(WASHINGTON) – Today, Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) signed on to a bipartisan, bicameral inquiry from a group of Georgia’s Congressional Delegation requesting an update from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on the shortage of drugs needed to treat cancer patients.

The letter was led by Senator Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.). Representatives Lucy McBath (GA-07), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson, Jr. (GA-04), and Dr. Rich McCormick (GA-06) signed the letter as did Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.). 

The group wrote to FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert M. Califf: 

“We have continued to hear from patients and providers about how shortages of chemotherapy drugs present a significant challenge for Georgians. Many have had to consider alternative treatment programs or delay treatment. Unlike other medications, chemotherapy drugs are not interchangeable; many are only effective for specific cancers, and using alternative chemotherapy drugs can substantially reduce the success of the treatment. This shortage has placed a burden on both physicians and caregivers and has put the health of patients at risk.”

The group requested specific information about what the FDA is doing to reduce the shortage and how they are evaluating the safety of any imported chemotherapy drugs.

Several chemo drugs remain in short supply, according to CNN. A survey of 29 cancer centers nationwide in September found 86% reported a shortage of at least one type of anti-center drug.

Click here to read the bipartisan inquiry.

CONTACT: PressGA05@mail.house.gov 

Congresswoman Nikema Williams proudly serves Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District on the exclusive Financial Services Committee. She is a champion of voting rights and builds on the Fifth District’s legacy as the cradle of the civil rights movement as co-chair of the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus. Congresswoman Williams is committed to closing the racial wealth gap and ensuring the promise of America for all–regardless of your ZIP code or bank account.

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