FDA Makes Plans to Correct Cancer Drug Shortages in the U.S.

Drug shortages in the U.S. have been an ongoing concern over the last couple of years, and have come to a head in recent months. Two cancer drugs in particular, Doxil (doxorubicin hydrochloride liposome injection) and the life-saving methotrexate are in short supply, but the FDA has made plans they say should swiftly reverse the situation.

Shortages of the medications worsened when a major manufacturing plant, Ben Venue Laboratories, shut down production due to safety concerns. To make up for the deficit, the FDA has decided to allow imports of a Doxil substitute, called Lipodox (doxorubicin hydrochloride liposome injection), which will apparently meet demand over the coming weeks. To address the methotrexate shortage, the Agency has approved another manufacturer to import a preservative-free generic version of the cancer drug to boost supplies.

Read the full story: http://hcp.lv/IJyGtG

Source: The Atlantic