Spain Faces Ongoing Medicine Shortages: A Growing Concern for Patients and Pharmacies

Medicine shortages continue to pose a significant challenge to the Spanish pharmaceutical sector, impacting patient care and straining the healthcare system. Recent data indicates a persistent issue, with technology emerging as a key tool in mitigating the consequences.

Rising Shortages in 2025

According to a report by LUDA Partners, the average number of different products experiencing shortages in Spanish pharmacies reached 5,397 per quarter in 2025. This represents an 8% increase compared to the previous year, highlighting a worsening trend [Source: Capital Riesgo].

LUDA Partners’ Role in Addressing the Crisis

The LUDA tool, utilized by over 3,700 pharmacies across Spain, has been instrumental in helping over 600,000 patients continue their treatments without interruption. The network connects pharmacies to locate needed medications in real-time [Source: LUDA Partners].

Therapeutic Groups Most Affected

The report identified antidiabetics, antibacterials, and antidepressants as the therapeutic groups experiencing the most significant supply problems. These groups accounted for a substantial portion of the medications located using the LUDA tool.

• Antidiabetics: Representing 10% of located medications, with Ozempic and Saxenda being particularly affected.
• Antibacterials: Constituting 7% of shortages, with Furantoina and Zinnat facing the biggest challenges.
• Antidepressants: Accounting for 5% of total locations, with Anafranil being the most prominent.

Evolving Patterns of Shortages

The medications most affected by shortages have shifted over time. While Ozempic was a prominent concern in 2024, Concerta surpassed it as the drug with the greatest supply problems, especially during the start of the school year. In 2025, Anafranil topped the ranking during the summer months. Currently, in 2026, Lenzetto, used for treating symptoms of estrogen deficiency after menopause, has recorded the highest number of incidents [Source: Capital Riesgo].

Technology as a Key Solution

Luis Martín Lázaro, co-founder of LUDA Partners, emphasized that technology is becoming a crucial ally in addressing medicine shortages. He highlighted LUDA as an example of how technology can help mitigate the consequences of these supply issues [Source: Capital Riesgo].

LUDA Partners: Company Overview

Founded in 2017 and based in Madrid, Spain, LUDA Partners operates as a digital network connecting pharmacies. The company has raised $13.4 million in funding from CDTI and Moira Capital Partners [Source: Tracxn]. LUDA Partners currently has over 3,500 pharmacies interconnected in real-time [Source: EU-Startups].

The analysis underscores the need for effective strategies to ensure patients can continue their treatments without disruption, especially considering the potential for serious consequences, including fatalities, in other countries due to medicine shortages.