The global generic medicines industry supplies most of the world’s antibiotic medicine and is aware of the current surge in demand of these products that is leading to shortages. The surge is driven by an unusually high rate of respiratory conditions and infections that are occurring as we exit the most acute phase of the Covid-19 pandemic and, in many countries, an unusually high rate of respiratory conditions and infections among children. Demand has also increased due to changes in prescribing protocols, leading to a much higher number of prescriptions being issued for certain antibiotic medicines.

The International Generic and Biosimilar medicines Association (IGBA) today released a report identifying key factors affecting the security of the global supply of generic prescription medicines.

The International Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association is an international organization of national and regional associations representing manufacturers of generic and biosimilar medicines from around the world. Our industry supplies an estimated 80% of all quality-assured medicines globally and is therefore absolutely critical to ensuring safe and affordable medicines are available to patients worldwide and indispensable for achieving Universal Health Coverage.