RAPID Reserve Act

The RAPID Reserve Act creates a federal program requiring drug manufacturers to maintain 6-month reserves of critical medicines with vulnerable supply chains - such as those concentrated in single regions or with few producers. Eligible manufacturers (with FDA-registered facilities and strong quality records) must store these reserves domestically or in OECD countries and share them during emergencies, like shortages or public health crises. The program prioritizes domestic production, allocates $500 million for fiscal year 2026, and mandates HHS to publish a list of covered drugs and report on the program’s effectiveness. It directly affects drug manufacturers and distributors selected to participate in the reserve system.