Menopause drug Lenzetto back in Spanish pharmacies from November

The hormone therapy drug Lenzetto is set to return to Spanish pharmacies in November after a shortage plagued availability. Manufactured by Gedeon Richter, the medication is one of the most commonly used to alleviate menopausal symptoms. In response to Euronews inquiries, the company confirmed that pharmacies will have access to the product from the second half of November.

Gedeon Richter expressed its commitment to maintaining a steady production level throughout the rest of the year and into 2027, despite acknowledging that global supply restrictions might hinder meeting existing demand. The shortage originated from a surge in demand for menopause hormone treatments in Europe, which far surpassed initial expectations, straining manufacturing capacity and the availability of applicators used to administer the drug.

To address the issue, the company is amplifying its current production capacity, seeking additional suppliers and manufacturing options, and expanding its production lines, including a new plant in Romania. These efforts aim to boost supply as swiftly as possible, but the company warns that expanding pharmaceutical production takes time due to quality controls.

Lenzetto's shortage is not confined to Spain; Gedeon Richter also reported a global shortage of the drug, with the severity varying based on local demand, forecasting capacity, and logistical possibilities. This has led individuals and healthcare professionals to opt for alternative estradiol products, causing a ripple effect for some of those substitutes.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices (Aemps) have recognized the Lenzetto shortage and are examining potential coordinated measures at the European level. Spain's health ministry has been collaborating with alternative hormone treatment providers, considering their inclusion in the national health system's pharmaceutical services.

While Aemps criticized Gedeon Richter's previous supply forecasts for inaccuracy and lack of timely communication about interruptions, the company maintains close contact with the agency and collaborates to resolve the situation. Gedeon Richter claims to have improved its forecasting systems in response to unprecedented demand and continues to share updates with authorities as new data becomes available.

However, the company does not guarantee a swift resolution to the shortage, with the target date for stable supply being mid-2027.