Skip to site navigation Skip to main content Skip to footer content Skip to Site Search page Skip to People Search page

Alerts and Updates

FDA Issues Draft Guidance for Notification of Issues That May Result in Prescription Drug Shortage

March 1, 2012

FDA Issues Draft Guidance for Notification of Issues That May Result in Prescription Drug Shortage

March 1, 2012

Read below

FDA identified potential issues that may lead to a shortage of prescription drug and biologic products or a disruption in the supply, and is seeking comment on its draft guidance by May 29, 2012.

On February 27, 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a draft guidance encouraging manufacturers of prescription drug and biologic products to voluntarily notify FDA of issues that may result in a shortage of the product in the U.S. market or potential disruption in the supply. The FDA identified potential issues that may lead to a shortage or disruption, including:

  • Product quality problems;
  • Interruptions or adjustments in manufacturing;
  • Delays in acquiring critical raw materials or components;
  • Transfer of manufacturing to an alternative facility;
  • Loss of production line or production capacity;
  • Production problems that occur during or after manufacturing that can result in supply disruptions;
  • Import delays;
  • Unexpected increases in demand; and
  • Product discontinuances.

FDA is seeking comment on the draft guidance by May 29, 2012.

For Further Information

If you have any questions concerning this Alert, please contact Frederick R. Ball, any other attorney in the Pharmaceutical, Pharmacy and Food industry group or the attorney in the firm with whom you regularly work.

Disclaimer: This Alert has been prepared and published for informational purposes only and is not offered, nor should be construed, as legal advice. For more information, please see the firm's full disclaimer.