Rule issued by Obama administration seeks to reduce, prevent drug shortages

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration on Thursday issued an interim final rule that will help prevent prescription drug shortages.

The rule, the administration said, will require manufacturers (that are the sole producer of certain critical drugs) to report to the Food and Drug Administration all interruptions in manufacturing of products.

"Shortages delay or deny needed care for patients and FDA is committed to making sure that patients and health professionals have the drugs they need when they need them," FDA commissioner Margaret Hamburg said. "We will continue to take steps such as issuing this interim final rule to prevent and reduce current and future disruptions in the supply of lifesaving medicines."

Details of the rule can be found here.