Pilot Shows EU Needs A ‘Robust’ Shortage Signaling System for ‘Critical’ Drugs

EU pharma companies see manufacturing and logistics issues as the main cause for supply problems, but are concerned about the costs of investing in and gaining regulatory approval for new or updated production facilities, according to a new report.

pharmaceutical production line
Manufacturing issues are the root cause of many drug shortages • Source: Shutterstock

The EU needs a “robust signaling system” that can accurately detect and mitigate vulnerabilities in the supply chains for “critical” medicines using a risk-based approach with harmonized definitions and quality standards, says a new report from the European Commission’s Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA).

Marketing authorization holders (MAHs) see manufacturing and logistical issues as the main reasons for supply chain discontinuities, notably the complexity of production processes and the cost of investing and gaining...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Pink Sheet for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required

More from Europe

How Pharma Companies Can Mitigate The Impact Of US Tariffs On The Supply Chain

 
• By 

If US tariffs on pharmaceutical supply chain products come into force they could be disruptive for companies. Ewan Townsend, of the international law firm Arnold & Porter, explains how companies can mitigate issues through negotiating with suppliers and reallocating tariff responsibilities.

EMA Touts Faster Global Post-Approval Changes Via Regulatory Reliance

 

The European Medicines Agency says that a regulatory reliance pilot that it is supporting to speed up assessments of post-approval changes appears to be accelerating evaluation timelines in non-EU countries.

UK And US Regulators In Sync On RWD External Control Arms

 
• By 

The UK regulator’s draft guideline on the use of external control arms based on real-world data reflects concepts similar to those outlined by the US Food and Drug Administration.

New EU Approvals

 

The Pink Sheet's list of EU centralized approvals of new active substances has been updated to include two new products, one of which is Vyjuvek, Krystal Biotech's advanced therapy for treating dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa.

More from Geography

Japan Price Cuts For Epkinly and Lunsumio Following CEA

 
• By 

Japan is cutting more drug reimbursement prices following cost effectiveness analysis and is applying the methodology to a new group of products including Wegovy and Leqembi.

US FDA’s ‘Good Reputation’ For Science May Mean Loper Bright Not ‘Cataclysmic,’ Attorney Says

 

Bridget Dooling, a law school professor who reviewed draft regulations from the FDA and other agencies as an OMB attorney, said prior federal court decisions suggest judges typically defer to agency decisions based in science.