Pfizer's Tornado Damage in NC Plant Threatens Medicine Supply Chain

Pfizer is limiting the distribution of certain drugs manufactured at its Rocky Mount, North Carolina plant, which was damaged by a tornado last month. The company listed 12 injection products that will only be distributed through emergency orders due to their high medical need. Some of these drugs were already in short supply, including sodium chloride injection and an injection used to treat metabolic acidosis. Pfizer did not specify the extent of the supply from the damaged plant or whether the new limits will worsen existing shortages. The company urged hospitals to check availability with wholesalers and seek alternatives. Pfizer is still assessing the timeline for restarting production at the plant.