Antibiotics: Falling Prices, Rising Costs, and Shortages in Europe

Findings from a European study highlights the critical economic challenges facing the production of essential off-patent antibiotics, particularly in the context of rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Viatris and Medicines for Europe sponsored the independent study, which revealed that between 2020 and 2024, the average price of top-selling off-patent antibiotics dropped by over 10%, while industrial costs such as energy, labour, and overall production surged significantly. This unsustainable dynamic has led to antibiotic shortages and market withdrawals, ultimately threatening patient access across Europe. The organisations urgently call for policy reform, including price indexation, minimum price policies, and procurement changes, to secure the economic viability and long-term availability of these vital medicines and combat the growing threat of AMR. Continue reading