Pharmacists in the UK warn of a severe shortage of Creon, a vital enzyme replacement therapy for pancreatic cancer and other conditions, affecting over 61,000 patients. The shortage has led to patients skipping meals and experiencing increased stress, with experts predicting the issue may persist into next year. The Department of Health attributes the supply issues to European-wide manufacturing constraints and is working to mitigate the impact, but concerns remain about the adequacy of current management strategies.
Pfizer's drug manufacturing plant in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, has reportedly not suffered major damage to its drug manufacturing areas after being hit by a tornado. The facility supplies nearly 8% of all sterile injectable medicines used in U.S. hospitals and manufactures about 25% of Pfizer's sterile injectables. While a warehouse facility storing raw materials and finished medicines was primarily damaged, it is unclear if this will lead to new drug shortages. The plant is currently closed as authorities assess the damage, and Pfizer is working to move medicine products to nearby sites for storage and identify alternative manufacturing locations.
Syphilis cases in Virginia and across the US are surging, with a 120% increase in early syphilis rates compared to a decade ago. The shortage of the medicine used to treat syphilis is exacerbating the situation, with Pfizer expecting to run out of the drug by September. Factors driving the surge in cases include a history of incarceration, opioid dependence, housing instability, and reduced STI testing availability during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Virginia Department of Health has launched a social media campaign to raise awareness and has hired more health counselors to reach out to those who test positive. The department is working to ensure that Bicillin, the treatment for pregnant women and infants, remains available.
