By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-975254.mp3
Albany, NY – New York State Senator Charles Schumer was in Albany Monday afternoon to announce his support for new legislation aimed at warding off shortages of life-saving drugs. Capital District Bureau Chief Dave Lucas reports.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration findings show shortages of prescription drugs have tripled during the last six years to a record high. There were 61 drug product shortages in 2005 and 178 in 2010.
Schumer held a news conference at St. Peter's Hospital in to announce his support of The Preserving Access to Life-Saving Medications Act, which would require drug makers to immediately notify the FDA when a raw material shortage, manufacturing problem, or production decision is likely to cause a drug shortage.
The early notification system would allow the FDA to work with other manufacturers, both domestic and international, to find new sources and ensure that the supply chain is not interrupted.
The FDA says drugs in short supply include cancer drugs, anesthetics for surgery patients, emergency "crash cart" drugs and electrolytes for patients fed intravenously. The nation's major drug store chains report experiencing occasional shortages as well.
Schumer notes drug shortages have more than tripled since 2005. To date, at least 10 U.S. Senators have signed on as co-sponsors of the bill, introduced back in early February. Schumer's support for the measure comes as a number of hospitals throughout the Capital Region and throughout the nation have reported shortages of certain critical drugs that are essential to patient care.
Representatives of Drug manufacturer Glaxo did not return calls for comment in time for broadcast.
Merck referred WAMC to the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, or PhRMA. Officials there responded to a request for comment by email, stating they are already working with the government, suppliers and providers on the issue.