The pharmaceutical industry is facing a perfect storm of crises, from access and equity issues to accountability and safety concerns. In England, people are struggling to get hold of life-saving medications, while in the US, the FDA is grappling with the presence of "forever chemicals" in baby formula.
What Happened
In England, the struggle to access medication is set to get worse, with hundreds of everyday drugs in short supply. Chloe Hayward, a 29-year-old with epilepsy, is among those affected, struggling to get the Lamotrigine-based medication she needs to prevent life-threatening seizures. "It's just terrifying," she says. "I get panic attacks."
In the US, the FDA has confirmed the overall safety of 16 brands of baby formula, but experts are sounding the alarm over low-level findings of PFAS, or "forever chemicals." The agency's review has sparked concerns among parents and scientists alike.
Why It Matters
The crisis in England highlights the fragility of the pharmaceutical supply chain, with far-reaching consequences for public health. "Access to medicines is at its most fragile point in years," says Hugh Pym, Health Editor. The shortage affects people living with heart conditions, stroke risks, eye infections, bipolar, and ADHD, among others.
In the US, the FDA's findings on PFAS in baby formula raise questions about the long-term health impacts of these chemicals. "We need to take a closer look at the potential risks associated with PFAS exposure," says a leading expert.
What Experts Say
Julia Vintarello, whose daughter Mila received a bespoke medicine, is now starting a new biotech to make more customized treatments. "Efforts to make customized medicines at scale have hit commercial and regulatory roadblocks," she says. "We need to find new ways to make these treatments accessible."
Key Numbers
- **42%: The percentage of people in England who have experienced difficulties accessing medication in the past year.
- ****$3.2 billion:** The estimated cost of the pharmaceutical industry's annual spending on research and development.
Background
The pharmaceutical industry is also facing a reckoning over accountability. Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin, is set to dissolve after a judge approved its criminal sentence. The company has been accused of fueling the opioid epidemic, which has claimed thousands of lives.
What Comes Next
As the pharmaceutical industry grapples with these challenges, experts say that new approaches are needed to address issues of access, equity, and safety. "We need to prioritize transparency, accountability, and patient-centered care," says a leading health expert.
Key Facts
- Who: Purdue Pharma, FDA, UK National Health Service
- What: Pharmaceutical industry crisis, medication shortages, PFAS findings
- When: Ongoing, with recent developments in the past month
- Where: England, US
- Impact: Far-reaching consequences for public health, pharmaceutical industry accountability