Drug Shortages in US Reach Record High, Putting Patients at Risk

Drug shortages in the US hit an all-time high of 323 in the first quarter of 2022, surpassing the previous record of 320 in 2014.
Shortages include life-saving cancer and emergency medications stored in hospitals.
Short-term shortages caused by supply/demand imbalance, but most severe ones driven by economic factors undermining manufacturing.
Extreme price competition among generic drug makers is a key economic challenge.
HHS offered solutions and stands ready to work with Congress to address shortages.