By Gail C. Golab, PhD, DVM, MANZCVS, DACAW, Chief Veterinary Officer, American Veterinary Medical Association
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is cognizant of potential medical supply chain issues, including both pharmaceuticals (specifically active pharmaceutical ingredients [APIs]) and medical products, such as personal protective equipment.
We have learned from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) that there are 32 animal drug firms that make finished drugs or source active pharmaceutical ingredients in China for the United States market. The FDA has contacted all 32 firms and no shortages have been reported at this time. However, six of those firms have indicated that they are seeing disruptions in the supply chain that soon could lead to shortages.
The FDA is working with these firms to help identify interventions to mitigate potential shortages. FDA has done similar work on the medical product/device side. A webpage has been created through which the FDA is sharing information around the availability of drugs and medical supplies, which is available here: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-supply-chain-update.
AVMA is also in close communication with FDA and supporting its efforts by gathering information about drug needs and any related concerns from veterinarians, practices/practice groups, and veterinary distributors. Veterinarians are encouraged to send information regarding any supply chain issues of concern to the AVMA at coronavirus@avma.org. Detailed information on the product of concern and the manufacturer/distributor of that product will be most helpful.