28 November 2024 – The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has announced the launch of the European Shortages Monitoring Platform (ESMP), which will allow marketing authorization holders (MAHs) to report shortages of centrally authorized medicinal products. This marks the start of a transition period ending on 2 February 2025, when the platform’s use will become mandatory. The ESMP is a key development in tackling shortages, facilitating real-time data collection that will improve the monitoring, prevention, and management of shortages across the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA).

The first version of the platform centralizes and automates the reporting of shortages, providing regulatory authorities with comprehensive data to enhance availability. In addition to routine reporting, the platform will evolve by February 2025, when the second version will allow MAHs and national competent authorities (NCAs) to report on the supply, demand, and availability of medicines, especially during crises. These efforts will be coordinated by EMA’s Executive Steering Group on Shortages and Safety of Medicinal Products (MSSG), particularly in response to public health emergencies.

In accordance with Regulation (EU) 2022/123, the ESMP will also grant public access to information on individual medicine shortages, thus fostering better communication and coordination between EMA, NCAs, and industry stakeholders. To ensure a smooth transition before the platform becomes mandatory, EMA is offering users training, webinars, and informational resources.

For more information, see here.