STAT+: The shortage of many medicines in the U.S. remains a ‘systemic’ problem, a new analysis finds

STAT PlusPharmalot The shortage of many medicines in the U.S. remains a ‘systemic’ problem, a new analysis finds The average shortage in 2025 lasted 5.3 years, exceeding the 4.3 years seen in 2024 Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Ed SilvermanJune 9, 2026 Pharmalot Columnist, Senior Writer Ed Silverman[email protected]Ed’s stories explore prescription drug pricing, affordability and access, as well issues surrounding patents, litigation, and legislation. He is also the author of the morning Pharmalittle newsletter and the afternoon Pharmalot newsletter. The number of prescription drug shortages in the U.S. fell by 23% last year, marking the second consecutive year of declines and the lowest level since 2017, according to a new analysis that otherwise found troubling signs about medicines that are in short supply. For instance, the average drug shortage lasted 5.3 years, exceeding the 4.3 years seen in 2024 and greatly outpacing the average two-year shortage experienced in 2019. Moreover, nearly two-thirds of out-of-stock medicines were in short supply for more than three years, and 39% were unavailable for more than five years.Advertisement Meanwhile, the 75 drugs that were in short supply last year spanned 130 therapeutic categories, indicating that shortages affected a wide range of diseases and patient populations, according to the analysis by U.S. Pharmacopeia, an independent organization that develops standards for medicines. 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, public health, STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints Ed Silverman Pharmalot Columnist, Senior Writer Ed’s stories explore prescription drug pricing, affordability and access, as well issues surrounding patents, litigation, and legislation. 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 June 9, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a $10.6 billion GSK deal, an AstraZeneca obesity pill, and more Pharmalot June 8, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about Lilly and Pfizer obesity drug data, Roche and J&J deals, and more Advertisement Pharmalot June 5, 2026 STAT Plus: Up and down the ladder: The latest comings and goings Pharmalot June 5, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about Roche accusing U.S. of ‘blackmail,’ a ruling on skinny labels, and more Pharmalot June 4, 2026 STAT Plus: Supreme Court backs generic drugmaker in ‘skinny labeling’ case Subscriber Picks