One of the congressional champions of addressing the drug shortage crisis, Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), has introduced an amendment to the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act, legislation currently before the Senate, to prompt consideration of the issue. ASCO President Michael Link, MD, expressed ASCO’s support for Senator Klobuchar’s push for legislative action in the Senate.

“ASCO is very grateful for Senator Klobuchar’s continuing leadership and focus on this issue, particularly in quick response to the dire circumstances around the shortage of preservative-free methotrexate,” stated Dr. Link. “We hope that her amendment will help ensure prompt congressional action on long-term fixes needed to avoid these crises in the future.”

In addition to her amendment, Senator Klobuchar’s outreach to the companies producing methotrexate, along with inquiries by ASCO, COG, ASPHO, and others in the cancer community, are beginning to have positive effects. Both Mylan and Hospira have issued statements saying that it is now working towards increasing production to address the shortage.

“We commend the Food and Drug Administration and both Mylan and Hospira for their efforts to avert this shortage,” said Dr. Link. “ASCO hopes that other companies follow suit to prioritize availability of this drug that is necessary to sustain the dramatic cure rates for acute lymphoblastic leukemia.”