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Penicillin G benzathine, an antibiotic sold in the US by Pfizer Inc., was added to the FDA's shortage list on Wednesday.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that a common type of penicillin used to treat strep infections and syphilis is in short supply due to the increasing number of cases of sexually transmitted diseases in the country. 

Pfizer's limited supply of the drug cannot meet the ever-increasing demand. The shortage may persist until September, according to the FDA. This drug is also used to treat strep throat, which is spreading more than usual in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The rate of syphilis in the US is at its highest since 1990, with 176,713 cases recorded in 2021, a 32% increase from the previous year.

Several common essential medicines are also in short supply. This includes other antibiotics, cancer drugs, and ADHD medicines.

A congressional committee held a hearing last month about drug shortages, pointing to a broken market for medicines and a lack of transparency in the supply chain. 

Penicillin G benzathine treats syphilis

Shortages of penicillin happen frequently worldwide. That makes it difficult to treat and prevent syphilis, especially for fetuses who can contract syphilis in the womb. This medicine is particularly crucial for pregnant women with syphilis. It is the only recommended treatment.

According to the WHO treatment recommendations, penicillin is the only drug able to pass through the placenta and effectively treat the disease.

 In 2021, congenital syphilis caused at least 220 stillbirths and infant deaths in the US, 45% higher than the previous year, according to CDC data.

Pfizer is the only company that sells penicillin G benzathine in the US.

The University of Utah's drug information service tracks shortages. And it has been monitoring the supply constraints since January. 

The shortage of penicillin G benzathine is another significant challenge for healthcare systems still grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The FDA and Pfizer are working together to address the supply issues. The shortage situation highlights the need for more reliable drug supply chains and manufacturing systems required to respond to public health emergencies.