How COVID-19 affects the availability of prescription drugs
Impact of COVID-19 on Drug Shortages
This study looks at how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the availability of prescription drugs in the U.S. and how that might have impacted patients' health, especially those in long-term care and outpatient settings, while also comparing how the U.S. and Canada handled drug shortages during this time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10906013 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the supply chain of prescription drugs in the United States. It aims to understand how disruptions in drug availability can lead to treatment interruptions, which may worsen health outcomes for patients. By analyzing the frequency of drug shortages and their effects on clinical outcomes, particularly in long-term care and outpatient settings, the study seeks to fill a critical knowledge gap. Additionally, it compares the effectiveness of drug shortage policies implemented in the US and Canada during the pandemic.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who rely on prescription medications, particularly those in long-term care or outpatient settings, would be ideal candidates to benefit from this research.
Not a fit: Patients who do not use prescription medications or those whose treatment does not rely on the availability of specific drugs may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved policies that ensure a stable supply of essential medications during public health emergencies.
How similar studies have performed: While the issue of drug shortages is well-documented, this research addresses a relatively novel aspect of how global emergencies like COVID-19 specifically impact drug availability and patient outcomes.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Suda, Kj — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Suda, Kj
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.