The EMA publishes the first list of essential medicines for COVID-19

The Drug Shortage Steering Group of the European Medicines Agency (EMA, for its acronym in English) has published the first list of essential medicines authorized for the treatment of COVID-19 and that have been approved in the European Union.

The ready It will be updated to reflect changes in the pandemic situation that may lead to an increased risk of shortages of certain medicines, or following the authorization of new medicines.

However, the EMA has advised that this work does not replace the national guidance on vaccination and clinical management of COVID-19.

The Marketing Authorization Holders (MAH) of the medicinal products included in the list must regularly inform the EMA on potential or actual drug shortages, available stocks, and forecasts of supply and demand. In addition, member states must provide periodic reports on the estimated demand for critical medicines at the national level.

This will allow the agency to recommend and coordinate appropriate actions to the European Commission and the member states of the European Union to prevent or mitigate potential or actual shortages of these medicines.

The EMA MAHs and national competent authorities will be contacted individually to inform them about the timelines, processes and tools to collect the required information after the adoption of the list.