site.btaExport Ban on Insulin, Antibiotics Extended Until April 24

The ban on exporting insulin and antibiotics remains in place, as stipulated in an order by the Minister of Health, published on the Ministry of Health’s website on Tuesday. The order takes effect on March 25 and continues until April 24.

It prohibits the export of certain insulins and analogues due to supply shortages affecting pharmacies and patients. The ban also covers sodium–glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors, antibacterial drugs for systemic use, blood sugar–lowering medications, and others.

Regarding Semaglutide in injectable form, the order cites evidence of supply disruptions, refusal from wholesale distributors’ warehouses, delayed deliveries, or reduced quantities. Eighty-one pharmacies have reported difficulties obtaining the product.

The Semaglutide marketing authorization holder has indicated a temporary suspension of sales due to unforeseen circumstances. The Ministry of Health was also informed of an expected shortage between March 28 and April 11. The European Medicines Agency has been notified. The company cites global production issues resulting in a temporary halt in deliveries to certain regions and markets—reasons that underpin the current export ban on Semaglutide.

The main goal of the ban is to ensure that the Bulgarian pharmaceutical market retains an adequate supply of these medicinal products to meet demand.

The export ban on insulin was first introduced in November 2023, when multiple reports of shortages prompted action by the Ministry of Health.