# ASPR Assesses Medicine Supply Chains

HHS’s Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), and the Department of War are assessing vulnerabilities in the U.S. pharmaceutical key starting materials (KSM) supply chain. BIS is conducting a one-time industry survey under its Defense Production Act authority to gather information on manufacturing capacity, sourcing, disruptions, workforce, and research and development. The findings are intended to inform federal funding strategies and resilience investments; the announcement is an assessment, not an open contract solicitation.

- Manufacturers, chemical suppliers, distributors, procurers, and customers should be prepared to provide information on the KSM supply chain. The signal does not specify a survey deadline or describe the survey as a procurement opportunity.
- Companies involved in domestic production can use the assessment’s focus areas—capacity, sourcing, disruptions, workforce, and R&D—to organize relevant supply-chain information for federal engagement.
- The work follows 2026 support for domestic production of shikimic acid by Manus Bio and thebaine by Antheia, indicating federal interest in strengthening domestic sources of medicine inputs.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Healthcare
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** November 03, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
- Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR)
- U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce)
- Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)
- U.S. Department of War (War)

### Vendors
- Manus Bio (investment recipient)
- Antheia Inc. (investment recipient)

### Key Quotes
> A clearer picture of the KSM industrial base will help us identify gaps in manufacturing capacity and dependencies that could disrupt the production of essential medicines. The assessment will provide information to guide future investments and strengthen the supply chains needed to respond to public health emergencies.
> — Arlene Joyner, IBMSC Deputy Assistant Secretary

> Ensuring access to essential medicines starts with the materials needed to make them. Our partnership with Commerce and War will help the Trump Administration understand where those materials come from, identify vulnerabilities, and inform efforts to strengthen domestic production and prepare for public health emergencies.
> — Sean Kaufman, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, ASPR

### Sources
- [ASPR Partners with Departments of Commerce, War to Strengthen Supply Chain for Key Starting Materials Used in Medicines | ASPR](https://www.aspr.gov/news-updates/newsroom/2026-11/partners-departments-commerce-war-strengthen) - Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) (.gov)