CONSHOHOCKEN, PA — Cencora has significantly amplified its efforts to combat drug shortages through the expansion of its sure supply program, a forward-thinking initiative that now includes nearly 200 critical medications—an increase of more than 350% since its launch in 2021. The program, designed to ensure reliable access to essential treatments, addresses persistent drug shortages that have impacted over 99% of hospital and health system pharmacists.
The sure supply program maintains a six-month safety stock reserve of critical medications for participating health systems, ensuring uninterrupted patient care. This stock is tailored to each health system’s monthly purchasing needs and strategically stored at nearby distribution centers to facilitate prompt access. By negotiating long-term agreements with manufacturers, Cencora ensures the creation of additional inventory without disrupting supply to the broader market, providing hospitals with peace of mind during supply chain disruptions.
“No provider should have to delay or skip operationally critical treatments to patients because of supply gaps,” said Matt Glucksmann, Senior Vice President and President of Health Systems & Government Services at Cencora. “Our sure supply program is designed so that providers have reliable access to the medications they need, when they need them. By working closely with manufacturers to create additional inventory, we’re helping to build a more resilient supply chain and mitigate the impacts of drug shortages.”
The program covers life-saving treatments across multiple therapeutic areas, including oncology, cardiovascular care, infectious diseases, and critical care. Unlike other industry solutions, Cencora only adds medications to the program if their production will not impact existing market demand, ensuring a balanced approach. Within the last year, all hospitals enrolled in the program have relied on their safety stock at some point, showcasing the program’s value during severe national shortages.
“The sure supply program has been instrumental in helping our system navigate severe national drug shortages,” said Austin Pytlowany, PharmD, BCPS, Clinical Pharmacist Specialist for Drug Shortage Management at the University of Michigan Health System. “Offerings, such as commonly used oncology treatments, have allowed our team to continue providing uncompromised care for our patients. This program gives us peace of mind that we’ll be able to dispense our most critical products to the patients who need them, allowing us to focus on delivering best-in-class care.”
Cencora’s innovative approach to addressing drug shortages is a crucial step toward improving supply chain resilience. With an expanded portfolio of critical medications and a continued commitment to collaboration with manufacturers, the sure supply program plays a pivotal role in supporting health systems and ensuring patients receive uninterrupted care. By scaling its efforts and leveraging its distribution network, Cencora is well-positioned to further strengthen the healthcare supply chain and mitigate future shortages.
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