NEW YORK — This week, the Generics Access Project(GAP) and 46 leading patient advocacy organizations sent a letter to Senate HELP and House Energy & Commerce leadership to stress the urgent need for congressional action to alleviate the worsening drug shortage crisis.

 A record high of 323 prescription medicines – the majority of which are affordable, generic medicines – are currently in shortage. Generics make up 91% of all prescriptions filled in the U.S. and are critical in expanding patient access to affordable, safe, and effective treatment options.

 While Congress, the Administration, and regulatory agencies have held hearings, opened RFIs, and introduced “potential solutions,” there has been little done to move the needle – and patients are growing wary. That’s why GAP and groups across cancer, diabetes, asthma and allergy, arthritis, and more joined forces to call on Congress to mitigate the current and active risks as well as progressive solutions to the ongoing systemic issues behind the shortages.

 While there is no silver bullet to address drug shortages, our letter highlights recommendations that prioritize patient access and protect the viability of the generics market, including recommendations put forth by U.S. Pharmacopeia and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s drug shortage task force.