GAO Report Finds Ongoing Drug Shortages, Despite FDA Efforts

Despite FDA’s increased efforts to prevent new drug shortages, a large number of drug shortages remain an ongoing problem, a congressional watchdog contends.

A report from the Government Accountability Office found that while drug shortages declined between 2011 and 2015, they continue to plague the industry.

There were 136 new drug shortages in 2015, compared to 257 reported in 2011. Moreover, the report found that drug shortages lasting three years or longer climbed from 184 cases in 2011 to 291 in 2015.

To address the shortages, the FDA expedited reviews for 383 drug applications and supplements between January 2010 and July 2014.