Bicillin L-A

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, following a Pfizer recall due to contamination. The FDA estimates normal supplies won’t return until December 2027, forcing temporary reliance on imported Lentocilin from Portugal. The shortage risks worsening disparities in congenital syphilis rates, particularly affecting Indigenous and Black infants.

The U.S. is facing a shortage of Bicillin L-A, the only U.S.-made antibiotic for treating syphilis in pregnant women to prevent congenital syphilis. Pfizer's recall of the drug due to contamination risks has delayed supply until 2027, forcing temporary reliance on imported Lentocilin. The shortage risks worsening infection rates, particularly among Indigenous and Black infants.

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, combined with limited manufacturing capacity, has delayed supply until 2027, raising concerns about rising infection rates and disparities affecting Indigenous and Black infants.

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.

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, due to a Pfizer recall linked to contamination. The FDA projects normal supply won’t return until December 2027, exacerbating rising congenital syphilis rates and disparities among Indigenous and Black infants.

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.