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2026-10-15 00:48 UTC → 2026-10-20 03:32 UTC ·
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More than 90,000 Parkinson’s patients in Argentina faced a critical The shortage of levodopa/carbidopa after Pfizer, which controls medication in Argentina has escalated in scope, now affecting approximately 130,000 Parkinson’s patients. The crisis stems from Pfizer’s decision to temporarily discontinue production of Lebocar—a drug it uses to supply roughly 70% of the national market, unexpectedly suspended local production market—to redirect resources toward other areas, such as oncology. Medical professionals and officials have emphasized the clinical urgency of the medication Lebocar. Patient advocacy groups, including shortage. Because the Red Argentina de Parkinson, warned that medication has a short half-life, patients require doses every four hours to prevent the interruption could cause “serious mobility deterioration rapid onset of motor symptoms, including tremors, rigidity, and severe health complications,” leading to organized protests in mid-October. loss of balance. While a national alternative exists, provincial deputy Miguel Rabbia noted it covers only about 35 percent of demand and may not be suitable for all patients. To address mitigate the deficit, the local laboratory Bagó—which holds about 20% of the market—began Bagó is working with ANMAT to exponentially increase production of its bioequivalent version, aiming to manufacture its entire annual supply volume within two to three months. months to support the 20% of the market it serves. Following protests and government negotiations, intervention, Pfizer announced has communicated that the supply of Lebocar is expected to normalize between November and December, a significantly earlier December. This timeline provides significant relief, as it is much earlier than the initial estimate of March 2027.