**Medochemie Becomes Sole EU Supplier of Praziquantel 600mg Tablets Amid Supply Shortages**
*Cyprus Mail*
Medochemie Limited, a pharmaceutical company based in Cyprus, has emerged as the only supplier within the European Union (EU) authorized to provide Praziquantel 600mg tablets. This development comes in response to significant supply shortages and discontinuations affecting the availability of the medication across the continent.
Praziquantel, a medication long approved for use in the EU, is crucial for treating trematode infections, particularly schistosomiasis. Despite its longstanding presence in the market, the current landscape has been marred by the withdrawal of the originator manufacturer, which ceased production after notifying European authorities of impending supply issues. This has led to a gradual shortage of the medication across Europe.
Medochemie has taken on the responsibility of filling this gap, ensuring that healthcare practitioners in all 27 EU member states have access to this essential medication. The company has already initiated shipments, with the first batch sent to Greece this week to meet patient needs projected for 2026. Additional shipments to other EU countries are planned, contingent upon the successful arrangement of import permits.
Praziquantel is recognized for its effectiveness against a variety of trematodes that pose health risks to humans. These include Schistosoma species, which are responsible for schistosomiasis, as well as other trematodes such as liver flukes and lung flukes. The drug is particularly significant in mass drug administration (MDA) programs aimed at controlling schistosomiasis in endemic regions, highlighting its global health impact.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has included Praziquantel on its Essential Medicines List for 2025, underscoring its importance in public health initiatives. The availability of this medication is vital not only for treating existing infections but also for preventing outbreaks in at-risk populations.
Medochemie's commitment to providing Praziquantel aligns with broader efforts to ensure that essential medications remain accessible, particularly in light of recent supply challenges. As the only EU supplier with the necessary marketing authorization, Medochemie is poised to play a critical role in addressing the healthcare needs of patients affected by trematode infections throughout Europe.
The company’s proactive approach in facilitating the distribution of Praziquantel is expected to alleviate some of the pressure caused by the current shortages and ensure that healthcare providers can continue to deliver effective treatment to those in need. As the situation evolves, Medochemie remains focused on expanding its distribution network to support public health initiatives across the EU.