[Supply disruptions and drug shortages: the example of benzathine benzylpenicillin].

Supply disruptions and drug shortages : the example of benzathine benzylpenicillin. Despite collective mobilisation, drug shortages have increased in recent years, creating a strong impact on public health. Anti-infective drugs, mainly injectable antibiotics, are particularly affected by these shortages. Although the causes of these ruptures are multiple, they are mainly related to the effects of globalisation and industrial strategies of rationalisation of production costs. The shortage of benzathine benzylpenicillin illustrates the action of the French Medicines Agency (ANSM), and the various actors to guarantee access to care and limit the consequences for the patient. Beyond measures taken at national level by the regulatory authorities in connection with the pharmaceutical companies, it is necessary to set up a concerted action at European level to fight effectively against drug shortages.