The national supply of the cancer drug cisplatin now exceeds demand, FDA Commissioner Robert Cailiff, MD, said June 28.
The drug, which treats multiple cancers, had been in shortage since February 2023. The shortage occurred after the FDA halted imports from Intas Pharmaceuticals' manufacturing plant in India in late 2022 due to quality issues. In May 2023, 70% of cancer centers lacked sufficient cisplatin supply, according to a report from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.
Low supplies of cisplatin and other cancer drugs have complicated treatments for many patients, with some U.S. cancer centers still struggling to maintain adequate supplies.
"Since the shortage was announced last year, we’ve taken strategic steps within our statutory authority to tackle cancer drug supply issues," Dr. Cailiff posted on X June 28. "The FDA will continue to work with drug manufacturers, supply chain companies, health systems and clinicians, including pharmacists, to help restore access to essential cancer treatments and other medicines that are currently in short supply."