Explosion at quake-hit Japan nuke plant sparks shortage of iodine-containing drugs

A Japanese nuclear power plant was hit by an explosion Saturday, raising fears of a radioactive meltdown and as a result, fears over radiation sickness are becoming an increasing boon here for companies making iodine-containing medicines – so much so that they’re having trouble keeping up with demand.

“Iodine-containing drugs, which can be used against radiation sickness, are normally not on...