Collagenase Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

The Collagenase Shortage: Where Do Things Stand in 2026?

If you rely on Collagenase Santyl Ointment for wound care, the shortage that started in 2023 probably left a lasting impression. Suddenly, a medication you depended on for healing chronic wounds or burns became nearly impossible to find — and the uncertainty was stressful.

So where do things stand now? Is the shortage over? And what should you know as a patient heading into 2026? Here's the full update.

Is Collagenase Still in Shortage?

The short answer: the official shortage has been resolved.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) first reported the collagenase ointment shortage in August 2023. The shortage was caused by supply chain disruptions at Smith+Nephew, the sole manufacturer of Santyl — the only FDA-approved collagenase ointment in the United States.

As of October 2024, ASHP confirmed that Smith+Nephew has both the 30g and 90g tube sizes back in stock and available for distribution.

However, "resolved" doesn't always mean "easy to find." Some patients in 2026 still report difficulties locating Santyl at their local pharmacy. This is often due to pharmacy stocking patterns rather than a true manufacturing shortage. For more context, read our article on why Collagenase is hard to find.

Why Was Collagenase Hard to Find?

Several factors contributed to the shortage and ongoing availability challenges:

Single-Source Manufacturing

Collagenase Santyl is made exclusively by Smith+Nephew. There are no other manufacturers and no generic version. When a medication has only one source, any production hiccup creates nationwide impact.

Biologic Manufacturing Complexity

Collagenase is a biologically derived enzyme from Clostridium histolyticum bacteria. Producing biological products is more complex than manufacturing standard pharmaceuticals, requiring specialized fermentation and purification processes that are harder to scale quickly.

Supply Chain Disruptions

Global supply chain challenges that affected many industries during 2022-2024 also impacted pharmaceutical raw materials and packaging. These broader disruptions compounded the single-manufacturer vulnerability.

Increased Demand

An aging population and rising rates of diabetes and chronic wounds have increased demand for wound care products, including Santyl. More prescriptions chasing a limited supply made the shortage feel even more acute.

How Much Does Collagenase Cost in 2026?

Cost remains a significant concern for patients. Here's what you can expect:

• Cash price (without insurance): Approximately $333 to $437 for a 30g tube
• With insurance: Most commercial plans, Medicare Part D, and Medicaid cover Santyl. More than half of patients pay $10 or less with insurance, according to Smith+Nephew.
• With GoodRx coupon: As low as approximately $347 for a 30g tube
• Smith+Nephew Copay Card: Eligible patients pay the first $50, and Smith+Nephew covers up to $250 per fill (up to 6 fills per year)

For a complete breakdown of savings options, check out our guide on how to save money on Collagenase.

Are There New Options for Wound Debridement?

While Collagenase Santyl remains the only FDA-approved enzymatic debriding ointment, patients and providers have several other debridement approaches available:

• Medihoney: Medical-grade honey products for autolytic debridement — often more affordable and available without a prescription
• Hydrogel dressings: Water-based gels that soften necrotic tissue and promote autolytic debridement
• Sharp debridement: In-office removal of dead tissue by a wound care specialist

These aren't new, but awareness of them has grown since the shortage. If you're interested in learning more, read our article on alternatives to Collagenase.

As of 2026, no new enzymatic debriding agents have been FDA-approved to compete with Santyl. However, ongoing research into wound care technologies may bring new options in the future.

How to Find Collagenase in Stock in 2026

If you're still having difficulty finding Santyl at your pharmacy, here's what to do:

1. Use Medfinder

Medfinder lets you check real-time pharmacy availability for Collagenase in your area. Instead of calling around, you can see which pharmacies near you actually have it before making the trip.

2. Try Independent Pharmacies

Independent pharmacies often have more sourcing flexibility than chain pharmacies. They may be able to order Santyl directly from wholesalers or specialty distributors.

3. Ask About Mail-Order Options

Many insurance plans offer mail-order pharmacy benefits that can be a reliable way to get Santyl delivered to your door. This is especially helpful for ongoing wound care that requires regular refills.

4. Contact Smith+Nephew

The manufacturer may be able to help you locate a pharmacy with stock. They also offer a Patient Assistance Program for eligible patients.

For more detailed strategies, read our full guide on how to find Collagenase in stock near you.

What to Tell Your Doctor

If you're having trouble finding or affording Collagenase, be upfront with your healthcare provider. They can:

• Help you explore alternative debridement methods
• Send your prescription to a pharmacy that's more likely to have it in stock
• Provide debridement in the office while you source your prescription
• Help you apply for the Smith+Nephew Patient Assistance Program

If you need help finding a provider who prescribes Collagenase, see our guide on finding a doctor who can prescribe Collagenase near you.

Final Thoughts

The Collagenase shortage of 2023-2024 is officially behind us, but the experience highlighted just how vulnerable patients can be when a critical medication has only one manufacturer and no generic option. In 2026, Santyl is back in production — but finding it still requires some effort.

Stay proactive: use Medfinder to check stock, explore savings programs, and keep your wound care provider in the loop. Your healing shouldn't wait, and with the right tools and information, it doesn't have to.