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.
