{
  "id": 12640204,
  "title": "Menopause drug Lenzetto returns to Spanish pharmacies in November",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/menopause-drug-lenzetto-returns-to-spanish-pharmacies-in-november",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-07T14:20:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Euronews",
    "slug": "euronews",
    "url": "https://www.euronews.com/2026/10/07/menopause-drug-lenzetto-returns-to-spanish-pharmacies-in-november"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.\n\nGedeon 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.\n\nTo 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.\n\nLenzetto'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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nWhile 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.",
  "summary": "Gedeon Richter has told Euronews it expects this menopause treatment to be available again in Spain from mid-November, but warns that global limits could stop it meeting demand in 2027.",
  "key_points": [
    "Lenzetto returns to Spanish pharmacies November from shortage",
    "Gedeon Richter increasing production, seeking new suppliers",
    "European Medicines Agency and Spanish health ministry reviewing coordinated measures"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Euronews",
        "title": "Menopause drug Lenzetto back in Spanish pharmacies from November",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/menopause-drug-lenzetto-back-in-spanish-pharmacies-from-november",
        "published": "2026-10-07T14:20:19.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}