A new platform called the European Medicines Shortages Platform (ESMP) has recently been created by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). This platform will help to track the supply and demand of medicine in the European Union (EU) and other areas to reduce the likelihood of future shortages.
The COVID-19 pandemic contributed towards international medicine shortages and became a major challenge for suppliers, professionals and end-users. Platforms such as the ESMP aim to help control medicines shortages, assisting with monitoring data and responding more efficiently to the current market, particularly during times of high demand.
The ESMP has been available from 28 November 2024 for marketing authorisation holders (MAHs) to submit reports on shortages. While this is currently voluntary, from 2 February 2025, it will be compulsory for MAHs to submit reports to this platform.
In times of crisis, both MAHs and national competent authorities will need to submit to the ESMP to help the Executive Steering Group on Shortages and Safety of Medicinal Products (MSSG) coordinate urgent action.
Regulatory professionals should familiarise themselves with the ESMP platform and refer to the guidance and training materials available. For more information, visit the EMA’s website.
