The World Health Organisation is Calling on Roche to Ensure Steady Drug Supplies

Supply chain disruptions are causing stocks of Roche’s tocilizumab arthritis drug used to treat COVID-19 to run low and the WHO is urging the pharmaceutical giant to address the situation.

The global shortage of the drug, which is sold by Roche under the brand names Actemra and RoActemra has been attributed to many factors including the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and its impact on supply chains and the shortage of freight drivers and other workers caused by Brexit.

In accordance with the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator (ACT-A), its programme to fairly distribute COVID-19 vaccines, drugs, and tests across the world, the WHO is collaborating with Roche to deliver Actemra and RoActemra to parts of the world where it is not yet available.

“We recognize the urgency around the situation and understand the frustration that patients, their families and healthcare providers are experiencing due to these supply constraints,” said Roche in a press release. “Genentech and Roche are working as quickly as possible to expedite replenishments and increase manufacturing capacity and supply, including through active collaboration with external partners. Genentech has implemented new distribution strategies for hospital and clinic customers to enable access for the greatest number of patients, as supply permits.”