AARP Backs Efforts to Stop Prescription Drug Shortages

The creation of this stockpile is important because “reduced access to needed prescription drugs — whether due to emergency circumstances, supply chain disruptions or other causes — can delay or deny critical care or force prescribers to turn to less effective alternatives,” Megan O’Reilly, vice president of health and family for government affairs at AARP, wrote in her letter to leaders within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on August 26. “We view this effort as one part of the more comprehensive changes that are needed for a sustainable solution.” 

Monitoring the supply chain 

On September 16, AARP chief advocacy and engagement officer Nancy LeaMond sent letters to a bipartisan group of senators and representatives endorsing the Mapping America’s Pharmaceutical Supply, or MAPS, Act. The bill, which has been referred to committees in both the House and Senate, would require federal agencies to coordinate with the private sector and “map” the entire supply chain of certain essential medicines and identify vulnerabilities — in other words, to create a clear picture of the producers, manufacturers and other entities involved in manufacturing the drugs from start to finish.  

“This information will play a crucial role in efforts to detect and prevent supply chain disruptions, helping to ensure that patients continue to have access to the medications they need,” LeaMond wrote to Senators Gary Peters (D-Mich.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Agnus King, Jr. (I-Maine) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.), as well as Representatives Doris Matsui (D-Calif.) and Dan Crenshaw (R-Tex.), who cosponsored these bills.  

Calling attention to the risks of a drug shortage 

AARP submitted a statement for the record on September 17 to the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, which organized a hearing about vulnerabilities in the drug supply chain and the challenges that drug shortages pose for older Americans. 

The statement stressed the importance of proactive measures such as an API stockpile, legislation mapping the drug supply chain and bipartisan work within the Senate Finance Committee to stabilize the supply of essential generic medicines. 

“For those managing health conditions, a stable and secure supply of medications is not just important, it is often life-sustaining,” AARP wrote in the statement. “The federal government can play a vital role in proactively identifying risks and addressing weaknesses in the supply chain before they result in harmful shortages.”