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20 December 2024

The pharmaceutical supply chain: key steps and challenges

The pharmaceutical supply chain plays a strategic role in the distribution of medicines and pharmaceutical products. It ensures the management, storage, and transportation of sensitive products while adhering to strict standards. Its goal is to ensure the safety, effectiveness, and regulatory compliance of medicines, from manufacturing to distribution.

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Logistics in the pharmaceutical industry
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The pharmaceutical supply chain plays a strategic role in the distribution of medicines and pharmaceutical products. It ensures the management, storage, and transportation of sensitive products while adhering to strict standards. Its goal is to ensure the safety, effectiveness, and regulatory compliance of medicines, from manufacturing to distribution.

In this article, we shall look at the different stages in the pharmaceutical supply chain, and the issues involved.

1. Stages in the pharmaceutical supply chain

a. The medication manufacturing stage

Several stages make up pharmaceutical manufacturing, the very first step of the pharmaceutical supply chain:

  • The production of active ingredients responsible for the therapeutic efficacy of medicines: their manufacturing follows strict protocols, such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
  • The formulation of finished products: active ingredients are combined with excipients to create the final dosage form of the medication (tablet, capsule, liquid, or injectable solution)
  • Quality control: before packaging, the compliance of products with safety, purity, and quality standards is verified through chemical, microbiological, and physical analyses.
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    b. The pharmaceutical product packaging stage

    Packaging prepares pharmaceutical products for transport, storage, and distribution. This link in the pharmaceutical supply chain aims not only to protect the product but also to ensure its traceability and integrity.

    This stage involves several types of packaging:

    • Primary packaging: in direct contact with the pharmaceutical formulation (glass vials, double-ended glass ampoules, blisters, injectable syringes, sachets…).
    • Secondary packaging: which groups primary units into cartons or blisters to facilitate handling, transport, and identification, while displaying essential information (dosage, batch number, expiration date).
    • Tertiary packaging: this involves bulk packaging for transport and logistics (pallets, containers).
    The role of packaging in pharmaceutical logistics

    To learn more about the types of packaging in pharmaceutical manufacturing, check out our dedicated article.

    c. The storage stage of pharmaceutical products

    Storage is a critical stage that requires strict adherence to rigorous conditions. Medications must be kept under controlled temperature conditions, often between 2 and 8°C for temperature-sensitive products, and protected from humidity and light.

    These conditions are governed by international standards such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

    d. The pharmaceutical transportation stage

    Transportation represents a major challenge, particularly for temperature-sensitive products requiring a strict cold chain. Tailored transport solutions, such as refrigerated containers, ensure proper cold preservation and product stability.

    Meeting deadlines in pharmaceutical logistics is also crucial to prevent any expiration date issues.

    e. The distribution stage in the pharmaceutical supply chain

    Distribution is the final stage of the pharmaceutical supply chain. It involves delivering medications to points of sale (pharmacies, hospitals) or use (international exports) while ensuring their quality, safety, and traceability.

    This stage of pharmaceutical logistics also includes managing returns and the secure disposal of non-compliant products.

    The challenges of transportation for the pharmaceutical industry

    Compliance with health and regulatory standards, traceability and safety, time management… Pharmaceutical transportation covers significant challenges. Read our full article.

    2. The challenges of logistics in the pharmaceutical industry

    a. Regulatory compliance in pharmaceutical logistics

    The pharmaceutical supply chain is governed by national and international regulations to ensure patient safety.

    • International norms with:
      • Various Good Practices, such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Distribution Practices (GDP), ensure the quality and integrity of medications throughout the supply chain.
      • The European Pharmacopoeia: which defines quality standards for pharmaceutical products.
    • Required certifications: Supply chain stakeholders (manufacturers, transporters, warehouses) must obtain certifications confirming their compliance, such as ISO certifications or those issued by health agencies.
    • Regular audits: Companies are routinely inspected to ensure their practices comply with current standards. These inspections cover all stages, from production to transportation and distribution.
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      b. The safety and quality of pharmaceutical products

      Pharmaceutical logistics ensures that medications reach end users intact and compliant.

      Any failure, whether related to handling, transportation, or storage, can compromise the integrity of a medication and have serious consequences for patients.

      ISO standards provide a reference framework for pharmaceutical companies to ensure the safety and quality of pharmaceutical products. To learn more about ISO standards in the pharmaceutical industry, read our dedicated article.

      c. Cost optimization in the pharmaceutical supply chain

      Faced with increasing budget constraints and intense competition, pharmaceutical industry stakeholders must focus on cost optimization, particularly in:

      • Reducing losses (breakage, theft, or expired products).
      • Automating processes (automation of warehouses and packaging lines).
      • Optimizing logistics flows (transport planning, data analysis).

      The pharmaceutical supply chain is therefore a critical aspect of pharmaceutical manufacturing, ensuring the quality, safety, and compliance of medications throughout their lifecycle. Packaging plays a key role in this process, providing optimal protection for products.

      With its innovative and certified double-tipped glass ampoules, SFAM offers safe and tailored solutions to meet the stringent demands of the pharmaceutical industry supply chain.

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