Senators Query FDA on Coronavirus Resources, Shortages

Two U.S. senators have asked FDA whether it has the necessary resources to ensure active pharmaceutical ingredients and other medical products and food imported from China are safe in light of the current coronavirus outbreak. In a 2/6 letter to FDA commissioner Stephen Hahn, senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Chris Murphy (D-CT) asked FDA to detail what steps it has taken to make sure there are no drug or device shortages resulting from the outbreak, and whether the agency is coordinating with companies on contingent plans should shortages occur.

The senators also sought information on how the outbreak is impacting inspections in China. They note that the government ordered non-essential personnel out of the country, and asked Hahn how many FDA personnel remain in China to conduct inspections.

The senators asked FDA to respond by 2/18.