STAQ Pharma Awarded Project PROTECT Grant

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, FL APRIL 22, 2025—Angels for Change is pleased to announce a significant update on Project PROTECT, a national initiative focused on preventing drug shortages through strategic partnerships with trusted essential medicine manufacturers.

STAQ Pharma, a hospital-owned 503B outsourcing supplier, has completed the necessary preparations to manufacture two life-saving medications—Furosemide and Bumetanide—both vital for treating heart failure, kidney disease, and liver conditions. These medications are currently listed on the FDA and ASHP drug shortage lists.

Additionally, STAQ Pharma has been awarded a 2025 Project PROTECT grant to develop and produce Magnesium Sulfate 40 mg/mL in 50 mL IV bags, a medication critical in emergency care, particularly for pregnant patients experiencing life-threatening complications.

“Partnering with Angels for Change enables us to proactively address critical shortages and ensure medications like Furosemide and Bumetanide remain available to healthcare systems and patients who depend on them,” said Mark Spiecker, President of STAQ Pharma.

Strengthening the Healthcare Supply Chain

Launched in 2022, Project PROTECT was designed to reinforce the U.S. healthcare supply chain by providing grants to 503B outsourcing suppliers, such as STAQ Pharma. This initiative ensures that life-saving medications are prepared in advance of supply chain disruptions, helping healthcare systems remain resilient in times of crisis.

STAQ Pharma’s 2025 Project PROTECT grant will ensure the production of Magnesium Sulfate, adding to its previous awards for Furosemide, Bumetanide, Potassium Chloride, and Sodium Chloride. This positions STAQ Pharma as a critical protector of five essential medications, maintaining a steady supply of vital drugs in ready-to-administer formats for healthcare providers nationwide. The PROTECT partnership with STAQ has already helped support hundreds of thousands of patients during shortages and was recognized by CNN in 2023. 

“Through Project PROTECT, we’re taking critical steps to shield patients from drug shortages. By working with trusted partners like STAQ Pharma, we’re ensuring that the most vulnerable medications are available, even during national emergencies,” said Laura Bray, Founder and Chief Change Maker at Angels for Change.

STAQ Pharma’s Role in Addressing Drug Shortages

STAQ Pharma remains focused on proactively addressing supply gaps caused by seasonal, market, or environmental disruptions. As a hospital-owned 503B outsourcing supplier, STAQ is committed to producing high-quality, reliable medications that healthcare systems can depend on—especially during times of uncertainty.

“We’re proud to work with Angels for Change to create long-term solutions that safeguard patient care,” said Jeff Hval, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer at STAQ Pharma.

About Project PROTECT

Project PROTECT is an innovative program that grants 503B Outsourcing Facilities to ensure the continuous availability of essential medications vulnerable to shortages. By proactively supporting the production of life-saving drugs, Project PROTECT strengthens the resilience of the healthcare supply chain. To learn more, visit www.angelsforchange.org/project-protect.

About Angels for Change

Angels for Change is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending drug shortages through advocacy, awareness, and building a resilient supply chain. For more information, visit www.angelsforchange.org.

About STAQ Pharma

STAQ Pharma is a hospital-owned 503B outsourcing supplier that supplies critical medications to healthcare systems nationwide. With two FDA-registered facilities, STAQ delivers high-quality sterile injectables, IV bags, and syringes to help providers navigate drug shortages and support patient care. Learn more at www.staqpharma.com.

Issue 11, Quarter 1, 2025 of the Change Maker Chronicle

The Spring edition of The Change Maker Chronicle is here!

We’re taking you to the NEXT LEVEL with bold steps, real stories, and a behind-the-scenes look at what’s NEXT in the fight to end drug shortages. In this issue, you’ll hear from some of our Shortage Warriors and experience the powerful impact their voices have on the community. From milestone wins to what’s ahead in Q2, see how we continue to LEVEL UP our mission—together.

👉 Read the Changemaker Chronicle: Issue 11, Quarter 1, 2025

This is what is possible when Change Makers like you join us in the NEXT LEVEL of the fight to end drug shortages!

#NextLevel2025
#LevelUp
#EndingDrugShortagesNOW
#ChangeMakerChronicle

Local woman credits nonprofit amid I.V. fluid shortage

Angels for Change was recently featured in a powerful News10 story highlighting our mission to end drug shortages and the critical impact our work has on patients across the country. The piece shares the story of Brooke, a patient in Warrensburg, N.Y., who faced a terrifying delay in receiving her IV fluid treatments due to a national shortage.

When traditional supply chain solutions failed, Brooke and her mother, Cathy, turned to Angels for Change. Through our national network and rapid advocacy efforts, we were able to help locate the essential IV fluids she needed to continue her care, demonstrating once again how patient-centered advocacy can make a life-saving difference.

Behind every shortage is a real person with real needs. Thank you, News10, for raising awareness around the drug shortage crisis. We are committed to advocating for patients, raising awareness, and building a more resilient and equitable pharmaceutical supply chain.

Watch the news segment below and read the news article here.