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.
Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 2023.