Drug shortages represent a significant global threat to patient care, healthcare systems, and public health. This session examines how real-world evidence (RWE) can play a critical role in addressing these challenges. Pharmacoepidemiology, which excels in analyzing real-world data, offers valuable insights that can help proactively identify potential shortages, optimize supply chains, and improve patient outcomes. By leveraging advances in RWE, pharmacoepidemiology can support a more proactive approach to managing drug shortages and refining research methodologies. The session will address key aspects of drug shortages, including the global and local disparities in their impact on patient care and outcomes. Additionally, it will explore strategies to enhance the response to drug shortages across stakeholders—such as regulators, clinicians, manufacturers, and wholesalers—by sharing expertise and fostering collaboration. Finally, we will discuss the potential of predictive modeling, using advanced pharmacoepidemiological and artificial intelligence methods, to strengthen policymakers' preparedness and responsiveness to drug shortages.
