House Republicans on Friday launched an investigation into the Food and Drug Administration's handling of the long-term prescription drug and pharmaceutical product shortage.
Various drugs to treat infections, cardiovascular problems, psychiatric conditions, and respiratory illnesses are in short supply. Other products necessary for in-patient treatment — including sterile water for wound irrigation, sodium chloride for IV fluids, and dextrose for blood sugar stabilization — are also facing supply shortages.
Comer and McClain note that the issues of pharmaceutical supply, including over-reliance on offshore manufacturing and surging demand, were only exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. They argue that increasing domestic manufacturing must be a part of the strategy to not only boost production but also ensure product safety.
"Price controls ultimately limit profitability for pharmaceutical companies to the detriment of investment in new therapies and treatments," wrote Comer and McClain."The IRA's price control provisions will lead to less investment in domestic pharmaceutical production, further exacerbating supply chain insecurities."