I don’t think the shortage will be over in the next 2-3 years at the least. This is a huge problem that the media only briefly covers. Biden just announced 25b to semiconductors bc homeland security knows we have major flaws in the supply chain.
big pharma does not equal generic drug manufacture. HCQ is available by at least 8 different manufacturers in America.
As a drug wholesaler, this drug increased from ~20$ for a 100ct bottle to ~$100 for a 100ct bottle. At its height of popularity in late April, all supply chain went to McKesson/Cardinal/Amerisource with daily allocations to smaller independent/regional wholesalers. State boards of Pharmacy specifically changed law to make sure this drug was given to those that actually needed it for RA.
The author does make great points on big pharma and absurdity of patents/costs, but HCQ is not a great way to illustrate that point.
Lastly, HCQ was so overproduced that by the end of July 100ct bottles were selling to smaller regional wholesalers off contract at $3-5 per 100 ct bottle. Patients can probably buy this cash pay from an independent pharmacy for $10 now.