Hydrochloric acid shortage worrying, says Rx-360

Industry group Rx-360 is warning drugmakers to be on their guard for specification failures among shipments of technical grade hydrochloric acid (HCl), used for a number of processes within the pharmaceutical sector.
 
The shortage seems to be a result of the economic slump causing a reduction in chlorination processes in the chemical sector, which produce HCl as a by-product. Rx-360 is advising companies to contact their HCl suppliers to assure their ability to supply the chemical, examine the supply chain for vulnerabilities that could cause supply interruptions and product authentication concerns, and conduct full analytical testing upon receipt of shipments.

Drugmakers should also make sure they source HCl from a trusted supplier. More information is available here.