diff --git a/pkgs/development/python-modules/mdit-py-plugins/default.nix b/pkgs/development/python-modules/mdit-py-plugins/default.nix
index 03a64588f85b..4174c18d10bf 100644
--- a/pkgs/development/python-modules/mdit-py-plugins/default.nix
+++ b/pkgs/development/python-modules/mdit-py-plugins/default.nix
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 , buildPythonPackage
 , fetchFromGitHub
 , pythonOlder
+, setuptools
 , markdown-it-py
 , pytest-regressions
 , pytestCheckHook
@@ -21,6 +22,10 @@ buildPythonPackage rec {
     sha256 = "sha256-3zFSTjqwjUV6+fU6falYbIzj/Hp7E/9EXKZIi00tkg4=";
   };
 
+  nativeBuildInputs = [
+    setuptools
+  ];
+
   propagatedBuildInputs = [
     markdown-it-py
   ];