Persistent drug shortages over the past decade may hamper Americans' ability to access the medications they need, when they need them. The average drug shortage now lasts for three years, up from two years in 2020, according to a new report form U.S. Pharmacopeia.

"As we navigate the complex landscape of drug shortages, it is paramount to shift the market into a stable state," said Anthony Lakavage, senior vice president for global external affairs for the independent organization. "Economic pressures, especially the very low prices that generics manufacturers recover for many medicines, along with contracts that are frequently broken, have left our generic medicine supply chain fragile. Unexpected shocks can break the system and disrupt the supply of quality medicines."