Pallone Addresses Cancer Drug Supply Shortages

Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) released the following statement today on the ongoing efforts to address drug supply shortages including oncology medications:

"It is both heartbreaking and unacceptable that patients are experiencing delays in access to the lifesaving cancer medications carboplatin and cisplatin due to supply shortages.

"My Committee staff is working with the Biden Administration and the Food and Drug Administration to promptly address these shortages and to implement long-term solutions to prevent these shortages from occurring in the future. I'm grateful that FDA is actively looking at all options to increase supply quickly. The agency is working with manufacturers to expand production of the drugs by expediting review of new manufacturing lines, facilities, and suppliers of ingredients. It is also identifying and contacting potential sources for temporary importation of carboplatin and cisplatin to ensure patients have access to these critically needed cancer treatments.

"Unfortunately, carboplatin and cisplatin are just the latest in a line of drug shortages that are becoming all too common. Congress must continue to explore ways to help prevent future shortages and empower FDA to mitigate shortages when they happen. We must look at increasing transparency around drug ingredients made overseas, requiring early alerts when there are unexpected spikes in demand for drugs, and making it easier for FDA to safely extend the shelf life of critical medications in shortage. I am working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure that FDA has the resources and authorities it needs to address future shortages, including through the upcoming reauthorization of the Pandemics and All Hazards Preparedness Act.

"I'm committed to resolving this shortage quickly and hope my colleagues in Congress will join me in working to provide additional resources and support to assist the Administration's efforts to address these shortages."

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