Pfizer runs into yet another problem trying to ship opioid-filled syringes to hospitals

For the third time in six months, Pfizer (PFE) is having difficulty manufacturing certain prefilled syringes of opioid painkillers — and the ongoing supply problems are upsetting hospitals around the country.

The string of difficulties are all occurring at a specific plant that has recently encountered manufacturing issues, although the latest snag with the Carpuject and iSecure syringes is being traced to a component made by a supplier, according to a Jan. 31 letter that Pfizer sent to its customers.

The supply problems began last year after Pfizer undertook remediation at its plant in McPherson, Kan., which makes Pfizer products and also manufactures medicines for other companies. In early 2017, the Food and Drug Administration issued Pfizer a warning letter for various manufacturing gaffes.

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