EU Antibiotic Security at Risk, Warns Sandoz.
Swiss-based pharmaceutical company Sandoz has raised serious concerns over the growing import of low-cost antibiotics from China, warning that it could threaten Europe’s healthcare security and industrial stability.
Complaint Filed to European Commission
Sandoz has submitted a draft complaint to the European Commission targeting imports of penicillin-based antibiotics, particularly the active ingredient used in amoxicillin. The company argues that heavily subsidized Chinese production is distorting global competition.
Concerns Over Market Dependency
According to Sandoz CEO Richard Saynor, up to 90% of global antibiotic active substances are now produced outside Europe, mainly in China. He warned that this creates a critical strategic vulnerability for public health systems and crisis preparedness across Europe.
Pricing and Industry Pressure
Sandoz claims that antibiotics are being systematically undervalued in global markets, with pricing structures failing to reflect their importance in healthcare systems. The company argues that this focus on low-cost supply is weakening long-term production sustainability.
Risk to European Production Capacity
The company is actively trying to maintain Europe’s last remaining major antibiotic production facility in Kundl, Austria, which marks its 80th anniversary this year. Industry leaders warn that without stronger protections, Europe risks losing domestic production capability entirely.
Policy Response in Europe
Some progress has been made through initiatives such as the “Alpbach Communiqué,” which proposes that at least 30% of essential medicine supplies should come from European producers.
The EU’s proposed Critical Medicines Act is also seen as a step forward, although implementation details remain uncertain.
Global Comparison and Policy Debate
Sandoz has pointed to India’s policy model, where minimum import pricing is used to protect domestic pharmaceutical production. The company argues that Europe may need similar measures to secure long-term supply stability.
Conclusion
The dispute highlights growing global tensions over pharmaceutical supply chains, pricing fairness, and strategic independence in essential medicines, particularly antibiotics.
