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French Hospitals Turn to Spanish Pharmaceuticals to Combat Drug Shortages
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France is bolstering its hospital drug supplies with medications sourced from Spain as disruptions continue to plague the pharmaceutical market. The National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) reported between January 9 and 13, 2026, on new shortages and updated availability data for several hospital-exclusive medications. This move highlights the growing challenges facing healthcare systems in securing essential treatments.
Imukin Reinforcements from Spain
A critical shortage of Imukin, a recombinant interferon gamma-1b solution used in injectable form, is being addressed with supplies from Spain. According to the ANSM, hospitals currently have some Imukin units available, but stocks are dwindling with a new supply not expected until the end of Febuary 2026.
To mitigate the shortfall, an remarkable and transitional provision of Imukin 100 micrograms solution for injection – originally intended for the Spanish market – began on January 8, 2026. Deliveries of these Spanish units are anticipated in early March 2026.
A letter from the Clinigen laboratory, dated December 30, 2025, assures healthcare professionals that the imported Imukin is identical to the French version in terms of active substance, excipients, and pharmaceutical form, all presented in 0.5 mL bottles. The primary differences lie in the packaging,labeling,instructions,and the absence of French-language notices and warning pictograms for pregnant women and drivers. The imported units have been decommissioned and utilize the CIP code 3400955776789.
The ANSM authorized the temporary import of Imukin from Spain on January 8,2026,in response to dwindling domestic supplies. The shortage is impacting hospitals’ ability to treat patients requiring this medication, which is used for specific immune deficiencies and cancers. Clinigen, the manufacturer, confirmed the imported product’s equivalence to the French version, despite differences in packaging and labeling. The imported Imukin is identified by CIP code 3400955776789 and is expected to arrive in early March 2026, providing a short-term solution until domestic production resumes at the end of February 2026.
Addressing the Un-Alfa Shortage
Another medication facing supply issues is Un-Alfa, an alfacalcidol solution for injection. The ANSM reports a complete “breakup” in availability at hospitals.
Similar to the Imukin situation, the agency is authorizing the exceptional and transitional provision of Etalpha 1 microgram solution for injection, initially intended for the Spanish market. However, distribution of these imported Un-Alfa units will be subject to a quota system, and the expected release date remains undetermined.
Laboratory data, published in a July 2024 newsletter for hospital pharmacists and referenced by the ANSM on January 9, 2026, confirms that the imported Un-Alfa meets French manufacturing authorization standards. It is indeed identical to the French specialty in terms of qualitative and quantitative composition,dosage,route,and methods of administration.
These measures underscore the increasing reliance on international collaboration to ensure patient access to vital medications amidst ongoing supply chain vulnerabilities. The situation highlights the need for proactive strategies to prevent future shortages and strengthen the resilience of pharmaceutical supply networks.
