AICARM, founded in 2019 with the aim of contributing to the improvement of the quality of life of patients and to the protection of their rights, cannot remain indifferent in the face of the clear violation of a fundamental right, such as that of having the drugs necessary for the treatment of cardiomyopathies, as has already happened in recent years for Disopyramide itself and for Nadolol, both marketed by the Company CHEPLAPHARM AG, based in Germany. For Nadolol, it was possible to remedy the shortage also with galenic preparations, but Disopyramide does not appear to be available on the market.
AICARM contacted AIFA (Italian Medicines Agency) as soon as the drug shortage was reported and interacted to find out when the product would be available again in pharmacies, but this did not lead to a solution to the problem.
Unfortunately, drug shortages can trigger hoarding and speculation in response to patient demand. This leads to a veritable hunt for the product, engaging patients who, when they do find it, may be forced to purchase it at exorbitant prices.
The drug shortage constitutes a true violation of constitutional principles, and AICARM once again appeals to AIFA and all other relevant institutions to ensure that an adequate solution to the problem is found as quickly as possible.
In order to avoid further shortages, we then invite the competent bodies to organize not only the monitoring of the shortage, but a process of organizing the production and distribution of the missing drugs, which should not depend on a single, potentially monopolistic company.
Finally, AICARM will formally and substantially support any patient initiatives aimed at protecting their rights initiated before the judicial authorities.
Florence 25 June 2025
The President
Prof. Franco Cecchi
