Argentina Parkinson's patients face medication shortage

More than 90,000 Parkinson's patients in Argentina are facing uncertainty due to a production halt of levodopa/carbidopa, a critical medication for managing motor symptoms. The shortage stems from Pfizer, which supplies approximately 70% of the national market, unexpectedly suspending local production. While Pfizer has indicated the suspension could last until March 2027, the Argentine government is negotiating to accelerate the return of supply, with potential normalization targeted for December.

To mitigate the crisis, the local laboratory Bagó, which currently covers about 20% of the market with a bioequivalent version, is working with ANMAT to exponentially increase production. Bagó aims to manufacture its entire annual supply volume within the next two to three months to help absorb the deficit.

The Red Argentina de Parkinson has warned that the interruption could lead to serious mobility deterioration and severe health complications. In response to the shortage, protests have been organized across various provinces for October 14.