The Alarming Impact of Drug Shortages on Cancer Patients

Shortages of key chemotherapy drugs have revealed a crisis in the generic drug industry, leaving cancer patients unable to access the treatment they need. The shortage of these essential medications, along with hundreds of other generic drugs, is due to economic factors and a broken business model that discourages companies from increasing production. The generic drug industry faces intense price competition and contract terms that penalize manufacturers, making it difficult to meet demand. The consolidation of generic drug purchasing among a small group of powerful intermediaries has also contributed to market failures. The shortage of cancer treatments has raised concerns about patient survival and the unequal distribution of medications.