The European Medicines Agency's (EMA) Medicine Shortages Single Point of Contact (SPOC) Working Party, meeting on 16-17 June 2026, reviewed the potential impact of the Middle East conflict, the Andes hantavirus outbreak, and the Bundibugyo Ebola virus (BEBOV) outbreak on the availability of medicines in the EU/EEA. The meeting, held as a hybrid event at EMA's Amsterdam premises, concluded that no critical shortages linked to the Middle East conflict have been identified so far, while noting that no authorised vaccines or therapeutics are currently available for BEBOV. The working party agreed to continue monitoring the situation and requested member states to report any signals that could affect medicine availability.
The meeting, chaired by Monica Dias (EMA) with Vasileios Loutas (PhS, Ministry of Health, Cyprus) as vice-chair, opened with the adoption of the draft minutes from the 12 May 2026 meeting. During the session, member states exchanged updates on critical national-level issues and new strategic measures, including critical medicines lists and stockpiling requirements. EMA presented an update on the geopolitical situation, focusing on the Middle East conflict, and noted that no critical shortages have been identified. The working party also discussed the Andes hantavirus outbreak and the BEBOV outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which the World Health Organisation has declared a public health emergency of international concern. For BEBOV, potential interventions under discussion include diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics, with remdesivir, obeldesivir, and monoclonal antibodies as possible treatment options.
In addition, the working party received oral updates on shortages of specific products. A shortage of a medicinal product for erectile dysfunction, caused by manufacturing issues, began in early June 2026 and is expected to last until end of July 2026, with no alternatives available in the affected member state. A shortage of an antihemorrhagic product due to increased demand started in early June 2026 and is expected to last until the end of June 2026, also with no alternatives. An intermittent shortage of a rabies vaccine due to distribution issues was reported, with no alternatives currently available. Initial feedback suggests these shortages are primarily national in scope, as most member states reported limited or no impact.
EMA provided an update on ongoing critical shortages of ifosfamide and cyclophosphamide, highlighting continued manufacturing constraints at Baxter's contract manufacturing organisation. The supply of both critical medicines remains insufficient across the EU/EEA. EMA outlined ongoing regulatory engagement with the US Food and Drug Administration and EU supervisory authorities to monitor remediation efforts and support the restoration of supply. Updates were also shared from an ad hoc MSSG meeting held on 12 June 2026, with an oral explanation from the marketing authorisation holder.
The working party's actions include continued monitoring of the Middle East situation and the outbreaks, with EMA to provide updates if the situation deteriorates. The meeting summary was published on 30 July 2026, with the document dated 4 August 2026.