Drug Shortage Feared as Novartis AG's Sandoz, Inc. Halts Production

Sandoz, a generic drug company, has discontinued production of several drugs at its Quebec-based plant following a warning letter from the FDA. Sandoz Canada said it would shift production at the plant to medically necessary products, the globe and mail reported. The company did not clarify the impacted drugs and the extent of shortage. FDA has conducted three separate investigations of its Boucherville, Quebec, plant, following up with a warning letter on 18 November 2011. According to the FDA, the plant has not adopted proper procedure to prevent contamination of sterile drug products.