National Coalition of STD Directors
Coverage of National Coalition of STD Directors in the Nexus archive.
- 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.
- 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, 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.
- 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.