Angels For Change Announces Key Update On Project PROTECT Grant Award: Fagron To Supply Critical Dextrose Amid Predicted Shortages

(MENAFN- PR Newswire)

TAMPA, Fla., Nov. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Angels for Change is proud to announce a significant milestone in Project PROTECT , which aims to anticipate and mitigate critical U.S. drug shortages of essential medicines through non-profit partnership.

Angels for Change 2023 Project PROTECT grant recipient Fagron Sterile Services US completes the Preparation and Protective phases for preservative-free Dextrose 70% injection solution, an essential medication for hydration and blood sugar control. Dextrose is currently on the FDA's drug shortage list.


Laura Bray, founder and Chief Change Maker at Angels for Change proudly displays a vial of Dextrose injection solution produced at a Fagron Sterile Services US state-of-the-art 503B outsourcing facility.


A Fagron Sterile Services US employee sets up a Refractive Index (RI) Detector. The specialized detector was utilized in quality testing for Dextrose injection solutions. While most potency methods utilize a UV detector, Dextrose lacks UV chromophores and can not be analyzed or detected by a standard UV detector; therefore, an RI Detector is necessary.


Laura Bray, founder and Chief Change Maker at Angels for Change, discusses critical quality control processes for Dextrose injection solutions with Fagron Sterile Services US analytical lab employees at a state-of-the-art 503B outsourcing facility.


Learn more about Angels for Change and Project PROTECT at


Learn more about 503B outsourcing services from Fagron Sterile Services US by visiting


Learn more about the Children's Hospital Association at

Angels for Change and Fagron secure Dextrose supply, combat critical shortage with Children's Hospital Association.

Post thi

Fagron Sterile Services US (FSS), a subsidiary of Fagron, recipient of the 2023 Project PROTECT grant and a leader in the 503B outsourcing industry, has completed the Preparation and Protective phases for preservative-free Dextrose 70% injection solution , an essential medication for hydration and blood sugar control. This achievement is especially significant in light of the recent flooding and damage to Baxter's North Cove manufacturing site due to Hurricane Helene. The resulting supply shortages prompted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to include Dextrose on its drug shortage list as of October 12, 2024. However, with the strategic preparations made through Project PROTECT, Dextrose will remain accessible to vulnerable patients, especially PICU and NICU babies, amid these supply chain disruptions.

As a leading 503B outsourcing company, FSS takes a pivotal role in bridging the healthcare supply chain gap. "By securing a supply of Dextrose, we underscore our commitment to Angels for Change, our customers, and most importantly, the patients they serve, addressing the concerns surrounding this drug shortage," said Ray Dixon, Senior Vice President of Commercial at Fagron Sterile Services.

Strengthening the Healthcare Supply Chain Against Shortages

Launched in 2022, Project PROTECT is Angels for Change's proactive approach to build resilience in the U.S. healthcare supply chain. It establishes additional onshore 503B manufacturing of essential medicines at risk of shortage, before shortages occur, ensuring additional onshore supply during disruptions.

One focal point of Project PROTECT has been preventing impact from Total Parental Nutrition (TPN) related pharmacy shortages. This focus is a result of deep collaboration with Children's Hospital Association (CHA) and Angels for Change. Through funding grants and strategic partnerships, Project PROTECT empowers manufacturers like Fagron to ensure the availability of critical medications before disruptions arise, reassuring the public about the preparedness for potential disruptions.

Dr. Shabnam Gaskari, Chief Pharmacy Officer at Stanford Medicine, Children's Health says "This partnership is essential in safeguarding our most vulnerable patients - pediatric populations - from the impact of drug shortages. The collaboration between Angels for Change, Fagron, and the Children's Hospital Association exemplifies how proactive, strategic initiatives can transform healthcare delivery, empowering us to meet pediatric patient needs more effectively during challenging times."

Of the 9 medicines awarded PROTECT grants by Angels for Change, 33% have been added to the FDA shortage list. The Project PROTECT model has again succeeded by limiting the patient impact of shortages for the Dextrose disruption. Previously PROTECT ensured access to 750,000 shortage treatments for patients, mostly children .

"Our partnerships with trusted organizations like CHA and Fagron, are preventing disruptions in care for our nation's most vulnerable patients. I would like to thank them for their commitment to patient care. On average, it takes 12 months to move a PROTECT medicine from selection to production. This vital work is building the supply chain of the future. We must value this work and accelerate it to ensure access to care" said Laura Bray, founder and Chief Change Maker at Angels for Change.

Fagron's Role in Proactive Patient Protection

As part of this strategic partnership, FSS's production readiness for Dextrose addresses potential supply gaps stemming from anticipated disruptions, including seasonal and environmental impacts on significant suppliers. Its proactive approach to providing essential Dextrose supply demonstrates the power of a patient-centered strategy in preventing healthcare crises and underscores Fagron's commitment to public health and wellbeing. This strong partnership between Fagron and Angels for Change instills confidence in the public about the proactive approach to healthcare and medication availability.

"Fagron, through FSS and Fagron's other companies in the United States and abroad, remains committed to quality and safety within pharmaceutical compounding. Through our partnership with Angels for Change, we are proactively securing essential medications for healthcare providers across the country," said Jason McGuire, Senior Vice President of Operations at Fagron Sterile Services, emphasizing Fagron's commitment to patient care and healthcare.

Children's Hospital Association's Role in Safeguarding Pediatric Health Amid Drug Shortages

The Children's Hospital Association (CHA) has been instrumental in addressing the recent hurricane-related shortages, focusing on critical needs for hydration and TPN management in pediatric care. Working closely with Angels for Change and Project PROTECT, CHA has mobilized resources and advocated for rapid response strategies to mitigate the shortage's impact on children nationwide. Leveraging its network of over 200 children's hospitals, CHA has prioritized essential needs of pediatric patients, coordinating with healthcare providers and policymakers to secure a reliable drug supply for children.

"Because children are disproportionately impacted by drug shortages and have unique pharmaceutical needs, collaborating in projects like this to raise awareness and advance work on supporting children's health is a high priority," said Terri Lyle Wilson, Vice President of Pharmacy at Children's Hospital Association.

About Project PROTECT

Project PROTECT is a scalable program that provides grants to 503B outsourcing facilities. Its goal is to ensure the continuous availability and supply of over 100 essential medications vulnerable to shortages. This award-winning program enhances supply chain resilience and supports patient care nationwide. To learn more, visit .

About Angels for Change

Founded in Tampa, FL, Angels for Change is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to ending drug shortages through advocacy, awareness, and a resilient supply chain. Inspired by her daughter's experience with life-saving drug shortages, founder Laura Bray leads the efforts to ensure all patients can access essential medicines when needed. Website:

About Children's Hospital Association

The Children's Hospital Association is the national voice for more than 200 children's hospitals. They are advancing child health through innovation in the quality, cost, and delivery of care in children's hospitals and health systems. Follow us on Facebook @childrenshospital , Twitter @hospitals4kid and website:

About Fagron Sterile Services US (FSS)

Fagron Sterile Services US (FSS) is a globally integrated 503B outsourcing partner dedicated to serving healthcare providers nationwide with high-quality, essential medications. As a trusted supplier, FSS is advancing patient safety while supporting supply chain resilience across critical care, labor and delivery, ophthalmic, pain management, and more. Discover a range of sterile solutions at . LinkedIn: @FagronSterile

About Fagron

Fagron, the leading global player in pharmaceutical compounding, brings customized pharmaceutical care to hospitals, pharmacies, prescribers and industry in more than 30 countries worldwide. Visit . LinkedIn: @Fagron

Media contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Fagron Sterile Services US; Angels for Change

WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE? 440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers 9k+
Digital Media
Outlets 270k+
Journalists
Opted In GET STARTED

MENAFN14112024003732001241ID1108886392