The war in the Middle East could affect the global medicine supply. According to a pharmaceutical data company in Munich, more than 60 active ingredients are manufactured in Israel, two of which are exclusive. These medicines are used to treat rare metabolic diseases.
In addition, other active ingredients from Israel have high global market shares, the German pharmaceutical data company said. According to the Federal Office for Healthcare Safety (BASG), there are currently no concrete reports of supply restrictions. In principle, Israel has a relevant share in the supply of the Austrian pharmaceutical market.
“It should be emphasized that this is primarily a pan-European problem that is being closely monitored by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), which is responsible for central approvals together with national authorities,” domestic medicines authority BASG said. The situation must therefore be monitored. According to a “Spiegel” report, there may be restrictions on at least eight active ingredients.
Causes complex
In general, drug shortages tend to have complex and multifactorial causes. According to BASG, the responsibility for deliveries “lies with the inspection holders or with the wholesaler.” For the protection of public health, the authority may issue a “parallel export ban” if necessary. So-called parallel traders buy products cheaply and sell them abroad at higher prices.
1257 reports of bottlenecks in the previous year
According to the Federal Office, 323 medicines were affected by restrictions in Austria in 2019 and mandatory reporting was introduced in 2020. The number subsequently rose to 1,096 and in 2021 there were 788 reports and the year before 1,257. These involved medicines that were not or insufficiently available.
In the future, EU countries should be able to help each other more often if there is an acute shortage. A voluntary distribution mechanism will be launched in October. In other words, countries can communicate their needs and supply other medicines from their stockpiles (see video above).
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
