, CEO McKesson,
July 9th, 2024 Angels for Change SummitONE Chicago, IL.
What is Project GOLD?
Project GOLD is a new approach to safeguarding cancer patients by proactively increasing buffer supply of essential oncology medications. As a critical Phase 1 pilot, our program aims to address patient care disruptions due to shortage while setting a scalable foundation for a resilient, long-term redundancy solution.
Our primary objective focuses on: ensuring the availability of life-saving cancer treatments during supply disruptions through additional supply, partnership, and stewardship of that supply achieved through the A4C Drug Shortage Hotline (DSH).
Why Project GOLD Matters?
Cancer patients are uniquely vulnerable to drug shortage. 75% of oncologists state that drug shortages result in major patient care impacts. Oncology Products make up the largest class of medicines in shortage in 2023. Patients deserve access.
Project GOLD is deeply rooted in Angels for Change's unwavering commitment to patient Guardianship—proactively protecting the supply of Generic Oncology Lifesaving Drugs through buffer supply, enhanced stakeholder collaboration, and patient advocacy will guard our most vulnerable patients.
TAKING ACTION
“When I receive phone calls and emails from patients and physicians desperate to get access to chemotherapy, I turn to Laura. With her help, we have been able to assist patients around the country. She has worked tirelessly, reaching out to manufacturers, distributors, and the FDA to find connections to source drugs. Her leadership, fierce determination, and absolute grit are helping patients fight for their lives and ensuring that no one is left behind.”
- Dr. Alvarez Secord, MD, MHSc, Society of Gynecologic Oncology
Laura Bray, Founder, Angels for Change, presenter at the 2024 Moffitt Cancer Center’s Women in Oncology Grand Rounds.
Key Products in Focus
By prioritizing these critical medications, Project GOLD aims to mitigate the impact of drug shortages and ensure that cancer patients receive the treatments they need without delay.
Project GOLD will initially increase onshore buffer supply of 6 Generic Life-Saving Medicines. More information on the selection process of the first 6 GOLD medicines.
BUILDING SOLUTIONS
“We host the nation’s only drug shortage crisis line and we have a global supply sharing network. We can help your patients, your facility, get emergency supply. Call us, let’s work together, find a solution. It’s not just for one patient, or just your patients, when we’re building solutions, we’re building it for the entire United States.”
- Laura Bray, Chief Change Maker, Journal of Clinical Pathways Interview
Project GOLD for a Pilot Program
Additional products and pilot members will be considered for inclusion into Project GOLD after the first six months of the pilot and upon consent of the relevant stakeholders.
Immediate Actions for Patient Safety
Our program will take decisive steps to protect cancer patients by establishing a national buffer stock. This buffer will be strategically positioned at our partners' facilities to enable swift and efficient distribution during patient-level emergencies.
By prioritizing these critical medications, Project GOLD aims to mitigate the impact of drug shortages and ensure that cancer patients receive the treatments they need without delay.
Join us in our mission to protect and enhance the lives of cancer patients through Project GOLD. Together, we can make a difference.
MAKING AN IMPACT
“Our mission at Moffitt is the prevention and cure of cancer, which includes treatments being readily available for patients in need. Angels for Change heightens awareness of the numerous drug shortages that limit access to life changing therapies. Moffitt Cancer Center’s Women in Oncology was proud to have Laura Bray, Chief Change Maker, speak and highlight our shared commitment to providing the best oncology patient care at the time it is needed.”
-Dr. Asmita Mishra, Moffitt Cancer Center
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
We welcome others from across the supply chain to join us. Reach out to see how to become involved in Project GOLD!
This program could not be possible without the support of our founding pilot members:
For more information about Project GOLD go to our FAQs page.