Drug Shortages Report
The IMS Institute examines the drug shortages problem from an entirely new angle.
The drug shortages problem is of increasing concern for patients, clinicians and policymakers. Using IMS Health’s comprehensive, proprietary data on the drug supply chain, we examine the issue from an entirely new point of view, offering insights and recommendations to help the FDA, pharmacists and other healthcare stakeholders monitor and respond to this important issue.
Drug Shortages: A Closer Look at Products, Suppliers and Volume Volatility
In this report, the IMS Institute looks at the current drug shortages situation—the magnitude of the problem, its causes and ways to prevent or resolve shortages in the future. Our analysis includes the 168 products classified to be in short supply as of October 7, 2011 by either the FDA or the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
Download: Executive Summary
Download: Full Report (registration required)
Watch: Executive Director Murray Aitken summarizes the key findings
Key Findings and Accompanying Charts
- The drug shortages problem is highly concentrated with more than 80% of the products generics and 80% injectables, representing a small part of the overall pharmaceuticals market.
- A number of critical drugs on the shortages list are used to treat cancer, infection, cardiovascular disease, central nervous system conditions and pain.
- A large number of suppliers are involved, but most drugs on the shortages list have only one or two sources of supply.
- Total supply volume for many products on the shortages list has been stable or growing, but significant volatility exists.
- Supply volume for a group of 75 products has fallen substantially.
- Some states are experiencing the drug shortages more acutely than others.
Recommendations
We advise developing an early warning system to identify and monitor future drug shortages. Read our full recommendations.
Report Tables
- Molecules in the Declining Segment
- Molecules in the Growth Segment
- Molecules in the Stable Segment
- Changes in Per Capita Usage by State for Declining Injectable Products
