European study highlights a paradox in antibiotic markets
A new independent study presented during World AMR Awareness Week sheds light on a troubling paradox in Europe’s antibiotic market. Conducted under the auspices of Viatris and Medicines for Europe, the analysis shows falling list prices for several antibiotics while manufacturers and distributors report rising input costs and persistent shortages in patient access. The findings come as public health officials emphasize that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains a critical threat to global health and that reliable access to effective antibiotics is a cornerstone of resilient healthcare systems.
Key findings: prices, costs and shortages
The study draws a three-pronged picture of the market dynamics in Europe:
– Falling prices: In several European markets, official price listings for commonly used antibiotics have declined over the past 12 to 18 months. While lower prices can improve affordability in the short term, analysts caution that this trend may reflect pressures such as competitive bidding, reference pricing, or delayed payments rather than true value.
– Rising costs: Despite lower list prices, manufacturers report higher costs for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), quality testing, regulatory compliance, and supply-chain resilience. In some cases, shortages are linked to supply fragilities for key raw materials, manufacturing disruptions, and logistical constraints.
– Persistent shortages: The report confirms ongoing gaps in supply for certain classes of antibiotics, with beneficiaries including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Shortages create operational challenges for clinicians, potentially leading to suboptimal empiric therapy or the use of broader-spectrum agents with higher stewardship risk.
Why these trends matter for patient care
Shortages of essential antibiotics can directly impact treatment timeliness and effectiveness. Delays in obtaining appropriate therapy for serious infections can drive longer hospital stays, increased costs, and greater risk of complications. AMR remains a global concern, and ensuring steady access to a diverse antibiotic toolkit is essential for targeted, evidence-based prescribing and responsible stewardship.
Implications for policy and industry action
Experts interviewed for the study emphasize that prices alone do not determine access or stewardship outcomes. The report recommends a multiplatform approach to stabilize antibiotic markets, including:
– Strengthening supply chains and diversified sourcing to reduce vulnerability to single-point failures in API supply.
– Transparent pricing models that reflect true value, support innovation, and maintain patient access without encouraging overuse.
– Enhanced stockpiling and distribution planning for critical antibiotics, particularly in public health emergencies or seasonal outbreaks.
– Close collaboration among manufacturers, governments, and health systems to monitor shortages and deploy timely interventions.
World AMR Awareness Week: a timely backdrop
As World AMR Awareness Week commences, the release of these findings underscores the need for coordinated action. The World Health Organization and national health agencies continue to stress that preserving antibiotic effectiveness requires prudent prescribing, robust surveillance, and sustained investment in research and manufacturing capacity. The Viatris and Medicines for Europe study adds a market perspective to the AMR dialogue, encouraging policymakers and industry leaders to address both access and stewardship in tandem.
Looking ahead
Stakeholders say the goal is a stable, transparent antibiotic market that supports timely patient care and responsible use. By aligning incentives across the supply chain, improving forecasting, and maintaining resilient manufacturing, Europe can help ensure that effective antibiotics remain available when and where they are needed most. The study’s authors plan follow-up work to track market developments and assess the impact of policy interventions on price signals, costs, and accessibility.
