Between 2021 and 2024, global medication shortages significantly intensified, affecting a wide range of essential drugs in both developing and developed countries.

The shortages arose primarily from supply chain disruptions, spikes in demand, and manufacturing delays.

These factors combined to create critical impacts on ordinary patients, with healthcare systems employing various strategies to manage and mitigate adverse effects.

In the United States, the first quarter of 2024 saw a record shortage of 323 drugs, surpassing the previous high of 320 in 2014.

The affected medications spanned multiple therapeutic areas, including diabetes treatments such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, adrenaline used for allergy emergencies, pediatric antibiotics like amoxicillin, cancer chemotherapy drugs, and injectable medicines critical for intensive care support.

The unprecedented demand for certain medications, especially weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Mounjaro, strained the supply system.

Fragmented supply chains, manufacturing delays, and increased demand collectively contributed to this crisis.

The shortage forced some hospitals to ration chemotherapy drugs and diverted cancer patients to other facilities, directly compromising patient care.

Authorities including the American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP) advocated for stronger government intervention, emphasizing the need for increased transparency from manufacturers and diversification of supply chains.

The White House proposed multi-billion dollar funding plans aimed at increasing domestic production and improving supply chain resilience over the coming decade.

Manufacturers such as Eli Lilly responded by ramping up production capabilities to meet demand spikes, particularly for weight-loss medications .

Simultaneously, the United States grappled with a severe shortage of penicillin G benzathine beginning in 2023 amid a surge in syphilis cases—the highest since 1990.

This antibiotic is a frontline treatment, especially for pregnant women and newborns, to prevent congenital syphilis, a condition associated with miscarriage and infant mortality.

The shortage resulted from increased use to treat infections such as strep throat, manufacturing bottlenecks (notably Pfizer as the sole US producer), and logistical challenges.

Health authorities considered declaring a public health emergency to unlock funds and resources.

Since alternative treatments like doxycycline require longer regimens and have less definitive evidence, there were concerns about incomplete treatment adherence and further disease spread.

In response, healthcare systems rationed available supplies, prioritizing vulnerable populations, and adjusted treatment protocols across several states .

In Estonia, drug shortages worsened from 183 drugs in shortage in 2021 to 450 by 2023.

Shortages affected critical drugs for heart attack and stroke patients, as well as antibiotics, antipyretics for children, and kidney medicines.

Causes included elevated demand—again notably linked to Ozempic—and disruptions in raw material supply from overseas production hubs, combined with limited manufacturing capacity.

These shortages forced clinicians to identify substitute treatments often with scarce information about efficacy or equivalency.

To ease patient burden, the Health Insurance Fund extended discounts for alternative medicines.

Authorities and pharmacy unions promoted communication to prevent panic buying, advising households to maintain reasonable stocks of common medications without hoarding .

Europe at large also faced widespread shortages late in 2023.

Countries including Belgium, Germany, Austria, and Italy reported shortages affecting hundreds to thousands of drug names.

These shortages disrupted access to antibiotics, pediatric paracetamol, blood pressure medications, and cough syrups.

Contributing factors were multifaceted: raw material deficits, limited production capacity amid inflation and energy crises, and geopolitical sanctions affecting trade.

Media coverage sometimes triggered panic buying which exacerbated supply issues.

Australia likewise experienced notable antibiotic shortages due to disrupted import schedules.

European health authorities and governments emphasized coordinated communication, urging the media and stakeholders to manage public expectations and stock levels to reduce unnecessary demand spikes and ensure equitable distribution .

A comprehensive report from The New York Times documented a 30% rise in generic drug shortages in the US between 2021 and 2022, with some shortages persisting for as long as 15 years.

The affected drugs included inexpensive but critical medications like common antibiotics and anesthetics.

Economic pressures, including low profit margins on generics, limited supply chain transparency, and heavy dependence on manufacturing centers in India and China, were identified as key drivers.

This concentration increases vulnerability to natural disasters, trade disruptions, or geopolitical tensions, raising concerns about national security.

Physicians reported rationing cancer drugs and other vital medicines, describing the situation as a “slow-motion tragedy.”

Policymakers called for regulatory reforms to increase manufacturing diversity and improve supply chain oversight to stabilize drug availability .

In 2023, over 250 prescription drugs in the US were in shortage, mostly generic products that included chemotherapy agents, Adderall (used for ADHD), lidocaine, and amoxicillin.

Patients often faced the practical difficulty of traveling between multiple pharmacies, sometimes over long distances, to secure medications.

Manufacturing quality control issues, production delays, and some product discontinuations worsened shortages.

The pricing of scarce drugs increased on average by approximately 16.6%, with alternatives sometimes costing threefold more, leading to financial strain on patients and families.

Healthcare experts recommended proactive patient behaviors such as early prescription refills, checking national shortage tracking resources, and using discount programs or apps to manage access and costs .

In Egypt, medication shortages have remained critical during this period due to high reliance on imported raw materials (95%) and ongoing foreign currency shortages.

Additional compounding factors include the smuggling of subsidized medicines to conflict-affected neighboring countries such as Libya and Sudan, which further erodes local availability.

The medicines in short supply include insulin, cancer drugs, anesthetics, surgical supplies, vaccines, and children's medicines, heavily impacting public hospitals serving vulnerable populations reliant on subsidized pharmaceuticals.

Despite adequate production capacity and sufficient stocks that could last four to six months under normal conditions, economic and supply chain disruptions maintain the crisis.

The Egyptian government has taken steps to allocate foreign currency to pharmaceutical imports, bolster supply chain inspections, and adjust pricing policies to reflect exchange rate changes.

However, illicit trade and weakened regulation exacerbate shortages, endangering patient health and access .

Facing these systemic challenges, compounding pharmacies have grown globally as an important partial remedy to medication shortages.

These facilities produce customized medicines that substitute for unavailable or discontinued standard pharmaceuticals, responding to a growing elderly population with chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Research and development into personalized topical and hormonal therapies further support this market expansion.

Compounding pharmacies, prevalent in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East, help bridge gaps when supply chains or manufacturing problems limit access to commercial drugs.

The global compounding pharmacy market is projected to exceed $14 billion by 2028, reflecting its rising importance in healthcare systems worldwide .

In summary, medication shortages between 2021 and 2024 have been driven by intertwined factors including fragile and globally concentrated supply chains, surges in demand for specific drugs, production constraints, economic pressures on generic manufacturers, and geopolitical influences.

These shortages have directly impacted ordinary patients by limiting access to essential treatments such as cancer chemotherapy, antibiotics, diabetes therapies, and pediatric medicines.

Healthcare systems and governments have responded with a combination of rationing, prioritization protocols, price adjustments, patient advisories, expanded subsidies, increased domestic production efforts, legislative proposals, and promotion of compounding pharmacies as alternative sources.

Nonetheless, persistent global vulnerabilities highlight the need for sustained investment in supply chain resilience, transparency, manufacturing diversification, and international cooperation to ensure equitable access to medicines crucial for patient health.

Between 2021 and 2024, global medication shortages significantly intensified, affecting a wide range of essential drugs in both developing and developed countries.

Title:

Content: Go to main content
Advertisement
Live broadcast
Mir
The US Embassy warned about the risk of terrorist attacks in the center of Istanbul
Mir
China urges US to stop arms supplies to Ukraine
Mir
Turkey announces gas hub summit in Istanbul in mid-February
Economy
The government for three years extended subsidies for significant air routes of the Far Eastern Federal District
Mir
Global Times pointed to Ukraine ’ s attempt to provoke a direct conflict between NATO and Russia
Accidents
The Governor reported two victims in the shelling of the village in the Belgorod region
Economy
The government of the Russian Federation has expanded the program of preferential mortgage for IT-specialists
Mir
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced its intention to oppose the US line to defeat Russia with all its strength
Sport
Russian Khachanov became the third racket of the world
Sport
The IOC approved the concept of the performance of Russians under a neutral flag
Mir
In Slovenia, detained two foreigners on suspicion of espionage in favor of the Russian Federation
Society
Textbook of history with section about SVO may appear by September 1
The media learned about the problems with the supply of the largest in the EU pharmaceutical company
Politico: pharmaceutical company Sandoz announced a tense situation with the supply of drugs in Europe
0
Photo: Global Look Press / XinHua / Kalizhan Ospanov
Voice-over text
Highlight the main
INCLUDING
off
Sandoz, one of the largest manufacturers in the European drug market, reported a tense supply situation in the pharmaceutical industry in Europe.
This was reported by Politico on Sunday, January 29.
The authors of the material note that problems in pharmaceutical companies, which began during the coronavirus pandemic, are now complicated by inflation and a serious energy crisis, affecting supplies.
As pointed out by a representative of the company Sandoz, by the end of last year there was a particularly tense situation with supplies.
“The pharmaceutical industry is also affected by the shortage of raw materials and the limitation of production capacity.
The company is currently able to meet demand, but faces difficulties, ” Sandoz said.
Since the end of 2022, many European Union (EU) countries have reported serious problems with the supply of some important medicines.
Thus, the authors write, the Belgian authorities report a shortage of almost 300 names of drugs.
In Germany, this number is 408, and in Austria more than 600 names of drugs can not be bought in pharmacies.
Italy ’ s list is even longer – it includes more than 3,000 drugs.
"Antibiotics, especially amoxicillin, which is used to treat respiratory infections, are in short supply.
Other classes of drugs, including cough syrup, pediatric paracetamol, and blood pressure medications, are also scarce.
Earlier, on January 17, the Minister of health of Italy Orazio Skillaci said that in the country there is a problem of shortage of drugs and the responsibility for this lies with the media.
According to Skillaci, due to the fact that local media spread "alarming information" about the lack of certain drugs, there is a "ricochet effect" - when patients begin to massively buy drugs for future use, which leads to problems with the provision of pharmacies and medical institutions with the necessary drugs.
Earlier, on January 10, Australian pharmacists reported an acute shortage of antibiotics for pneumonia and pharyngitis, which arose due to a violation of the schedule of deliveries from abroad.
The shortage of drugs in mid-December was also reported by the German authorities.
In particular, it was about drugs and antipyretics for children, as well as antibiotics for adults and cancer drugs.
Problems in the economy, accompanied by an energy crisis and rising inflation, have intensified in Western countries after the introduction of anti-Russian sanctions against the background of the special operation of the Russian Federation to protect the Donbass, the beginning of which was announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24.
Read also
Advertisement
Live broadcast

The shortages arose primarily from supply chain disruptions, spikes in demand, and manufacturing delays.

Title:

Content: General Supervision
Elham Aboul Fath
Editor-in-Chief
Thank you for your patience.
General Supervision
Elham Aboul Fath
Editor-in-Chief
Thank you for your patience.
An Unexpected Catastrophe in the World ’ s Largest Country: The Complete Story of U.S. Drug Shortages
The deficit is at a record level.
According to data from the American Society of Health System Pharmacists and the University of Utah Drug Information Service, organizations began tracking drug shortages for the first time in 2001. Steady since 2021 – now reaching a record high of 323 drugs in the first three months of 2024.
Paul Abramowitz, CEO of the American Society of Health System Pharmacists, wrote in a blog post on Thursday: “It ’ s been a long time to end drug shortages, ” and wrote:“ All drug classes are vulnerable to shortages, some of the most worrisome shortages include sterile injectable generic drugs, including cancer chemotherapy drugs and emergency drugs stored in hospital vans and procedural areas. It is dangerous for doctors and patients. ”
In addition to the 32 chemotherapy drugs that are deficient, the five categories of drugs with the greatest deficiency include central nervous system stimulants, antimicrobials, hormonal agents, and intravenous fluids. [1] The Drug Deficiency Database maintained by the American Society of Health System Pharmacists and the University of Utah is based on voluntary reports from practitioners, patients, and others that have been confirmed by manufacturers. The U.S. drug is in short supply, because it captures broader effects on service providers and patients.
The crisis has lasted a year and a half.
More than half of the treatment shortages have lasted for more than two years, according to an analysis by health consultancy IQVIA, and the average shortage affects at least half a million patients, many of them elderly, according to the US Office of Health and Human Services under the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, which shared its analysis with Congress in May.
Growing demand can play a role in drug shortages, as with the recent shortage of weight-loss drugs, but often manufacturing and quality problems, such as supply chain gaps and downtime, are the root cause. And varied.
But the American Society of Health System Pharmacists has “serious concerns ” about parts of this proposal, especially financial sanctions imposed on hospitals that lack the resources to comply with the recommendations, Abramowitz wrote:“ We all know that managing shortages is not enough and is not a sustainable solution to the worsening crisis, and there is still a lot of work to be done at the federal level to fix the root causes of drug shortages. ”
Why Shortage Occurs
Shortages can be caused by high demand, as with the recent shortage of weight-loss drugs, but this is not usually the main problem.
The FDA also blames manufacturing and quality problems, supply chain gaps, and downtime, and Dr. Emily Tucker, a drug shortage expert and an assistant professor of industrial engineering at Clemson University, says that when there is an indication of shortages, large health systems often also proactively place large orders, adding to the system ’ s stress.
“I don ’ t blame anyone.
“When I talk to all the stakeholders – whether it ’ s wholesalers, manufacturers, or the government – everyone wants this problem to end, ” she said.
Lack of transparency
Dr. Julie Grallo, chief medical officer and executive vice president of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, told the House Committee earlier that the shortage puts providers in a terrible position: “The drug shortage crisis is forcing providers to make impossible choices, and it is also hindering the development of new drugs. Health drugs are purchased only on a price basis, and manufacturers do not have to disclose the source of their acquisition of the ingredients.
The shortage of this generic chemical drug came due to the closure of one factory in India that manufactures the active ingredient after a surprise FDA inspection found “significant quality issues, ” says Jarallo:“ We didn ’ t know, and there was no transparency regarding the company ’ s supply of the majority of active pharmaceutical ingredients to all manufacturers across the board.
Knowing this in advance, we could have responded much faster, ” Dr. Steven Schundlemeyer, director of the PRIME Institute of the University of Minnesota School of Pharmacy, which focuses on economic and management issues, told the committee that as with defense contractors in the United States, New Zealand requires manufacturers to disclose their suppliers, and that information is required.
Easily accessible in the database.
Related Topics

These factors combined to create critical impacts on ordinary patients, with healthcare systems employing various strategies to manage and mitigate adverse effects.

Title:

Content: The New York Times Original
Continue reading Growing drug shortage in the United States has become a threat to national security
The shortage of medicines in the United States last year increased compared to 2021 by 30%, according to The New York Times.
However, the article notes that the growing shortage of inexpensive but critical drugs poses a national security threat to the United States.
The growing shortage of inexpensive but critical drugs poses a threat to U.S. national security and forces hospitals to make “terrible ” choices, writes The New York Times, citing a report prepared for hearings in the U.S. Senate.
According to this report, the shortage of medicines last year increased by almost 30% compared to 2021, with an average shortage of medicines observed for 18 months, and for some drugs – 15 years.
Among the drugs in short supply are conventional antibiotics and anesthetics, the article said.
Senator Gary Peters, a Democrat from Michigan and chairman of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs, said that these problems are related to economic factors, an opaque supply chain and the fact that 80% to 90% of some products are made abroad.
“Taken together, these underlying causes not only raise serious concerns about ensuring proper patient care, but also pose a serious threat to national security, ” Peters said.
Dr. Andrew Schumann, an oncology surgeon from Michigan, told senators at the hearing that the shortage of drugs in his field is "a tragedy occurring in slow motion."
As Schumann noted, recently due to the shortage of one cheap, but well-proven cancer drug, he had to choose which patients will receive this drug.
The article notes that many of the cheapest drugs tend to be made in countries such as India and China, where they are inexpensive to manufacture.
However, this concentration of production capacity creates an additional level of vulnerability to problems such as natural disasters and political unrest, emphasizes The New York Times.
The materials of InoTV contain estimates of exclusively foreign media and do not reflect the position of RT
We publish on Twitter relevant foreign articles selected by the editorial office of InoTV
source
New York Times United States of America
tags
disease india china medicine usa
Today in the media
Popular
INFOX.SG
RT News Feed
Partners news

In the United States, the first quarter of 2024 saw a record shortage of 323 drugs, surpassing the previous high of 320 in 2014.

Title:

Content: Meitu
The first quarter of the United States serious drug shortage 323 drugs urgent cancer patients also have to be diverted and rationed!
CHU HENG NETWORK NEWS CENTER 2024-04-16 10: 42
According to the latest data from the American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the Utah Center for Drug Information Services, a total of 323 drugs in the United States were in severe shortages in the first quarter of this year, surpassing the record of 320 in 2014.
Among the drugs affected are the widely used diabetes drugs Ozempic and Mounjaro, the allergy treatment drug adrenaline, the common antibiotic amoxicillin for children, chemotherapy drugs and injections commonly used in hospitals in intensive care.
ASHP CEO Paul Abramowitz said in a statement that almost all categories of drugs are facing shortages, with non-patented sterile injectable drugs, including cancer chemotherapy drugs, and emergency drugs stored in hospital emergency vans and operating areas, the shortage of such drugs is the most worrying.
According to the American Cancer Society, chemotherapy is one of the top five drugs most affected by the shortage, which threatens to have a devastating impact on patients, and some hospitals and clinics say doctors have had to divert patients to ration their medications because of a shortage of some chemotherapy drugs.
In addition, ASHP noted that the continued nationwide shortage of ADHD drugs is “a problem for clinicians and patients. ”
The shortage of popular drugs is even more acute, with Mounjaro, the diabetes drug known as the “slimming pill ”, already in dire straits.
In response, Lilly said that the “unprecedented surge in demand ” for Mounjaro and its similar drug Zepbound has led to a shortage in the market, which the company is struggling to cope with.
Lilly is ramping up investments to boost production at Mounjaro and Zepbound in the second half of 2024.
The company said it expects intermittent supply disruptions in the near term due to unprecedented demand.
How to cure the drug shortage
The last major “drug shortage ” in U.S. history occurred in 2014, and it has only been alleviated in the years since.
Since 2021, the drug shortage situation seems to be increasing, and scholars in the field of medical health and economics in the United States believe that the reason for most drug shortages in the United States is the fragmentation of the drug supply chain.
The White House this month proposed spending between $3.26 billion and $5.11 billion over the next decade to help address the nation ’ s drug shortage.
The bill requires approval and funding from the U.S. Congress.
U.S. researchers and policymakers believe that a complete solution to the “drug shortage ” may require changes to the business model of the U.S. pharmaceutical industry, including measures to increase the price of generic drugs to attract more drug manufacturers.
Policymakers recommend giving the FDA more power to access more information about drug shortages and impending shortages.
Currently, the FDA relies primarily on phone calls to manufacturers asking if they can increase their supply to understand the situation.
The American Society of Health System Pharmacists said it is working with the federal government to advise the government on measures to address the drug shortage, including that Congress should require manufacturers to be more transparent on any supply chain issues and encourage more diversity in supply chains.
According to Abramowitz, “The federal government still has a lot of work to do to fundamentally address drug shortages, and the American Society of Health System Pharmacists will continue to engage regularly with policymakers to guide them in drafting and passing new legislation to address drug shortages and continue to advocate vigorously for proven solutions on behalf of our members. ”

The affected medications spanned multiple therapeutic areas, including diabetes treatments such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, adrenaline used for allergy emergencies, pediatric antibiotics like amoxicillin, cancer chemotherapy drugs, and injectable medicines critical for intensive care support.

The unprecedented demand for certain medications, especially weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Mounjaro, strained the supply system.

Title:

Content: Drug supply problems have worsened in Estonia
This year, pharmacies in Estonia faced a much larger shortage of drugs than a year earlier.
Problems with supplies are caused by both increased demand and shortage of raw materials, reports rus.err with reference to "Actual chamber".
This spring, parents faced a shortage of antibiotics and antipyretic drugs suitable for children, and in the fall, the Sorbister drug for renal patients had to be issued from the state reserve stock, since it was not enough due to supply problems in pharmacies.
Hospitals are also facing a severe shortage of medicines this year.
“For example, hospitals use very important drugs to treat the consequences of heart attacks and strokes, the supply problems of which have been observed for a year, but thanks to good cooperation, we were able to ensure that no one was left without treatment, ” said Marco Tiisler, head of the Import and Export Supervision Department of the Drug Department.
In 2021, there was a shortage of 183 drugs in pharmacies, last year - 359, as of the end of this year - 450 drugs, and in the case of 130 drugs, the cause of the deficiency is unknown.
The second significant reason was a sudden surge in demand, for example, for the drug Ozempic, which is popular among those who lose weight, but drugs can be in short supply due to problems with production.
- Producers lack the active ingredient.
The active substances come from third countries, they are not always available, this was stated by one of the largest European manufacturers of antibiotics, - said Tiisler.
Drug supply problems put not only patients in a difficult position, but also doctors who have to quickly find replacements, sometimes in conditions of scarce information about alternatives.
If earlier, in the case of a shortage of drugs, the patient had to pay the full cost of the drug prescribed as a substitute, recently the Health Insurance Fund, as an exception, decided to extend the discount to some alternatives.
According to Lee Rootslane, head of the Union of Pharmacies, problems with the supply of medicines are a growing problem throughout Europe.
- This year, in cooperation with the Drug Department and family doctors, we made recommendations so that if a problem arises, we do not solve it after the fact, but try to provide some solutions and avoid panic.
In the case of children ’ s syrups, people read about the shortage of syrup, went to the pharmacy and took two syrups instead of the usual one, ” Rootslane said.
The drug department recommends having a weekly supply of non-prescription drugs and a monthly supply of prescription drugs at home.
Comments
Back to top

Fragmented supply chains, manufacturing delays, and increased demand collectively contributed to this crisis.

The shortage forced some hospitals to ration chemotherapy drugs and diverted cancer patients to other facilities, directly compromising patient care.

Authorities including the American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP) advocated for stronger government intervention, emphasizing the need for increased transparency from manufacturers and diversification of supply chains.

The White House proposed multi-billion dollar funding plans aimed at increasing domestic production and improving supply chain resilience over the coming decade.

Manufacturers such as Eli Lilly responded by ramping up production capabilities to meet demand spikes, particularly for weight-loss medications .

Simultaneously, the United States grappled with a severe shortage of penicillin G benzathine beginning in 2023 amid a surge in syphilis cases—the highest since 1990.

Title:

Content: Today's Paper News Sports Features Business Opinion LEARNS Guide Newsletters Obits Games Archive Notices Core Values
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Rise in syphilis, lack of penicillin worry officials

by Mark Dooley | Today at 4:00 a.m.

A shortage of penicillin to treat a skyrocketing number of syphilis cases is so dire that U.S. health officials are debating the need to declare a public health emergency, according to people familiar with the matter.

Major U.S. medical centers are rationing the recommended treatment for the deadly sexually transmitted disease because of a supply crunch. From Michigan to Missouri to Texas, some health care providers are prioritizing giving a key treatment -- penicillin G benzathine -- to pregnant patients and babies, because the drug can pass through the placenta and also treat the fetus.

Syphilis has been sickening more people over the past few years, but the latest surge in cases has been especially worrying to the federal government. The Department of Health and Human Services is mobilizing a new federal task force to tackle the problem, and staff members are discussing the possibility of declaring a public health emergency, which could give officials access to more funding to address the crisis, according to people familiar with the matter.

"This is a remarkable shortage," said Joseph Cherabie, an assistant professor at Washington University in St. Louis' medical school, who treats syphilis patients. Because of the need to conserve the drug for pregnant patients, other people are getting less-than-ideal treatments for the infection.

The government's efforts are being led by Assistant Secretary for Health Adm. Rachel Levine, according to one of the people, who asked not to be identified discussing private information. Levine has spent months recruiting experts to tackle the syphilis crisis, including officials at HHS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration, which has been brought in to address ongoing drug shortages.

Levine and U.S. health officials at the CDC are weighing the benefits of the public health emergency declaration, such as the additional flexibility and money it would give HHS, one of the people said. They're also considering the potential drawbacks. Some are wary that a pandemic-fatigued public may consider it an overreaction and ignore similar declarations in the future. Ultimately, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra has the power to make a declaration.

"The department is closely monitoring the alarming rise in cases of syphilis and will continue working to address this public health threat," an HHS spokesperson said.

Drug shortages, though not uncommon, have hit nine-year highs in the U.S. Over the past year there have been shortages of antibiotics, chemotherapies and ADHD medicines, to name a few.

The situation is partly a result of under-investment in manufacturing after years of falling generic drug prices. Companies have also been caught off-guard by unexpected changes in demand, creating far-reaching consequences that imperil lives.

The penicillin shortage began in April. The FDA said it was caused by increases in cases of syphilis and strep throat. Because a common antibiotic used to treat strep was in short supply this winter, patients were prescribed penicillin as an alternative, driving up demand for the drug.

That created an acute problem at a time when syphilis cases were rising precipitously. Rates of syphilis in 2021 were the highest since 1990, according to the most updated government data. In 2021, at least 176,000 cases of syphilis were reported, 32% more than the year before. The infection disproportionately impacts gay and bisexual men.

Pfizer Inc. is the only company that makes penicillin G benzathine for the U.S., selling it under the brand name Bicillin L-A.

The company has told the FDA that supply disruptions for the two most common doses of penicillin G benzathine will likely continue into the second quarter of 2024. Pfizer has added night and weekend shifts to increase production. To free up manufacturing resources, it's also deprioritized production of a smaller dose of Bicillin L-A that's not widely used.

Syphilis is especially dangerous for pregnant people, who can pass it on to a fetus, which often results in pregnancy loss, death of a baby shortly after birth or severe disability in children. Cases of this type of syphilis, called congenital syphilis, are also at their highest rates since the 1990s. In 2021, there were 2,855 cases reported, up 32% from the year prior. The disease is completely preventable with penicillin G benzathine.

Penicillin G benzathine is also often the most recommended treatment for people who aren't pregnant. Yet with supplies running short, the CDC is advising that doctors turn to another antibiotic, doxycycline. That's less convenient for patients, because doxycycline is a pill given twice a day for at least two weeks, whereas penicillin G benzathine is an injection that can sometimes clear the disease completely with one dose.

That makes doctors worry that some patients might not complete their treatment with doxycycline. Syphilis particularly affects people suffering from substance abuse, housing instability or homelessness, which makes it more difficult to sustain long-term medical care.

There's also less evidence backing the drug than there is for penicillin, according to physicians.

"We're learning in real time how effective doxycycline can be," Cherabie said.

Some states or health systems are directing doctors to use doxycycline for syphilis. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has instructed state-funded clinics to use doxycycline for certain patients because of the shortage, spokesperson Chelsea Wuth said.

At Houston Methodist, a health system with seven hospitals in the Houston area, penicillin G benzathine is reserved for pregnant patients and babies with syphilis, spokesperson Gale Smith said.

Some clinics have been able to get sufficient amounts of the Pfizer drug, at least for the time being. State-operated health clinics in South Carolina have been able to purchase as much as they need, a spokesperson for the health and environment department said.

While rates of HIV have been declining, other sexually transmitted diseases have become more prevalent in recent years. Condom use has fallen as more effective medications for HIV have become available, leaving people vulnerable to illnesses like syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea.

There are also fewer resources to identify people who need treatment and get them help. STD prevention work happens largely at local and state public-health departments, which have been losing money and staff over the years. The covid-19 pandemic diverted already scarce public health resources away from STD work.

The rise in syphilis cases is also prompting concern at a state level. Last year, New Mexico renewed a statewide public health order mandating that health care providers screen pregnant women for syphilis multiple times to catch the disease. The state had only one case of congenital syphilis reported in 2017. It had 42 in 2020.

Print Headline: Rise in syphilis, lack of penicillin worry officials

ADVERTISEMENT

Sponsor Content

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

This antibiotic is a frontline treatment, especially for pregnant women and newborns, to prevent congenital syphilis, a condition associated with miscarriage and infant mortality.

The shortage resulted from increased use to treat infections such as strep throat, manufacturing bottlenecks (notably Pfizer as the sole US producer), and logistical challenges.

Health authorities considered declaring a public health emergency to unlock funds and resources.

Since alternative treatments like doxycycline require longer regimens and have less definitive evidence, there were concerns about incomplete treatment adherence and further disease spread.

In response, healthcare systems rationed available supplies, prioritizing vulnerable populations, and adjusted treatment protocols across several states .

In Estonia, drug shortages worsened from 183 drugs in shortage in 2021 to 450 by 2023.

Shortages affected critical drugs for heart attack and stroke patients, as well as antibiotics, antipyretics for children, and kidney medicines.

Causes included elevated demand—again notably linked to Ozempic—and disruptions in raw material supply from overseas production hubs, combined with limited manufacturing capacity.

These shortages forced clinicians to identify substitute treatments often with scarce information about efficacy or equivalency.

To ease patient burden, the Health Insurance Fund extended discounts for alternative medicines.

Authorities and pharmacy unions promoted communication to prevent panic buying, advising households to maintain reasonable stocks of common medications without hoarding .

Europe at large also faced widespread shortages late in 2023.

Countries including Belgium, Germany, Austria, and Italy reported shortages affecting hundreds to thousands of drug names.

These shortages disrupted access to antibiotics, pediatric paracetamol, blood pressure medications, and cough syrups.

Contributing factors were multifaceted: raw material deficits, limited production capacity amid inflation and energy crises, and geopolitical sanctions affecting trade.

Media coverage sometimes triggered panic buying which exacerbated supply issues.

Australia likewise experienced notable antibiotic shortages due to disrupted import schedules.

European health authorities and governments emphasized coordinated communication, urging the media and stakeholders to manage public expectations and stock levels to reduce unnecessary demand spikes and ensure equitable distribution .

Title:

Content: Chairman of Wafd Party
Dr. Abdul Sindh Yamama
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Dr. Ayman is an accountant.
Editor-in-Chief
I'm sorry.
My grandfather, Zainuddin.
Chairman of Wafd Party
Dr. Abdul Sindh Yamama
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Dr. Ayman is an accountant.
Editor-in-Chief
I'm sorry.
My grandfather, Zainuddin.
Smuggling burns drug stability
Libya and Sudan are the main destinations.
And the profits are huge.
Deficiencies include stents, heart medications, diabetes, pressure, and tumors.
It is an undeniable fact that the Egyptian pharmaceutical market is experiencing a crisis of shortage of some vital items on which citizens depend mainly, and at all levels, which exacerbated the suffering of patients in public hospitals affiliated to the government, which receive subsidized medicines at low prices, so that the so-called alternative class becomes a citizen ’ s refuge, to get the necessary dose of medicine, to alleviate his health suffering or save his life.
At a time when it is assumed that more than 90% of medicines are manufactured in Egypt, citizens' complaints about the lack of many medicines and medical supplies in the markets and hospitals are escalating to the extent that deputies submitted a number of requests for briefing through the deputies, stressing that the crisis lies in the raw material itself and imported in dollars.
And the pressure.
Thyroid and sugar.
The main reasons lie in the importation of 95% of raw materials in addition to the presence of “smuggling brokers ” whose mission is to smuggle Egyptian medicine to neighboring conflict countries, especially Libya and Sudan, in order to sell it abroad at exorbitant prices, and to reap huge profits, according to some pharmacists and specialists. In addition to Sudan ’ s import of Egyptian medicine in hard currency, especially with the licenses of Egyptian medicine compared to others and the stopping of factories in neighboring countries because of their conflicts.
According to Ali Abdullah, head of the Egyptian Society for Pharmaceutical Studies (an NGO), the lack of medicines and their disappearance from the local market is a real crisis in case of smuggling, such as insulin, tumors, anesthesia, surgical supplies, serums and vaccines.
The shortage of hard currency in Egypt is also one of the reasons for the disappearance of medicines.
Mahfouz Ramzi, head of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Committee at the Cairo Pharmacists Syndicate, pointed out that there are organized gangs that smuggle medicine to countries of conflicts and wars, explaining that “most operations are conducted through land border roads, and the Egyptian Drug Authority is responsible for inspecting companies, factories and any pharmaceutical institution, to ensure that medicines produced in Egypt are in the normal sequence until they reach pharmacies. ”“ Some smuggling professionals deal with drug stores, where they buy large quantities of medicines, take advantage of discounts on them, and then smuggle them abroad to take advantage of the price difference. ”
The Executive Director of the Egyptian Center for the Right to Medicine, Mahmoud Fouad, confirmed that "the drug stores have turned into an illegal business and a back gate for drug smuggling and expired drug trade, as most of them are not licensed and sold without invoices, and are not subject to the umbrella of the Ministry of Health, in addition to the lack of health standards required to practice the profession of pharmacy, after some stores are run from apartments away from the eyes of the Ministry of the control bodies. 90% of its owners are not pharmacists. ”
“Are these stores registered with the Ministry of Health?
And are they subject to pharmaceutical inspection or from the Drug Control and Research Authority? ”, stressing that most of the small pharmacies in the villages “do not have the ability to buy medicine from distribution companies, which makes them resort to buying from stores after agreeing on specific facilities and periods for payment, ” pointing out that“ popular medicines in Egypt are the most smuggled abroad. ” From 250 pounds ($8 at the official exchange rate).
According to Dr. Ashraf Hatem, Chairman of the Health Committee in Parliament, it is a social responsibility, and priorities must be set, and all parties sitting together may help to solve the crisis, in light of the apparent shortage of a number of medical drugs, and his demand that the Drug Authority publish periodically and daily alternatives to the missing medicines in the absence of the original medicine. In addition, the pharmaceutical industry continues to operate and produce.
For all this and for the continuation of the crisis of drug shortage it was necessary to search and investigate the causes and solutions!
During the meeting of Gamal al-Laith, Chairman of the Chamber of Pharmaceutical Industry at the Federation of Industries, in the presence of Minister of Health Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, the Governor of the Central Bank, Hassan Abdullah, and others, he sent letters of reassurance to the Egyptian people about the existence of a solution to pump the needs of the market of foreign currency to end the shortage of medicines. Or psychologically for the patient.
He said: « The medicines that suffer from the shortage, some of them are sugar drugs and other drugs tumors and drugs of the glands and heart, drugs related to chronic diseases, which is now being secured, and we as factories work with a stock of raw materials enough for 4-6 months, and this stock reached only weeks, and therefore we are now in the stage of risk, and therefore the government began to move ».
He added that the health sector is supported by the provision of foreign exchange resources to provide all needs according to a plan to deal with such circumstances, stressing the importance of full coordination between the unified purchasing authority and the pharmaceutical industry room as well as pharmaceutical companies to face any problems related to the shortage of supplies, medicines and medical consumables.
As well as a detailed presentation on the commitments implemented and not implemented in the period from June 2023 to January 2024, with regard to the provision of (medicines, medical supplies, laboratory supplies, devices, raw materials and packing materials), and the Minister was briefed on the results of the mechanisms established with the Central Bank of Egypt to pay the obligations in foreign currency to meet the demands of the health care sector.
In the end, the official spokesman stressed that the shortage of drugs does not exceed 15% and the drugs directed to tumors are at the forefront of the shortcomings because of their close link to the currency and what faces the supply chains, otherwise all drugs and within them are compatible... The complaints are due in their entirety to the lack of knowledge of citizens with the trade names of medicines.
In addition to the above, a severe shortage of anesthetic drugs, dental pening drugs, nephrology and recovery drugs, which will cause a real disaster that threatens the conduct of surgical operations for patients, and thus increase the waiting lists in hospitals and the occurrence of complications for patients that may result in loss of their lives.
The head of the medicine division of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce, Ali Ouf, revealed that a request will be submitted to the Egyptian Drug Authority early next week to move the prices of 1,500 items in light of what he described as developments in the situation and rising costs.
He pointed out that « the need to raise the wages of workers in the pharmaceutical sector to compensate them for the cost of living and therefore must raise salaries so that they can live in the current conditions and the sector will bear the increase of salaries at the expense of cost and raise the minimum insurance ».
On the shortage of medicines, Amin al-Dabraki, one of the dealers in the pharmaceutical market, said that the main reason for the crisis is the lack of active substances imported by companies.
This is mainly due to the dollar crisis, in addition to the withdrawal of some financial companies from the Egyptian pharmaceutical market.
On the inability of the Ministry of Health to move the prices of medicines with the movement of the exchange rate, he said that the solutions are the intervention of the state by providing a fixed customs dollar for pharmaceutical companies, while moving the prices of medicines, in addition to starting factories to produce active substances inside Egypt.

A comprehensive report from The New York Times documented a 30% rise in generic drug shortages in the US between 2021 and 2022, with some shortages persisting for as long as 15 years.

The affected drugs included inexpensive but critical medications like common antibiotics and anesthetics.

Economic pressures, including low profit margins on generics, limited supply chain transparency, and heavy dependence on manufacturing centers in India and China, were identified as key drivers.

This concentration increases vulnerability to natural disasters, trade disruptions, or geopolitical tensions, raising concerns about national security.

Physicians reported rationing cancer drugs and other vital medicines, describing the situation as a “slow-motion tragedy.”

Policymakers called for regulatory reforms to increase manufacturing diversity and improve supply chain oversight to stabilize drug availability .

In 2023, over 250 prescription drugs in the US were in shortage, mostly generic products that included chemotherapy agents, Adderall (used for ADHD), lidocaine, and amoxicillin.

Title:

Content: Prescription drug shortages lead to higher prices

Reporter: Andryanna Sheppard
Published: Updated:
Lea este artículo en Noticias WINK

Millions of people in the United States depend on prescription drugs to manage pain, treat medical conditions, and even to help them stay alive. However, the country’s drug shortage is making it hard for some people to get the medication they need or pay for the drugs that are available.

Federal Drug Administration data shows 90 percent of prescriptions in the US are for generic drugs. According to the National Institutes of Health, most prescription drugs involved in shortages are generic options.

There are currently more than 250 medications on the nation’s prescription drug shortage list, according to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. The organization says 2023 marked the worst year for shortages in about a decade.

Jessica Kahn’s two sons were diagnosed with ADD.

“I would say tricky, tricky to navigate,” Kahn described.

For the past year, Kahn said getting their medication has been frustrating.

“I have my list of all the pharmacies. I’ve even driven all the way up north to Walgreens or a CVS, some random place to go pick up a kids’ prescription,” Kahn added.

According to the FDA, prescription drug shortages are often linked to manufacturing and quality problems, delays, and discontinuations. Two drugs used in chemotherapy, Adderall, lidocaine, and amoxicillin are just a couple of the prescription medications on the shortage list.

When drug supplies are low, prices tend to increase. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, there is a 16.6 percent increase in the price of drugs involved in a shortage. And in some cases, alternative drugs were priced at least three times higher.

“You got to be very conscientious that it might not be available and that it is not an option,” Kahn advised. “No matter how many places you call, it’s not there.”

Beating the prescription drug shortage

Health experts offer these tips:

  • Check the national drug shortage list for your medication and possible alternatives.
  • Don’t wait until your prescription is almost gone to refill it.
  • Check other pharmacies for availability and if you can’t find the generic version, look for coupons or programs that offer payment help. Some patients have reported that they receive additional help to reduce some prescription costs from $100 to $10, it’s not allowed if you are already on Medicare.
  • Websites and apps like GoodRX, RX Saver and WellRX can help you find the cheapest place that has your medication and coupons for it.

Contributors to this news report include: Lindsay Dailey, Producer; Bob Walko, Editor

Copyright ©2024 Fort Myers Broadcasting. All rights reserved.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written consent.

Patients often faced the practical difficulty of traveling between multiple pharmacies, sometimes over long distances, to secure medications.

Manufacturing quality control issues, production delays, and some product discontinuations worsened shortages.

The pricing of scarce drugs increased on average by approximately 16.6%, with alternatives sometimes costing threefold more, leading to financial strain on patients and families.

Healthcare experts recommended proactive patient behaviors such as early prescription refills, checking national shortage tracking resources, and using discount programs or apps to manage access and costs .

In Egypt, medication shortages have remained critical during this period due to high reliance on imported raw materials (95%) and ongoing foreign currency shortages.

Additional compounding factors include the smuggling of subsidized medicines to conflict-affected neighboring countries such as Libya and Sudan, which further erodes local availability.

The medicines in short supply include insulin, cancer drugs, anesthetics, surgical supplies, vaccines, and children's medicines, heavily impacting public hospitals serving vulnerable populations reliant on subsidized pharmaceuticals.

Despite adequate production capacity and sufficient stocks that could last four to six months under normal conditions, economic and supply chain disruptions maintain the crisis.

The Egyptian government has taken steps to allocate foreign currency to pharmaceutical imports, bolster supply chain inspections, and adjust pricing policies to reflect exchange rate changes.

However, illicit trade and weakened regulation exacerbate shortages, endangering patient health and access .

Facing these systemic challenges, compounding pharmacies have grown globally as an important partial remedy to medication shortages.

Title:

Content: Skip to main content
Publish date:

Compounding Pharmacies Market To Grow US$ 14,116.4 Mn By End Of 2028, Says Coherent Market Insights

SEATTLE, Nov. 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- According to Coherent Market Insights, The global compounding pharmacies market is estimated to account for 14,116.

SEATTLE, Nov. 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- According to Coherent Market Insights, The global compounding pharmacies market is estimated to account for 14,116.4 Mn in terms of value by the end of 2028.

In the field of medicine, compounding pharmacies are places where different compounds are made to remedy a disease or condition. These pharmacies have the ability to create customized formulas in accordance with the requirements of the patients. Compounding pharmacies usually employ the most modern and safe compound preparation techniques, as well as the most up-to-date equipment and facilities. They also have access to some of the best quality products in the market. In the world of pharmaceuticals, compounding pharmacies play an important role. Their main job is to design a unique formulation for a medicine that is unable to be manufactured under the conditions dictated by the manufacturer.

Ask for Sample Copy @ https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/3199

Market Drivers

1.  Increasing geriatric population and growing acceptance of personalized medicines is expected to  drive growth of the global compounding pharmacies market during the forecast period

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), by 2050, the global population aged 65 years and above is expected to reach around 2 billion increasing from 900 million in 2015. Since elderly people are most susceptible to various chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, the demand for personalized medicines has increased significantly over the years. Compounding pharmacies are a method of creating customized medications according to a patient's specific requirements.

2.  Rising research and development activities pertaining to topical formulations is expected to propel the global compounding pharmacies market growth over the forecast period

The demand for topical formulations such as gels, creams, ointments, and other similar products. Topical medications are applied to the skin or mucous membranes that allow it to enter the body. Key companies in the pharmaceutical industry are focused on research and development activities, in order to innovate novel topical formulations. Thus, such factors are expected to propel the market growth in the near future.

Market Opportunities

1.  Increasing demand for unavailable drugs can present lucrative growth opportunities in the market

Unavailable drugs refer to back-ordered medicines due to manufacturing problems or discontinued drugs due to decreased usage or declining manufacturing profits. Many pharmaceutical organizations are laying emphasis on developing unavailable drugs, in order to cater to growing demand. For instance, in June 2021, Bristol Mayer Squibb received the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for Zeposia indicated for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

2.  High demand for hormonal therapy can provide major business opportunities in the market

The demand for hormonal replacement therapy is gaining significant traction. Hormone replacement therapy is typically used in the treatment of symptoms associated with hormonal imbalance and menopause. Furthermore, growing demand for hormonal therapy can provide major business opportunities.

Buy This Premium Report Now @ https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/buy-now/3199

Market Trends

1.  North America Trends

North America is expected to witness significant growth in the global compound pharmacies market during the forecast period. This is owing to increasing demand for drugs prone to medicinal drought, innovative therapeutic areas, and personalized dosages. Furthermore, the presence of favorable government policies and increasing acceptance of compounding pharmacies is expected to boost the regional market growth over the forecast.

2.  Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific is expected to register a robust growth rate, owing to improving healthcare sector and rising incidence of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, CVD across the region. Moreover, growing geriatric population is expected to boost the regional market growth in the near future.

Competitive Section

Major companies involved in the global compounding pharmacies market are Athenex Pharma Solutions (Athenex Inc.), B. Braun, Clinigen Group PLC, Dougherty's Pharmacy, Inc., Fagron, Fresenius Kabi, Institutional Pharmacy Solutions, Lorraine's Pharmacy, McGuff Company Inc. (McGuff Compounding Pharmacy Services), Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Pencol Compounding Pharmacy, Rx3 Compounding Pharmacy, and Triangle Compounding Pharmacies.

For instance, in August 2021, MEDISCA launched a new thyroid active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), creating a consistent supply for compounding pharmacists.

Global Compounding Pharmacies Market, By Region:

  • North America
    • By Country:
      • U.S.
      • Canada
  • Europe
    • By Country:
      • U.K.
      • Germany
      • Italy
      • France
      • Spain
      • Russia
      • Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • By Country:
      • China
      • India
      • Japan
      • ASEAN
      • Australia
      • South Korea
      • Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Latin America
    • By Country:
      • Brazil
      • Mexico
      • Argentina
      • Rest of Latin America
  • Middle East & Africa
    • By Country:
      • GCC Countries
      • Israel
      • South Africa
      • Rest of Middle East & Africa

Need Customize Report? Please Visit @ https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-customization/3199

About Us:

Coherent Market Insights is a global market intelligence and consulting organization focused on assisting our plethora of clients achieve transformational growth by helping them make critical business decisions. We are headquartered in India, having sales office at global financial capital in the U.S. and sales consultants in United Kingdom and Japan. Our client base includes players from across various business verticals in over 57 countries worldwide.

Contact Us:

Mr. ShahSenior Client Partner - Business DevelopmentCoherent Market Insights Phone: US: +1-206-701-6702 UK: +44-020-8133-4027 Japan: +81-050-5539-1737 India: +91-848-285-0837 Email: sales@coherentmarketinsights.com Website: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com Follow Us:  LinkedInTwitter

View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/compounding-pharmacies-market-to-grow-us-14-116-4-mn-by-end-of-2028--says-coherent-market-insights-301418628.html

SOURCE Coherent Market Insights

These facilities produce customized medicines that substitute for unavailable or discontinued standard pharmaceuticals, responding to a growing elderly population with chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Research and development into personalized topical and hormonal therapies further support this market expansion.

Compounding pharmacies, prevalent in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East, help bridge gaps when supply chains or manufacturing problems limit access to commercial drugs.

The global compounding pharmacy market is projected to exceed $14 billion by 2028, reflecting its rising importance in healthcare systems worldwide .

In summary, medication shortages between 2021 and 2024 have been driven by intertwined factors including fragile and globally concentrated supply chains, surges in demand for specific drugs, production constraints, economic pressures on generic manufacturers, and geopolitical influences.

These shortages have directly impacted ordinary patients by limiting access to essential treatments such as cancer chemotherapy, antibiotics, diabetes therapies, and pediatric medicines.

Healthcare systems and governments have responded with a combination of rationing, prioritization protocols, price adjustments, patient advisories, expanded subsidies, increased domestic production efforts, legislative proposals, and promotion of compounding pharmacies as alternative sources.

Nonetheless, persistent global vulnerabilities highlight the need for sustained investment in supply chain resilience, transparency, manufacturing diversification, and international cooperation to ensure equitable access to medicines crucial for patient health.