EMA, EC, and HMA respond to shortages of antibiotics in Europe

Shortages of antibiotics have been seen across the globe a surge in bacterial infections after countries lifted pandemic restrictions. Of the 35 countries whose data is collected by the World Health Organization (WHO), 80% have some form of shortage of amoxicillin-related antibiotics.

In a joint statement today, the European Medicines Agency (EMA), the European Commission and the Heads of Medicines Agencies (HMA), through the Executive Steering Group on Shortages and Safety of Medicinal Products (MSSG), said they are closely monitoring and responding to current shortages of antibiotics affecting the European Union (EU).

Shortages of medicines have been an ongoing public health concern and the situation in the EU has been exacerbated by geopolitical events or trends such as the war in Ukraine, the energy crisis and high inflation rates.