Jan 28, 2020 - Science

Coronavirus outbreak fuels concerns about pharma's global supply chain

Caitlin Owens

A medical worker walks out of a hospital in Wuhan, China, on Jan. 27. Photo: Feature China/Barcroft Media via Getty Images

The spread of the coronavirus in China has raised concerns about the pharmaceutical industry's global supply chain, STAT reports.

Between the lines: China produces a large portion of the ingredients used to make drugs. As the coronavirus spreads and sends China increasingly into lockdown, it's causing experts to question whether the supply chain is stable.

By the numbers: 13% of all facilities that make ingredients for drugs sold in the U.S. are located in China, and 85% of medicines in the U.S. strategic national stockpile use some component that comes from China.

Yes, but: Most drugmakers have more than one supplier for the ingredients they need for each medicine.

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Coronavirus outbreak fuels concerns about pharma's global supply chain

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