elmundo.es
Spain's Methylphenidate Shortage to End in Early 2025
The Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Products (Aemps) reports that methylphenidate shortages for ADHD treatment, affecting patients since April 2024 due to increased global demand and production issues at Janssen-Cilag, will be resolved by early 2025 thanks to increased production from various manufacturers, although some delays in reaching pharmacies are expected.
- What factors contributed to the methylphenidate shortage in Spain, and how did this impact healthcare professionals and patients?
- Global demand and production limitations at Janssen-Cilag (80% market share, 12.6% lower sales in 2024) caused widespread methylphenidate shortages in Spain. This impacted other manufacturers, leading to recommendations from Aemps, AEPNyA, AEP, and SEPSM to mitigate patient impact. Liconsa's production increase aims to alleviate the shortage.
- What is the timeline for resolving the methylphenidate shortage in Spain, and what actions are being taken to ensure sufficient supply?
- The Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Products (Aemps) announced that the supply of extended-release methylphenidate medications for ADHD will normalize by early 2025. This follows shortages since April, resolved by increased production from manufacturers like Liconsa (721% increase) and Janssen-Cilag. However, distribution delays to pharmacies are expected.
- What systemic vulnerabilities in the pharmaceutical supply chain does the methylphenidate shortage expose, and what steps can be taken to prevent similar future crises?
- While the supply of methylphenidate for ADHD will recover by early 2025 due to increased production, potential future shortages remain a risk. The incident highlights the vulnerability of medication supply chains to global demand fluctuations and the need for proactive manufacturing capacity planning. Continued monitoring of supply and demand will be crucial.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the situation in a positive light, emphasizing the efforts taken to resolve the shortage and the expected return to normalcy by early 2025. The headline (if there was one) likely would focus on the resolution rather than the negative impact of the shortage. The focus on percentage increases in production by Liconsa highlights a success story.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral and objective, reporting facts rather than expressing opinions. The use of terms like "restablecimiento del suministro" (restoration of supply) and "paulatinamente" (gradually) conveys a sense of progress and optimism. However, words like "tensiones puntuales" (specific tensions) might be slightly loaded.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses primarily on the actions taken by the Aemps and pharmaceutical companies to address the shortage. While it mentions the impact on patients and healthcare professionals, it lacks detailed accounts of individual experiences or the broader societal consequences of this shortage. The long-term effects of the shortage on patients' treatment and well-being are not explored.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article discusses the resolution of a shortage of methylphenidate, a medication crucial for treating ADHD. Restoring access to this medication directly improves the health and well-being of individuals with ADHD, aligning with SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. The actions taken by the Aemps and pharmaceutical companies to increase supply demonstrate a commitment to improving access to essential medicines.