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War with Iran hits global pharma and medical supply chain

A photo of an oil freighter in the foggy ocean being trailed by a tug boat.
Photo: Barry Iverson/Getty Images

The on-again, off-again closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the ongoing US war with Iran, and restrictions in air travel are having an impact on global pharmaceutical and medical supply chains.

Approximately 30,000 ships pass through the strait each year, “carrying about a fifth of the world’s seaborne oil and natural gas, as well as aluminum, helium, and chemicals used in pharmaceutical production,” reports Pharmaceutical Commerce.

Consequently, delays in shipping are affecting drug production and shipping schedules in and out of