STAT+: Amid confusion over Pfizer’s emergency penicillin program, newborn is diagnosed with preventable syphilis

A pregnant woman in Gila County, Arizona, faced a preventable syphilis diagnosis in her newborn due to delays in receiving Bicillin L-A, an injectable penicillin critical for treating syphilis during pregnancy. Pfizer, the sole U.S. supplier, had an emergency request system in place but failed to deliver the medication in time, despite warnings from public health officials about systemic delays. The case highlights a national shortage of the drug since July 2025 and Pfizer's unfulfilled commitment to donate reserves to health departments.