Azactam - supply shortage
Shortage ongoing
aztreonam
ShortageHuman
Shortage information
There is an ongoing shortage of Azactam (aztreonam) in the EU/EAA (European Economic Area).
Azactam (aztreonam) is an antibiotic used to treat a wide range of serious infections caused by bacteria which require an antibiotic injection. These include infections of the urinary tract, lungs, blood, brain, skin, and abdomen.
The company for Azactam, Delbert, is having manufacturing issues at a new production site. This means that new batches of Azactam 1g and 2g powder for injection or infusion cannot be released, which has resulted in supply shortages since the second quarter of 2026. The shortage is not due to any safety, efficacy or quality concern with currently available supplies of Azactam.
The shortage is expected to last until the end of June 2027.
The shortage affects all Member States where the product is currently marketed: France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Portugal, Austria, Finland, Norway, Sweden and Spain.
This information may change. For up-to-date information about the status of a medicine shortage in a particular Member State, consult the national shortage register or contact the national competent authority using the below links.
EMA is closely monitoring the supply situation of Azactam and is engaging with the company to mitigate the impact of the shortage by:
- supplying additional batches to the EU/EEA from stock not originally intended for this region;
- central EU/EEA stock management, including close monitoring of inventory levels to support allocation of supplies to countries based on demand and need;
- implementation of controlled distribution measures in countries where this is feasible.
Monitoring is carried out by EMA’s Executive Steering Group on Shortages and Safety of Medicinal Products (MSSG) and shortages working party (Medicines Shortages Single Point of Contact – SPOC - working party). For further information see ‘related information’.
- Manufacturing issues have led to shortages of Azactam in the EU/EAA which are expected to last until the end of June 2027.
- While the medicine is unavailable, healthcare professionals should follow the guidance issued by the relevant national medicines agency. This guidance may include recommendations to prioritise the use of available supplies for specific patient groups, particularly those with the greatest clinical need and for whom no suitable therapeutic alternatives are available.
- National guidance may also advise on suitable alternatives and provide advice on switching strategies, including any necessary monitoring or precautions to ensure continuity of care and minimise risks to patients.
- A medicine shortage communication (MSC) has been sent to healthcare professionals in affected Member States.
- For additional information, consult your country’s shortage register or contact your national competent authority.
- Manufacturing delays have led to shortages of Azactam in the EU/EAA which are expected to last until the end of June 2027.
- If Azactam is not available in your country, your doctor will prescribe an alternative antibiotic to treat your infection.
- If you have any questions, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
- For additional information, consult your country’s shortage register or contact your national competent authority using the below links.
Key facts
- Medicines affected
- Azactam
- Supply shortage status
- Shortage ongoing
- International non-proprietary name (INN) or common name
- aztreonam
- Therapeutic area (MESH)
- Bacterial Infections
- Pharmaceutical forms affected
- Powder for solution for injection
- Powder for solution for infusion
- Strengths affected
- 1 g
- 2 g
- Availability of alternatives
- Yes
Key dates
- First published