Middle East conflict disrupts pharma air routes, threatens supply of cancer drugs

DUBAI — Ongoing hostilities in the Middle East have begun to disrupt the transportation of essential medicines to Gulf countries, raising concerns among industry executives about the continued supply of cancer treatments and other critical drugs that require refrigeration.

The recent escalation, triggered by US and Israeli military actions against Iran two weeks ago and further intensified by Iranian strikes across the region, has led to the closure of key air transit hubs and shipping routes. This has affected the movement of various goods, including pharmaceuticals, food, and oil, according to industry officials.

Executives from Western pharmaceutical companies have reported that the conflict has forced them to seek alternative routes for delivering medicines into the Gulf. Some companies are now transporting drugs overland from airports in Saudi Arabia, such as Jeddah and Riyadh, to reach their destinations. These measures are being taken to maintain the supply of medicines, particularly those with short shelf lives and strict cold-chain storage requirements.

While significant shortages have not yet been observed, some executives have cautioned that the situation could worsen if the conflict continues. The Gulf region is heavily dependent on imports for its pharmaceutical needs, and the logistical challenges posed by the current disruptions make it difficult to ensure timely delivery of temperature-sensitive drugs.

Industry leaders emphasized that extended overland shipping is less practical for certain medicines due to their limited shelf life and the need for consistent refrigeration. The ongoing conflict has therefore introduced new complexities in maintaining the steady flow of life-saving treatments to patients in the region.