Overview

• Medication shortages in France peaked during the winter of 2022-2023, with 800 essential drug presentations simultaneously unavailable.
• As of late 2024, the number of shortages has decreased to approximately 400 presentations, indicating progress but still reflecting historically high levels.
• Essential medications, including antibiotics and anticancer drugs, remain disproportionately impacted, with limited alternatives exacerbating risks to patient health.
• Global supply chain disruptions and increased demand are identified as primary causes, with raw material shortages playing a minimal role.
• Regulatory enforcement has intensified, resulting in fines for non-compliant pharmaceutical companies, while stock levels have improved modestly.