Protecting the Pharmaceutical Supply Channel

Abstract

Protecting and securing the pharmaceutical supply channel requires constant vigilance in cooperation with all partners in the channel: the manufacturer, the distributor, and the pharmacy as well as state and federal legislators and regulatory agencies. No one approach can protect and secure; rather, the pharmaceutical industry as a whole needs to adopt a combination of approaches to ensure the safety and integrity of the supply channel. Right now, the most secure way to ensure product integrity and patient safety is through a primary distribution system, also referred to as normal distribution. Primary distribution involves the movement of pharmaceuticals from the manufacturer to the wholesale distributor to the pharmacy. Going forward, some new technologies offer great promise. The industry needs to address all technology solutions, from secure product packaging to tracking techniques such as tags, holograms, and ultimately radio frequency identification. All of these begin with the manufacturer, require wholesaler involvement, and rely on the pharmacy. The movement of product must be secure and the highest level of vigilance maintained.