One US-made drug treats congenital syphilis, and the country is running short

The U.S. faces a shortage of Bicillin L-A, the only first-line injectable penicillin for treating syphilis in pregnant women to prevent congenital syphilis. Pfizer's recall of the drug due to contamination risks has delayed supply until December 2027, forcing temporary reliance on imported Lentocilin. Health experts warn the shortage could worsen infection rates and disparities, as congenital syphilis causes severe, irreversible harm to infants.