Global Impact of Drug Shortages on Infectious Disease Treatments and Vaccines

Mina Tadrous, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy; Nelson Lee, Dalla Lana School of Public Health; Jeff Kwong, Temerty Faculty of Medicine; Quinn Grundy, Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing; Jillian Kohler, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy

Our project aims to analyze the global impact of drug shortages across 60 countries, particularly focusing on infectious disease treatments and vaccines. During the COVID-19 pandemic, global supply chains were tested with rapid surges in demand and subsequent supply chain breakdowns. The importance of infectious disease treatments and vaccinations was further emphasized during this time as a mechanism for safeguarding public health during a global pandemic. Using the IQVIA MIDAS dataset, we will compare the effects of known global shortages on different countries and identify patterns and vulnerabilities in global drug supply chains to ensure future pandemic readiness and recovery. This will build on our previous work where we developed a risk framework and at-risk medicines list in response to the growing concern of drug shortages. Our broad effort to protect the Canadian drug supply and encouraging future policies will be complemented by this work focusing on critical areas of interest. Our consistent collaboration with health system partners such as national and international ministries of health will ensure future pandemic resilience. This research will provide essential insights that can inform policies to mitigate future shortages and ensure equitable access to essential medications around the world.