European Health Union: HERA convenes industry to discuss solutions to potential antibiotic shortages.

Following the recommendations to ensure sufficient supply of antibiotics published on Monday, the Commission, through the European Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA), is taking immediate follow-up actions to ensure the availability of crucial medicinal products in cooperation with the industry. The HERA Board has met today with industry representatives to discuss antibiotic shortages and the secure and continued availability of those medicinal products.

Stella Kyriakides, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, said: “Working to find solutions to ensure the sufficient supply of key antibiotics ahead of next winter is a key priority for us. With HERA, we have taken immediate action to follow up on this work with the industry. Our main objective is to ensure that all citizens have immediate access to the antibiotics they need this winter. Engaging with industry partners is essential to understand how we can best help on the ground.”

During the meeting, HERA presented to industry representatives the outcomes of the monitoring of supply and demand. The main objective of the meeting was to foster an open exchange of perspectives, insights, and potential strategies to effectively implement the recommendations, namely: increase the production of key antibiotics; monitor supply and demand; and increase public awareness and prudent use. Industry members were reminded of their responsibility to ensure the adequate and continued supply of medicines they place on the EU market.

The Commission and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) will continue to closely monitor the situation and interact with companies over the summer before the next EMA Executive Steering Group on Shortages and Safety of Medicinal Products (MSSG) and HERA Board meetings in mid-September.