FDA monitors supply chain impact of COVID-19

To mitigate possible disruptions in the medical product sector, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is surveilling the supply chain for potential shortages of medical products and raw materials produced in China. This effort includes tracking reports of orders for personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical devices. Among the tools at the FDA’s disposal, the agency can expedite the review of alternate supplies to prevent shortages. Currently FDA inspections of Chinese manufacturing facilities have been suspended due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The agency typically conducts 500 inspections annually in China related to drugs, foods and medical devices. None of the vaccines, gene therapies or blood derivatives licensed by the FDA for use in the United States are manufactured in China. (FDA statement, 2/14/20)