SAMS Applauds Senate Majority Whip Durbin for Highlighting Cancer Drug Shortages
June 12, 2023 – Washington D.C. – The Securing America’s Medicines and Supply (SAMS) Coalition, a multi-industry coalition of companies with the mission to strengthen the security of the medical supply chain, applauds U.S Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, for his work in highlighting the critical nature of the shortage of life-saving drugs for cancer patients.
At Chair Durbin’s urging, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken action to import one drug in shortage.
Widespread shortages of cancer care drugs remain a daily issue for patients in need. Many of the drug shortages Americans experience today can be attributed to an over-reliance on foreign manufacturers.
As Majority Whip Durbin noted, “More must be done to prevent these shortages in the first place and to ensure that cancer patients never go through this again… [we must] expand our domestic manufacturing capability so we are not as dependent on foreign supply chains for critical medical supplies. Receiving a cancer diagnosis and being told that there is a drug that can save you, but that you cannot get it because of a shortage, is simply unacceptable.”
“American cancer patients should focus on fighting cancer, not worrying if their care will be denied or delayed due to supply chain disruptions,” said David Sanders, the Executive Director of SAMS. “There should be a safe, reliable supply of medicines and medical products for Americans, made here or in allied countries. Congress should act to shore up cancer medicines production now.”
SAMS appreciated Majority Whip Durbin’s leadership on this issue and urges lawmakers to work quickly on solutions to shore up cancer medicines production and holistically address our country’s supply chain woes.
About Securing America’s Medicines and Supply
Securing America’s Medicines and Supply (SAMS) is a multi-industry coalition of companies with the mission to strengthen the security of the medical supply chain in the United States. SAMS seeks to drive the implementation of legislation and regulation to reward and foster U.S.-made manufacturing of important pharmaceutical products, devices, and supplies. SAMS supports U.S. patients, domestic healthcare security, and U.S. jobs.