The University of Kansas Health System is treating a total of 13 COVID patients today, 18 Monday. Other significant numbers:
- 6 with the active virus today, 7 Monday
- 2 in ICU, 0 Monday
- 0 on a ventilator, 0 Monday
Key points from today’s guests:
Dr. Steve Stites, chief medical officer, The University of Kansas Health System
- The most critical drug shortage includes two low-cost generic drugs that are used frequently in chemotherapy regimen -- Cisplatin and Carboplatin.
- The U.S. is by far the largest single contributor of new drug therapy in the world.
- When Americans purchase drugs, we are to some degree underwriting the cost of that product development for the entire world -- that's why you can go get the same drug so much cheaper in other countries.
- Many of the drugs we take that are new drugs are not actually developed by pharmaceuticals. They're developed in research labs, in places like the University of Kansas, or in other academic health centers across the U.S.
Dr. Jeffrey Holzbeierlein, physician-in-chief, The University of Kansas Cancer Center
- We've been dealing with chemotherapy drug shortages now for a really over the last decade.
- The problem is pretty complex, and it has to do with a variety of factors but mainly many of those drugs are no longer made in the U.S.
- What has caused this current shortage is that the major supplier of these two drugs, a company in India, has some very serious issues relating quality of their manufacturing, based on FDA inspections.
- We have been able to have adequate supplies to date and keep up with the demand that we have.
- This is because we have an outstanding pharmacy team that really monitors the situation closely, including using predictive analytics to plan accordingly.
Rick Couldry, vice president, Pharmacy and Health Professions, The University of Kansas Health System
- The FDA is able to inspect drug manufacturing plants in other countries if they are being imported into the U.S., and they will take action if safety guidelines are not met.
- For generic drugs, the profit margins for manufacturers are not high, so it’s less of a priority for them.
- About 15 percent of generic drugs have one single manufacturer.
- The pandemic made anything related to supply chain worse. We have a critical issue manufacturing enough generic drugs. We're at an all-time high.
- Our pharmacy supply chain team is outstanding is dealing with these shortages and making sure we have the right drugs for our patients.
Friday, June 30 at 8 a.m. is the next Morning Medical Update. Summer means children spend more time at home. Hear from poison control experts about the hidden dangers and best practices to keep your kids safe.
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