Executive Summary

Abbott files sNDA requesting approval for use of alternate supplier for Amidate active ingredient etomidate. Company announces shortage of anesthetic in June 18 "Dear Clinician" letter. "Our approved supplier of the active pharmaceutical ingredient has exited the market," letter says. "Clinicians are requested to utilize Amidate judiciously for the interim period of time until Abbott is able to manufacture sufficient inventory to once again meet the market demands." Shortages of another anesthetic, fentanyl, prompted Abbott to double its own production last year (1"The Pink Sheet" March 21, 2001, p. 16)...