In brief
The European Medicines Agency’s Medicines Shortages Steering Group (MSSG) recently developed a list of recommendations in hopes of increasing the availability of critical medicines flagged for supply chain vulnerabilities or risks.
Established under EU Regulation 2022/123, the MSSG monitors medical shortages to ensure adequate responses, to prepare for and manage crises, and to coordinate urgent action as needed. MSSG’s new recommendations under EMA/44164/2024 include efforts to increase manufacturing capacity, diversify suppliers in supply chain, recommend action from MHAs, adjust EU joint procurement mechanisms, and incentivize investment among others.
The MSSG’s recommendations correlate directly with the EU’s list of critical medicines that affect healthcare operations across the Union. These recommendations outline what types of medication to stockpile before the shortages and supply chain issues hit the market.
