Collaborative Efforts to Eliminate Drug Shortages Worldwide
Laura Bray’s journey to secure life-saving medication for her daughter, Abby, has turned into a mission to eradicate drug shortages nationwide. Abby, who faced severe challenges in her leukemia treatment, including a life-threatening allergic reaction and limited drug availability, inspired her mother to take action.
Addressing Drug Shortages in Cancer Treatment
The challenges Abby faced highlight a broader issue that impacts approximately one in 10 cancer patients: drug shortages. These shortages can have dire consequences, prompting Laura Bray to establish the global nonprofit Angels for Change (A4C).
A4C is dedicated to advocating for patients, preventing drug shortages, and operating the nation’s only drug shortage hotline to connect patients with available medications. Bray emphasizes that the fight against drug shortages is urgent. “Patients don’t have time to wait. We need one system focused on ending drug shortages,” she explains.
Partnering for Solutions: McKesson’s Involvement
Bray enlisted McKesson as a vital partner in her mission. The company’s commitment to mitigating drug shortages aligns with the work of A4C, focusing on action, advocacy, and partnerships. According to Kirk Kaminsky, Executive Vice President at McKesson, putting patients at the center of everything they do is a priority in building a sustainable supply chain.
“Innovation is crucial,” says Kaminsky. “Artificial intelligence can predict potential shortages, while improved data capabilities can optimize inventory.” He adds that cold chain infrastructure is essential for delivering temperature-sensitive cancer treatments, a category especially vulnerable to shortages.
Project GOLD: A Lifeline for Oncology Care
McKesson and A4C’s collaboration extends to Project GOLD (Generic Oncology Lifesaving Drugs), an initiative designed to create an emergency buffer stock of essential chemotherapy drugs prone to shortages. Partners, including Cencora and Fresenius Kabi, support this pilot program to enhance supply chain resiliency.
Kaminsky acknowledges the complexity of drug shortages, emphasizing the importance of industry partnerships to prevent disruptions in cancer care. “We’re proud to create the excess supply needed to ensure continuity of care for cancer patients,” he states.
Driving Systemic Change and Advocacy
Beyond logistics, McKesson is advocating for systemic changes through forums like White House roundtables and the SummitONE conference, aimed at eliminating drug shortages. Since its inception, A4C has facilitated access to over 750,000 lifesaving treatments, yet with over 300 essential medicines in short supply today, ongoing efforts are critical.
The work at Emegypt and A4C ensures that patients, like Abby, who are now cancer-free, can focus on recovery without the burden of medication scarcity. “I’m grateful to McKesson for not just helping Abby, but for their ongoing efforts to ensure access for all,” Bray concludes. “Our partnership demonstrates what is possible when we are committed to patient care.”
