Newspaper: Law on Antibiotics Security Misses Target - Europe’s antibiotic crisis deepens as suppliers shift entirely to Asia
Health insurers are facing challenges in sourcing European suppliers for many antibiotic active ingredients. Orders for some commonly prescribed antibiotics are now being placed entirely in Asia, raising concerns about potential shortages, especially during winter. The Federal Ministry of Health is currently evaluating the Medicines Supply Shortage Prevention and Improvement Act, which was introduced to address this issue.
The shortage affects the entire range of antibiotic products, with a total of 553 reported cases and no significant reduction since the law's introduction. The main suppliers of these active pharmaceutical ingredients are currently unavailable in Europe due to legislation. More than three quarters of these ingredients were imported from China alone in 2024, with the rest coming from India. For some widely prescribed antibiotics, orders are still going entirely to Asia, as there are no European manufacturers willing to expand or build production capacity.
Since the law took effect, less than half of antibiotic orders have been successfully sourced from Europe. This situation poses a potential serious threat, especially during winter when respiratory infections are more common and the demand for antibiotics increases.
The Federal Ministry of Health is evaluating the current law by the end of the year to address these supply chain issues. Health insurers and pharmaceutical companies are urged to work together to find solutions and ensure a stable supply of antibiotics from European sources. The potential impact on public health, especially during winter, highlights the urgency of this situation.
