Drug Shortages, PhRMA, FDA, and the world

What are the causes of drug shortages? Can we predict and prepare for shortages? 
-some links for background reports

FDADrug Shortages - Review and Discussion of Key Issues

Summary of the Jan. 6, 2012 Meeting of the Science Board to the FDA

IMS Health IncorporatedDrug Shortages: A Closer Look at Products, Suppliers and Volume Volatility
The drug shortages problem is of increasing concern for patients, clinicians and policymakers. Using IMS Health’s comprehensive, proprietary data on the drug supply chain, we examine the issue from an entirely new point of view, offering insights and recommendations to help the FDA, pharmacists and other healthcare stakeholders monitor and respond to this important issue.

The Pew Charitible Trust
After Heparin: Protecting Consumers from the Risks of Substandard and Counterfeit Drugs
Pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors work together in a robust system to deliver high-quality products, but drug manufacturing and distribution have become increasingly complex in recent years. Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications originate in factories all over the world, moving into the American marketplace through supply chains that can involve numerous processing plants, manufacturers, suppliers, brokers, packagers and distributors.