Health awareness

Facing global shortage, Merck commits to meeting patient demand for crucial treatment option

We know how important it is to get medicines to the people who need them and providing those medicines is at the center of what we do

January 19, 2023

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Aerial shot of the BCG facility

In 2012, Merck unexpectedly became the sole manufacturer of TICE® BCG BCG LIVE (for intravesical use). In many countries around the world, increasing global demand has outpaced our current maximum manufacturing capabilities. In recognition of the medical need for this product, Merck continues to operate at maximum production capacity. Due to the increasing global demand, Merck has been experiencing a supply shortage for TICE BCG. 

In October 2020, we announced our plans to construct a new manufacturing facility in Durham, North Carolina, to significantly expand our production capacity for TICE BCG BCG LIVE. This investment reaffirms Merck’s longstanding commitment to producing this medicine, and all our medicines, for patients who need them.

If patients have questions regarding TICE BCG, they should speak with their physicians.  Additional information related to the shortage, current allocation practices, and Merck’s efforts to increase supply, including construction of a new manufacturing site, is below.

FAQs: Supply & availability of TICE BCG