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Editorial
. 2024 May 1;16(3):279-282.
doi: 10.1093/inthealth/ihad087.

Securing the supply of benzathine penicillin: a global perspective on risks and mitigation strategies to prevent future shortages

Frederic Seghers  1 , Melanie M Taylor  2 , Andrew Storey  1 , Jicui Dong  3 , Teodora C Wi  4 , Rosemary Wyber  5 , Kate Ralston  6 , Boniface Dongmo Nguimfack  4
Affiliations
Editorial

Securing the supply of benzathine penicillin: a global perspective on risks and mitigation strategies to prevent future shortages

Frederic Seghers et al. Int Health. .

Erratum in

Abstract

Benzathine benzylpenicillin is a globally indispensable medicine. As a long-lasting injectable penicillin, it serves as the primary treatment for syphilis, group A streptococcal infections, rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease. A competitive market and low profit margins, compounded by limited visibility of demand, have resulted in a decreased number of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturers. By 2016, only three Chinese API manufacturers remained, continuing to supply to the global market today. Recurring global shortages, a consequence of supply and demand imbalances, indicate underlying market risks. Therefore, the need for mitigation strategies is imperative.

Keywords: benzathine penicillin; drug manufacture; medication shortages; rheumatic heart disease; syphilis.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: None declared.

Comment on

References

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