Last week, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H., announced that the IV saline solutions shortage has been resolved. Makary stated that the nationwide shortage of sodium chloride 0.9 percent injection products, a form of intravenous (IV) saline, has officially ended. 

“This success is the result of close collaboration between the FDA, the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, and our industry partners, who worked swiftly and strategically to expand manufacturing capacity and restore stability to the supply chain,” Makary explained.

Furthermore, Makary noted, “The FDA used its available regulatory tools to help increase supplies available to hospitals to help meet patient needs. For example, the FDA conducted scientific and regulatory assessments to help facilitate the temporary importation of intravenous solutions and expedited reviews to increase manufacturing capacities and extend product expiry.”

“For other IV fluids still in shortage, the FDA is working closely with manufacturers and will continue to monitor the supply to help ensure patients have access to the medicines they need,” Makary reassured.