STAT+: European Union inks a draft deal to boost local production of medicines and avoid shortages

STAT PlusPharmalot European Union inks a draft deal to boost local production of medicines and avoid shortages The initiative seeks to avoid the kinds of withering shortages seen during the Covid-19 pandemic Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Ed SilvermanMay 12, 2026 Pharmalot Columnist, Senior Writer Ed Silverman[email protected]Ed Silverman, a senior writer and Pharmalot columnist at STAT, has been covering the pharmaceutical industry for nearly three decades. He is also the author of the morning Pharmalittle newsletter and the afternoon Pharmalot newsletter. The European Union reached a provisional deal to strengthen the supply of essential medicines — such as antibiotics, insulin, vaccines, and painkillers — and avoid shortages by ‌boosting domestic production and reducing reliance on imports. Known as the Critical Medicines Act, the initiative seeks to avoid the kinds of withering drug shortages that were seen during the Covid-19 pandemic. Specifically, the proposal targets supply-chain weaknesses for more than 200 medicines that are considered critical ​to the region’s health security, including treatments for rare diseases.Advertisement “With today’s agreement, we are taking practical action to reduce our vulnerabilities, diversify supply chains and strengthen Europe’s capacity to produce critical medicines and their ingredients closer to home,” said Neophytos Charalambides, the health minister for Cyprus, in a statement. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In Pharmaceuticals, Policy, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints Ed Silverman Pharmalot Columnist, Senior Writer Ed Silverman, a senior writer and Pharmalot columnist at STAT, has been covering the pharmaceutical industry for nearly three decades. He is also the author of the morning Pharmalittle newsletter and the afternoon Pharmalot newsletter. Newsletter From the lab to the medicine chest, these are the must-read drug industry updates of the day Recommended Pharmalot May 12, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about pharma lobbying, Bristol’s deal with a Chinese partner, and more Pharmalot May 11, 2026 STAT Plus: Colombia wins a key court ruling over a compulsory license issued for an HIV medicine Advertisement Pharmalot May 11, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about Medicare and Alzheimer’s drugs, estrogen patch shortages, and more Pharmalot May 8, 2026 STAT Plus: Capricor Therapeutics accuses Nippon Shinyaku of slow-walking plans on Duchenne drug Pharmalot May 8, 2026 STAT Plus: Up and down the ladder: The latest comings and goings Subscriber Picks