Japan faces ongoing penicillin shortage as syphilis cases keep rising

An equipment failure at a penicillin manufacturing plant has halted production, creating a shortage that is projected to last until the latter half of next year. The drug is the first-line treatment for syphilis and the only recommended prophylaxis for preventing mother-to-child transmission, prompting the Japanese Society for Sexually Transmitted Infections to ask clinicians to prioritize its use for pregnant patients and those without suitable alternatives.

Syphilis infections in Japan have risen sharply, climbing from about 6,000 in 2020 to more than 13,000 in 2025. Compounding the problem, Pfizer voluntarily recalled its syphilis medication in July 2025 after foreign-matter contamination was discovered. The society issued guidance on August 24 urging hospitals to limit unnecessary prescriptions and pharmacies to avoid large orders. Hiroshige Mikamo, a professor at Asahi University and chair of the society’s syphilis committee, called the guidance a preventive measure and encouraged patients to keep accessing medical care.