Germany's Drug Shortages Worsen as 1,500 Supply Gaps Leave Patients Struggling

From antipsychotics to antibiotics, Germany's drug supply chain is breaking down. Why are shortages lasting over 200 days—and what can fix it?

, and Administrator

2026 February 22 . 7:21 PM

1 min read

The image shows a poster with the text "In 2022, Big Pharma Charged Americans Two to Three Times... — The image shows a poster with the text "In 2022, Big Pharma Charged Americans Two to Three Times More Than What They Charged People in Other Countries for the Same Drugs" at the bottom, accompanied by a few bottles and a syringe.

Germany's Drug Shortages Worsen as 1,500 Supply Gaps Leave Patients Struggling

Drug shortages persist in German pharmacies throughout 2025, with over 1,500 shortage reports documenting 1,041 distinct supply bottlenecks. Patients and healthcare providers grapple with these ongoing challenges, which span multiple essential drug categories.

Antipsychotics are particularly affected, with 173 shortage reports impacting 151 different pharmaceutical products. These shortages last an average of 230 days, making them one of the most prolonged disruptions. Antidepressants follow closely, with 130 reports affecting 126 products and lasting around 107 days on average.

Lipid-lowering agents also face significant supply issues, with 89 shortage reports covering 80 products and lasting about 156 days. Antibiotics, though slightly less affected, still see 85 reports across 78 products, averaging 122 days of disruption. Shortages of salbutamol and antiepileptic drugs are raising particular concern due to the lack of readily available alternatives.

Despite the 2023 Shortages Act, health insurers report no structural improvements in drug supply stability. In response, stakeholders are proposing an early-warning system to flag major production failures in Asia. This system would alert German supply chains promptly, potentially preventing shortages before they reach patients.

The ongoing shortages highlight the fragility of Germany's drug supply chain, particularly for critical medications like antipsychotics and antibiotics. An early-warning system could provide a way to mitigate future disruptions by addressing production issues at their source. Without further intervention, patients may continue to face delays in accessing essential treatments.