The Fragile State of America's Cancer Drug Supply Chain

The ongoing drug shortage crisis in the United States, particularly in the cancer drug market, is not just a supply chain issue but also a quality-management crisis with life-and-death implications. More than 60% of drug shortages are due to quality issues that disrupt the drug supply, and the FDA's inadequate inspections of both domestic and foreign drug manufacturers contribute to the problem. The reliance on generic drugs, many of which are produced in India and China, further complicates the situation. To address these issues, there is a need to strengthen quality standards, increase funding for manufacturers to upgrade production facilities, and consider reducing reliance on foreign manufacturers.