The National Authority of Medicines and Health Products (Autoridade Nacional do Medicamento e Produtos de Saúde or Infarmed) banned the export of 52 medicines to safeguard supplies in Portuguese pharmacies. The restriction covers pain relievers, antibiotics, antidepressants, and treatments prescribed for cancer care. The measure took effect immediately to ensure domestic access amid international supply chain pressures.
Infarmed Bans Export of 52 Medications to Guard Domestic Supplies
Tuesday, 6 October 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
Infarmed (Autoridade Nacional do Medicamento e Produtos de Saúde) is Portugal’s national regulator for medicines and health products that approves drugs, monitors safety and enforces rules on pricing and reimbursement. In 2025 it approved 928 new medicines — 79% were generics, 38 were designated essential and 236 were national products — which affects which medicines are available and how much they cost at pharmacies.
