U.S. Drug Shortages Hit 20-Year Low in 2025

Pharmacists across America are breathing easier after a year that brought genuine progress on a problem that's plagued patients for far too long.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists just released data showing only 89 new prescription drug shortages emerged in 2025. That's the lowest number since 2006 and a dramatic drop from the 130 new shortages recorded in 2024.

Even better news: the total number of medicines in short supply has plummeted. While 323 prescription drugs were hard to find in early 2024, that number fell to 216 by the end of 2025.

The improvement isn't just about new shortages slowing down. Long-standing problems are actually getting solved. Three-quarters of all current shortages began in 2022 or later, meaning the backlog of older supply issues is finally clearing.

This marks a turning point after years when patients struggled to fill prescriptions for everything from cancer drugs to antibiotics. Pharmacists had to scramble for alternatives, and doctors worried about whether their patients could access life-saving treatments.

The reasons behind the improvement are complex, but the impact is crystal clear. Fewer Americans are walking away from pharmacies empty-handed. Fewer doctors are having difficult conversations about unavailable medications.

The Bright Side

While 216 ongoing shortages still means work remains, the trajectory offers real hope. The pharmaceutical supply chain faced enormous pressure during the pandemic and the years that followed. Seeing these numbers move in the right direction shows that targeted efforts to strengthen drug manufacturing and supply chains are paying off.

For patients who've had to delay treatments or switch medications because of shortages, this progress represents more than statistics. It means better access to the medicines that keep them healthy and alive.

The trend also signals something important for the future of American healthcare. When systems identify problems and commit to solutions, meaningful change is possible even in areas as complex as pharmaceutical supply chains.

Progress on drug shortages proves that persistent public health challenges can improve when stakeholders work together toward solutions.