Sen. Schumer Pushes Bill To Address Drug Shortages
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Sen. Charles Schumer says he's supporting legislation that would create an early warning system within the Food and Drug Administration intended to preserve access to life-saving medications.
Schumer was at the Wilmot Cancer Center at the University of Rochester Medical Center on Tuesday to promote the "Preserving Access to Life-Saving Medications Act." Under the bill, drug makers would have to immediately notify the FDA when a shortage of raw materials or other problem would likely cause a medication shortage.
The FDA would then be allowed to work with other domestic and international manufacturers to maintain an uninterrupted supply.
The number of drugs listed as being in short supply has tripled over the past five years and totaled 211 last year.
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