Want to save Americans? Don't Attack The Supply Chain!

A robust and secure drug supply chain is essential for public health and national security, ensuring Americans have timely access to safe and effective medications. Disrupting or attacking this complex system, which includes everything from raw material sourcing to delivery to patients, can lead to severe and widespread consequences, including drug shortages, patient harm, and increased healthcare costs.
Consequences of attacking the drug supply chain
Drug shortages: Attacking the drug supply chain can interrupt manufacturing or distribution, leading to critical shortages of life-saving medications. For example, damage to a pharmaceutical facility during a natural disaster or a cyberattack can severely limit or halt production, impacting patient care nationwide.
Patient harm: When drug supplies are disrupted, providers may be forced to ration medicines or use alternative, less effective drugs, potentially causing adverse patient outcomes. Shortages can delay treatment, increase the risk of medication errors, and cause immense frustration for patients and providers.
National security threats: The U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain is vulnerable due to a high reliance on foreign manufacturing for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), including from countries like China. A geopolitical conflict could threaten the supply of essential medicines, creating a national security crisis.
Introduction of counterfeit drugs: Disruptions and gray markets—which can arise during shortages—provide opportunities for counterfeit or substandard medicines to enter the market. These falsified products can be ineffective or even deadly.
Cybersecurity risks: Digital systems and the many interconnected partners in the supply chain present a significant attack surface for cybercriminals. Ransomware and other cyberattacks can disrupt operations, steal sensitive data, and cripple distribution networks.
Financial instability: Disruptions lead to increased costs throughout the healthcare system, including higher drug budgets for hospitals and lost revenue for manufacturers. The financial toll can weaken the overall healthcare infrastructure and burden patients with higher expenses.
Efforts to protect and strengthen the supply chain
Policymakers and industry leaders are actively working to address the vulnerabilities in the pharmaceutical supply chain. Recent and ongoing initiatives include:
Domestic production: The U.S. is seeking to reduce its reliance on foreign suppliers by incentivizing domestic manufacturing of essential medicines and APIs. The government has promoted policies like executive orders and tax credits to support this goal.
Strategic reserves: Filling the Strategic Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Reserve (SAPIR) with critical drug components is another step to ensure a resilient domestic supply, buffering against global disruptions.
Supply chain transparency: Increasing visibility into the supply chain helps stakeholders identify weak points and potential disruptions more effectively. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has developed tools and regulations to improve this transparency.
Improved inventory management: Government and industry are collaborating on better inventory practices and modernizing the U.S. Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) to prepare for future crises.
Advanced manufacturing: Promoting advanced manufacturing technologies can increase production efficiency and adaptability, making supply chains less vulnerable to shocks.
Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA): The FDA continues to implement this law, which establishes an electronic, interoperable system for tracing prescription drugs. This helps to protect the supply chain from harmful and counterfeit products.
Building Resilience Into US Prescription Drug Supply Chains
Jan 30, 2023 — Although the reports differ in focus and scope, they contain recurring recommendations. * Transparency. Transparency in supply chains helps buyers to assess pro...
favicon
Health Affairs

US Weather Disasters Threaten Drug Supply Chain | RT
Aug 20, 2025 — RT's Three Key Takeaways: * Climate disasters threaten drug supply — Nearly two-thirds of US pharmaceutical facilities from 2019–2024 were located in counties t...
favicon
respiratory-therapy.com

Axios Event: U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain is in crisis, experts say
May 30, 2025 — Axios Event: U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain is in crisis,... * Why it matters: Reliance on China and other nations for critical medical supplies is increasing...

Show all