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The pharmaceutical and health care life sciences industries are under intense pressure to develop new therapeutics, diagnostics and technologies that will shape the future direction of the medical field. The pharmaceutical industry is rapidly depleting its pipeline in the search for a new blockbuster drug. The biotechnology companies are developing new types of therapeutics and are now the future resource for the pharmaceutical industry. The pressures are mounting on the industry and cost containment, logistics and R&D are all factors in the success of these companies. Globalization has spread like a virus, but not a deadly one, rather an economic, market-driven virus that will provide a faster way to develop new medicines and bring them to market successfully.
The biopharmaceutical industry is undergoing rapid changes including the expansion of their market space. These changes are drastically affecting both their business and distribution models. In addition, new strategies to develop cost-efficient vertical supply chains, including cold chain logistics, are being explored as an effort to gain a competitive advantage and to expand the corporate market capabilities. Globalization of pharmaceutical and biotechnology will also affect other supporting industry segments such as clinical trials, R&D, manufacturing and distribution.
Cold Chain Logistics Critical to Meet the Needs of the Industry
With the advent of globalization, the pharmaceutical industry is challenged with how to transport therapeutics under strict temperature controls and within the time constraints of the pharmaceutical product requirements. Although not all pharmaceutical products will require cold chain logistics, there is a growing trend for the recently developed biotechnology molecules and vaccines to require regulated temperature control.
Shipment Visibility Helps to Track and Alleviate Issues
Technology has provided a wealth of information for the shipper including the ability to track shipments both inbound and outbound. Pharmaceutical companies need to know where their precious products are in the supply chain and if the shipment is delayed due to weather, mechanical or customs clearance issues. In addition, companies need to know that the transportation provider is taking steps to move the shipment through the supply chain with no disruption or allowing product to go out of temperature range in the cold chain system.
Security in the Supply Chain Begins to Change the Face of Distribution
The pharmaceutical industry has been affected recently by issues of security, counterfeiting of drugs and loss of product within the supply chain. As a result, the industry is currently undergoing changes in regulatory processes due to legislation from individual states and soon the FDA. Florida became the first state to enact a pharmaceutical pedigree law which tracks the movement and distribution of pharmaceutical products from manufacturer to distributor and finally to retail or clinical outlets.
Cost Savings to be Made With a Complete Vertical Supply Chain Approach
Pharmaceutical companies are continuously searching for cost-cutting measures and enhancements to their supply chain. Gaining control of the complete supply chain from the transport of raw materials to the manufacturing plant, to the distributor and finally to the end use, are all places where improvements and cost saving may be made.
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Industry Programs & Events
FedEx is an active supporter and participant in the wholesale distribution industry. We frequently provide educational programs and participate in a variety of industry events. Look for upcoming activities in your area.
Industry Associations
Drug Information Association (DIA)
General Pharmaceutical Association (GPhA)
Healthcare Distribution Management Association (HDMA)
U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)