Nearly 400 medicines are at risk of shortages in the UK, according to a new list compiled by NHS England. The list includes cancer drugs such as bendamustine, used to treat non-Hodgkin lymphoma and some leukaemias, as well as stroke treatments like urokinase, which is used for blood clots and pulmonary embolism.
Of the 378 medicines identified, around 80 have no manufacturer at all, meaning supplies would cease if current stock runs out. The remaining 300 have only one supplier, leaving them vulnerable if that manufacturer decides to withdraw. Medicines UK, which represents generic drug manufacturers, warned that shortages could force doctors to find alternatives and could lead to higher prices if demand exceeds supply.
Mark Samuels, chief executive of Medicines UK, said: “The list includes products of critical priority and the ambition is to target those medicines representing the most serious risk to supply resilience, which could lead to shortages affecting patient care.” The warning follows recent shortages of aspirin and other key drugs, as well as ongoing tensions over NHS pricing and tariffs.
The “critical” medicines were identified through a scheme called Project Revive, a collaboration between NHS England, Medicines UK, and the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The scheme will offer incentives for manufacturers to supply the drugs, including fast-tracked licence approvals and guaranteed approval to supply. It is expected to become operational next year.
Fiona Bride, NHS England’s interim chief commercial officer, said: “Ensuring a resilient and stable supply of medicines is fundamental to delivering patient care.” A 12-month pilot of Project Revive will run, with a long-term programme planned for early 2027.
