One US-made drug treats congenital syphilis, and the country is running short

By: Nada Hassanein

Outlets: Stateline

Published: June 15, 2026

Words: 1,263

Last Updated: 1 month, 1 week ago

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The United States has a shortage of the only first-line medication recommended for pregnant women with syphilis to prevent passing it to their baby, even as congenital syphilis rates have been skyrocketing.

Last July, drug manufacturer Pfizer issued a voluntary recall of brand name Bicillin L-A, or penicillin G benzathine — a long-acting injectable of the antibiotic — warning of particulates, or foreign material, in some batches. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says supplies …

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