Obama by executive order gets FDA to have Drug Manufacturers become fortune tellers

The Detroit Free Press: Obama to order FDA to help reduce drug shortages

President Barack Obama is directing the Food and Drug Administration to take steps to reduce drug shortages, an escalating problem that has endangered patients and raised the possibility of price gouging.

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Obama also will announce his support for House and Senate legislation that would require drug makers to notify the FDA six months ahead of a potential shortage, the official said.

So now manufacturers will have to prognosticate 6 months ahead reagrding the potential supply and demand for any given drug they manufacture. I wonder if the FDA will be supplying Magic 8 Balls to the copmpanies as part of the regulation?

The FDA reported 178 drug shortages last year, and the agency says it continues to see an increase in shortages this year. Major causes of drug shortages are said to be quality or manufacturing problems, or delays in receiving components from suppliers. Drug makers also discontinue certain drugs in favor of newer medications that are more profitable. The FDA does not have authority to force drug makers to continue production of a drug.

Not yet anyway, but I'm sure that will be the next executive order.