Drug supply shortages have become a major public health issue. The figures speak for themselves: in 2024, nearly 4,000 reports of shortages or potential shortages were recorded. This phenomenon primarily affects cardiovascular, neurological, and anti-infective drugs.

On March 8, a roundtable discussion moderated by Laurent Lefort of *Le Moniteur des Pharmacies* brought together several speakers: Céline Kauv (Director of Pharmaceutical Affairs at Leem), Sébastien Michel (member of the board of directors at Gemme), Guillaume Racle (pharmacist in Épernay – USPO), Jean-Pierre Thierry (medical advisor – France Assos Santé), Pierre-Olivier Farenq (Director of the Emergency Response Center – ANSM), and Magali Charpin (Deputy CEO and Head Pharmacist – FM France).

Together, they explored a sensitive issue: who benefits from drug shortages?

The complexity of the supply chain is at the heart of the problem. As Pierre-Olivier Farenq explains, identifying the exact source of shortages is crucial to implementing effective management measures. Micro-disruptions—these daily fluctuations in availability—exacerbate the situation. Guillaume Racle points out that these micro-disruptions are all the more problematic because they vary by region, sometimes making them invisible to authorities.

Transparency and trust among stakeholders appear to be potential solutions. Magali Charpin, representing the warehouses at this roundtable, expressed regret that these essential intermediaries are often excluded from discussions, even though they are in a position to detect early warning signs of disruption. A charter of commitment among stakeholders in the supply chain has been signed to strengthen this coordination.

Financial penalties, which are supposed to regulate the market, paradoxically reveal the system’s weaknesses. Sébastien Michel, of Gemme, denounces “negative profitability.” He asserts that generic drug manufacturers, who already face generic drug prices that are 41% lower than in the four comparable European countries, are now facing penalties of up to 50% of their revenue.

The debate also highlighted the geoeconomic dimension of the shortages. In response to these challenges, innovative solutions are emerging. Single-dose dispensing was discussed as a temporary measure designed to encourage manufacturers to adapt their packaging to patients’ actual needs.

There are many challenges: maintaining a stable supply, ensuring access to medicines, and fostering innovation while keeping costs under control. Experts are calling for a collaborative, Europe-wide approach, noting that market fragmentation and a lack of transparency at the international level make inventory management significantly more difficult. Harmonizing regulations and improving coordination among countries appear to be promising avenues for progress.

This roundtable discussion highlighted the need for a systemic approach. Drug shortages are not an isolated problem, but rather the result of complex tensions between economic, industrial, and public health issues.

For patients, the stakes are high: maintaining consistent and reliable access to essential treatments. To achieve this, a profound transformation of the pharmaceutical ecosystem now seems inevitable.

To watch the recordings of the talks, visit our mobile app*!

*Replays are available only to 2025 participants.