Pharmaceutical Distributors Research Articles

Enhancing pharmaceutical supply chain performance: the impact of technology integration, interorganizational trust, and collaboration in the digital age

This study investigates the impact of technological integration on pharmaceutical supply chain performance in Ghana, with a particular focus on the mediating roles of inter-organizational trust and collaboration. Employing structural equation modeling, data from 221 pharmaceutical distributors and wholesalers revealed a significant positive relationship between technological integration and supply chain performance. This relationship is mediated by both inter-organizational trust and collaboration. These findings underscore the crucial role of technology in enhancing supply chain efficiency, inventory management, and information sharing, while simultaneously fostering cooperative relationships among supply chain partners. By elucidating the intricate interplay between technology, trust, and collaboration, this study contributes novel insights to the pharmaceutical supply chain literature. The findings offer valuable managerial implications for optimizing supply chain performance through strategic technology investments.

Community pharmacy attitudes and behaviors following a buprenorphine best practices dissemination.

Opioid overdose deaths continue to rise despite available safe and efficacious treatments for opioid use disorder, such as buprenorphine. Whereas provider-level access to buprenorphine has improved, community pharmacy-level barriers remain, related to patient stigma and regulatory concerns. Education programs improve pharmacist comfort in dispensing naloxone. Because naloxone education improves naloxone dispensing comfort, buprenorphine education may improve stocking and dispensing of buprenorphine. An evidence-based, best practices continuing education (CE) program about buprenorphine, including regulatory agency truths, was delivered to an audience of community pharmacists. To develop this CE program, interviews were conducted with key regulatory stakeholders including the Drug Enforcement Agency, board of pharmacy, and pharmaceutical distributors. Community pharmacist attendees completed a postsession anonymous survey on their knowledge about and comfort level toward buprenorphine following this CE program. Represented community pharmacies were contacted by phone approximately 1 month following this session to determine the immediate availability of buprenorphine and naloxone products. At least 75% of pharmacists reported feeling knowledgeable and comfortable about buprenorphine and its related regulations following an evidence-based CE program though buprenorphine was immediately available in only 25% of represented community pharmacies when contacted 1 month following the educational session. There are additional needs outside of pharmacist education to support consistent and timely buprenorphine access. Policy adjustments and board of pharmacy support may assist in improving timely and consistent buprenorphine access.

Los medicamentos y su huella ambiental: estudio exploratorio de la gestión de sus residuos en una ciudad argentina

[Introduction]: Pharmaceutic contamination is a growing global concern, and Latin America is no exception. However, information specific to this phenomenon in the region remains scarce. This study addresses one aspect of the problem: the generation and management of pharmaceutical waste in healthcare settings. [Objective]: To characterize the generation and management of pharmaceutical waste produced by healthcare institutions, including community pharmacies, healthcare facilities with and without inpatient services, pharmaceutical distributors, and veterinary clinics. Additionally, to analyze the operations and regulations governing this waste in regulatory entities within the city of Neuquén, Argentina (2023). [Methodology]: Observational, cross-sectional,and prospective study. Data collection involved validated surveys applied to a proportional stratified sample of 114 healthcare establishments and interviews with representatives of regulatory entities. [Results]: All establishments comply with current environmental regulations. Pharmaceutical distributors demonstrate superior management, excelling in traceability, standardization, and training. While stock control is utilized, there are few secondary strategies to reduce waste and insufficient material recovery. Municipal initiatives and attitudes towards controlling this phenomenon are positive but lack support from higher levels of government. [Conclusions]: The management of pharmaceutical waste in the healthcare institutions studied shows room for improvement. According to the variables analyzed, the use of recommended tools and strategies for quality management is limited. A positive municipal commitment to addressing the issue was identified, but this is not reflected at all governmental levels. Furthermore, the perception and awareness of pharmaceutical contamination and its risks remain low among stakeholders in the pharmaceutical use chain.

A hybrid firefly algorithm for the sales representative planning problem

In the rapidly increasing pharmaceutical sector, sales representatives are employed by pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors to inform and educate physicians. To convince providers to prescribe the medications to their patients, these representatives rely on their product expertise and people’s abilities to close deals. Instead of making direct sales, pharmaceutical sales representatives help medical professionals get the medications, treatments, and information they need to give their patients the best care possible. Furthermore, they inform the public about novel and occasionally life-saving treatments and share interesting medical developments. This study presents a hybrid methodology that integrates the benefits of local search and the firefly algorithm (FA) to determine the optimal planning for a sales representative. The objective is to maximize the rewards while adhering to certain constraints. The objective is to maximize the rewards while adhering to certain limits. Utilizing local search, the hybrid algorithm enhances firefly’s global search behaviour and produces the best possible sales presentation planning. The experimental findings demonstrate the superior performance of the suggested algorithm compared to the FA and other literature methods in the sense of enhancing the convergence rate and preventing local minima. Furthermore, it can enhance the best-known solution for most benchmark instances.

Development of a Simultaneous Analytical Method for Amines Corresponding to 10 Typical Nitrosamines.

Regulatory authorities in various countries have successively issued notices and guidance to pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors to evaluate the risk of contamination of nitrosamines in pharmaceutical products and to take appropriate measures. Analysis of nitrosamines in pharmaceutical products is not easy due to the large number of foreign substances, and the risk of contamination is determined by first conducting a desk investigation of the manufacturing process of the APIs or pharmaceutical products. However, a desk investigation may miss the risk since this method is not based on actual measurements. Therefore, in addition to conventional desk-based investigation, a new method is required to pick up risks that cannot be covered by a desk investigation. Nitrosamines are known to be formed by the reaction of amines with nitrosating agents such as nitrite. In the case of small alkyl nitrosamines such as NDMA and NDEA, the origin of the amines is mostly residual amines in the APIs. Residual amines in the APIs are a potential nitrosamine contamination risk, although the extent of that risk has rarely been reported. In this study, we developed and validated a simultaneous analytical method for amines corresponding to 10 typical small alkyl nitrosamines. Good linearity was obtained in the range of 0.003 to 10 μg/mL for MPA, 0.003 to 2 μg/mL for DIPA and DBA, 0.003 to 1 μg/mL for MeP, DEA, EIPA, and DPA, and 0.003 to 0.2 μg/mL for DMA, MOR, and MBA. The limits of quantitation and detection were 0.003 and 0.001-0.003 μg/mL, respectively. The recovery rates ranged from 70 to 130% for 121 APIs and were more than 40% for 83 APIs. Repeatability was also good, with %RSD < 15%. Although the correlation between the amount of amines detected in the APIs and the nitrosamines in the pharmaceutical products is under investigation, we expect that this analytical method will be used to determine the residual amine contents in APIs and contribute to the risk assessment of the nitrosamine contamination.

Governing relationships: the direct and interactive role of perceived fairness in distribution channels

PurposeThis research aims to analyse the potential role of perceived fairness as a complete governance mechanism in distribution channels. In doing so, this study examines the direct impact of perceived fairness on governance costs and its interactive effect on the driver (i.e. relationship-specific investments (RSIs) and deterrent (i.e. communication) of suppliers’ governance costs.Design/methodology/approachThis research used a structural modelling approach to analyse the matched data collected from 241 pharmaceutical suppliers and distributors and test the proposed model.FindingsThe findings reveal that perceived fairness directly reduces governance costs in distribution channels. Further, they suggest that perceived fairness weakens the positive impact of suppliers’ RSIs and strengthens the negative effects of communication on suppliers’ governance costs.Research limitations/implicationsThis study suggests that perceived fairness is a novel and effective way to govern distribution channels. These findings provide a holistic understanding of how perceived fairness reduces governance costs, directly and indirectly.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest managers should design fair channel policies and train sales personnel to emphasise fairness during channel interactions. This would foster an equitable channel climate that safeguards investments and reduces governance efforts.Originality/valuePrior literature has mostly overlooked the potential role of perceived fairness in distribution channels; however, this study addresses this gap and highlights the dual role of perceived fairness in channel governance.

Research on Marketing Strategies for Pharmaceutical Distributors

Abstract Under the impact of the second-generation national health insurance, pharmaceutical distributors face significant survival pressures. Given that pharmaceutical distributors have shifted from a B2B (business-to-business) model to a B2C (business-to-consumer) model, the importance of marketing strategies is undeniable, and the content and combination of these strategies warrant further investigation. This study focuses on the key customer groups of pharmaceutical distributors in a B2C context and employs the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) for analysis. The research aims to: 1) Identify key factors in marketing strategies using the 4P framework; 2) Develop the relative importance of the 4P dimensions using AHP; 3) Provide pharmaceutical distributors with a marketing mix based on the findings. The results reveal that the 'Product' dimension has more influence than the other dimensions (Price, Place, and Promotion). Within the Product dimension, 'Brand Value' is of utmost importance, 'High Value Advantage' is most crucial in the Price dimension, 'Convenience of Access' ranks highest in the Place dimension, and 'Development of Advantageous Promotional Combinations' is most significant in the Promotion dimension. JEL classification numbers: C83, M15, O31. Keywords: Pharmaceutical Distributors, Marketing Strategies, Marketing Mix, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP).

Pharmaceutical Analytics: Methods of Analysis of Medicinal Products and their Quality Control

The importance of evaluating the quality of medicinal products is determined by their impact on public health, therefore there are many analytical methods for controlling the chemical composition and bioequivalence of medicines. Falsification of medicines and determining the composition of generics also remain a serious problem, therefore the search and systematization of modern methods of identifying the quality of medicines and methods of combating illegal medicines are relevant and timely. The purpose of the study is to determine effective methods of assessing the quality of medicines and methods of combating falsified medicines, which would meet the country’s demands in conditions of war and economic crisis. The research used methods of analysis, synthesis, systematization, statistical comparison of groups using Student’s t-test, survey and generalization of results. The obtained results revealed alternative methods of quality control of medicinal products in the conditions of economic and war crisis. We identified the prospect of introducing drug marking and assisting pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors in drug marking. A low level of awareness of the population regarding the methods of assessing the quality of medicinal products and the algorithm of actions in case of detection of low-quality medicinal products was revealed. Among the doctors, there was also an insufficient level of knowledge regarding the assessment of the quality of medicines, which requires the introduction of training of doctors in this field and educational work among the population.

Strategic approaches for pharmaceutical distributors to create brand equity in the unorganized pharma retail industry in emerging economies

Purpose This paper investigates how stockist brand equity is created in the unorganized pharma retail sector in emerging markets despite the absence of any proactive brand-building efforts by distribution firms (stockists). In addition, this study also aims to unravel the sources of stockist brand equity. Design/methodology/approach Drawing from grounded theory, a qualitative research design using semi-structured interviews was conducted, and a theoretical saturation approach was used for this purpose. The retailer–stockist (business-to-business [B2B]) relationship in the Indian pharmaceutical market context was used as the study context. Findings The findings show that in the absence of any brand-building activities, stockists’ sales representatives play an important role in creating stockist brand awareness. In addition, word of mouth from other retailers also plays a minor role. Rational and emotional brand associations which are strong, favorable and unique are created 1) directly by the services provided by stockists, which includes product availability, deliverability, accuracy in billing and batch numbers, credit facilities and discounts, handling issues such as product expiry, and 2) indirectly by the services provided by stockists’ sales representatives which includes their frequency of visits, proactive customer orientation rather than sales orientation, fulfilling commitments and relationship with retailers. The strength of the retailer–stockist (B2B) relationship also depends on retailer-driven factors and other external factors discussed in this study. Social implications Strong stockist brand equity helps build trust and loyalty with pharmacies, ensuring a consistent and timely supply of medicinal products, which will benefit their end consumers or society. Originality/value This study identifies the antecedents determining the strength of the retailer–stockist (B2B) relationship, a precursor for establishing retailer-based stockist brand equity in the unorganized sector. This study also highlights the consequences of establishing strong retailer-based stockist brand equity.

The pharmaceutical distributors' efficiency in Italy: an assessment of the impact of the 2010 reimbursable drug pricing reform.

To assess the impact on pharmaceutical wholesalers' financial viability and efficiency of the reform of the wholesalers' and pharmacies' margins on reimbursable drugs enacted in 2010 that halved the distributors' margins. We perform a stochastic frontier analysis on a large original dataset comprising financial and production data from 2009, a year prior to the reform, to 2019 gathered in order to assess the impact of the reform on firms' profitability and efficiency. The implemented policies have not been successful in fostering the development of a more efficient market that would ultimately benefit social welfare. Overall, our findings indicate that bigger firms lag behind their smaller counterparts in terms of efficiency, even in the long run. Our findings also suggest that an efficient pharmaceutical wholesaler is currently unable to generate normal profit from the distribution of reimbursable drugs. Compared to the other European countries, that seem to have a cost oriented approach, Italy provides one of the lowest margins to pharmaceutical wholesalers without properly considering the costs of the drugs' distribution. A new regulatory approach to wholesaling margins is needed in order to improve efficiency and welfare.

The marketing promotion in the pharmacutical sector in Kosovo- case study

The paper addresses the issues that have to do with the use of marketing and give a general overview for the pharmaceutical industry, the main marketing concepts, identify the importance of marketing in promoting sales of pharmacy companies, understand which strands are used to promote sales and satisfy the needs of consumers in terms of improving their health. In addition, the paper elaborates the development of the pharmaceutical sector in Kosovo, the competition between pharmaceutical producers and distributors, the strategies that firms use to promote products and services, increase of quality of medicines, price reduction and other issues. The objective of the paper is to explain how pharmaceutical marketing is carried out by focusing more on the communication and romotional techniques used, to give an overview of the functioning of this sector and to identify the importance of promotion in promoting sales. The methodology used is based on comparative analysis through the use of primary and secondary sources. For analysis purposes, a structured questionnaire was prepared for pharmaceutical products, which was distributed physically to the pharmaceutical workers. Scientific literature, local and international official reports and other relevant sources were also used. The results and findings of the research show that promotion has a significant impact on promoting sales.

Research of the dynamics of wholesale segment concentration level in the regional pharmaceutical market

Introduction: The study of the competitive environment in the pharmaceutical market is an element of the analysis of the drug supply system. The purpose of the study is to analyze the dynamics of concentration levels in the wholesale segment of the regional pharmaceutical market. Materials and methods: Data on market shares of key players were collected and summarized based on the executed contracts (461 contracts in total) for the supply of pharmaceutical products in the model region. For the competitive analysis of pharmaceutical distributors, the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHIn) calculation method was used. We also used the method of constructing the SV matrix, which has the form of a graph consisting of four quadrants divided on the abscissa scale by the obtained values of market concentration ratios (CRSV) and on the ordinate scale by the values of Hall-Teidman indices (HTSV). Results: Market concentration indicators in the wholesale segment of the regional pharmaceutical market indicate the formation of oligopoly. The constructed SV matrix demonstrated the dynamics of market concentration levels corresponding to the changing economic situation. Based on the results of the analysis, proposals to improve the competitiveness of regional pharmaceutical distributors were formed. Conclusion: The study of the dynamics of market concentration indicators allowed to analyze their state, establish the vectors of their drift, and propose measures to optimize the wholesale supply of pharmaceutical goods.

Customer Segmentation Using the K-means Clustering Algorithm and Recency Frequency Monetary Model at Pharmaceutical Product Wholesaler

PT Kimia Farma Trading and Distribution (KFTD) is a company engaged in the distribution and trading services of Indonesian health products, on a national scale. In 2022, the company aims to increase sales to be awarded as one of the top 3 national pharmaceutical product distributors by 2024. Their current strategy is to provide customers with delayed payment permission and integrated complaint services. However, the offers and services are the same for all customers which does not consider customer track record hence it is not cost-effective. One way to increase sales is by enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty by implementing Customer Relationship Management (CRM) strategies. Several strategies can be carried out, namely analysis of associations related to pharmaceutical products, and analysis of customer segmentation and clustering of products. The method used in this study was the K-means clustering algorithm combined with the Recency Frequency Monetary (RFM) model. Experiments showed that the optimal clustering results are 4 therefore they are categorized into 4 customer segments, namely Superstar, Golden, Typical, and Occasional Customers.

Measuring the dimensions of digital marketing in gaining customer satisfaction: A field study on customers of Jordanian pharmaceutical companies and distributors

This study aims to explore the relationship between online marketing dimensions and customer satisfaction within Jordanian companies and distributors. Utilizing a descriptive analytical methodology, the research focused on customers of Jordanian pharmaceutical companies and distributors. A survey was conducted using a questionnaire distributed to a target sample; out of 75 questionnaires, 61 were returned and valid, yielding a response rate of 81.3%. Data from the questionnaires were analyzed using AMOS and SPSS software. The findings indicated a statistically significant correlation between the collective dimensions of online marketing (attraction, engagement, retention, learning, and communication) and customer satisfaction. However, regression analysis showed no significant relationship between the individual dimensions of attraction, engagement, and retention with customer satisfaction. The study found that Jordanian pharmaceutical companies practice digital marketing at a high level, according to the sample responses. A key recommendation from the study is for pharmaceutical products to be promoted through various online marketing channels, including sponsored ads on social media and websites targeting both local and international audiences.

Juridical Reasoning for the Distribution of Pharmaceutical Preparations that Failed the Efficacy Test in Court Decisions

ABSTRACT Purpose of thestudy (Tujuan) : The purpose of this research is to determine the judge's considerations in imposing sanctions on pharmaceutical distributors who do not meet the efficacy and quality standards by the Ponorogo district court decision Number 115/Pid.Sus/2023/PN Png using juridical analysis. Methodology (Metodologi): The methodology used is a normative research method or library research method. Results (Temuan): The results of this research are that there are cases of distribution of drugs that do not match the efficacy and quality, violating the protection rights of consumers. The government and BPOM are expected to pay more attention to the pharmaceutical production process and provide education to the lay public in the pharmaceutical sector so that the public obtain safe and quality pharmaceutical products. Ponorogo District Court Decision Number 115/Pid, Sus/2023/PN Png The panel of judges considered evidence, legal interpretation, and ethics during the trial. This case violates Law Number 36 of 2009 Article 196 concerning Health. By considering this, circumstances emerged that mitigated and aggravated the defendant and also used the theory of will and the theory of knowledge so that he was charged with imprisonment for 1 (one) year and a fine of IDR 5,000,000.00 (five million rupiah) provided that the fine was not paid to be replaced by imprisonment for one month. The decision at the Ponorogo District Court provides a solid foundation for future courts in handling similar cases. Applications of this study (Kegunaan): The use of this research can be an in-depth understanding of the decision ratio in the Ponorogo District Court Decision for both perpetrators, legal practitioners, academics, and policymakers for future directions. Novelty/ Orginalty of this study (Kebaruan/Orisinalitas): The difference with previous studies is that the focus of this research is the location of the research, the type of drug used and the district court decision

What is needed for the roll-out of psychedelic treatments?

The pace of psychedelic treatments continues to increase. Regulation and coherent clinical guidance have not been established. A philosophical divide limits effective resolution of a practice delivery quandary: is this primarily a pharmacological or psychotherapeutic intervention? Lykos (formerly MAPS) has submitted its new drug application (NDA) request to the FDA for 3-4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD and is expecting a response by the summer of 2024. Australia endorsed psilocybin and MDMA for regulated use in 2023. Multiple phase II and III clinical trials are also being conducted in the United States and Europe to study the use of psilocybin. Currently, Colorado and Oregon have legalized psilocybin in different manners. In Colorado, plants containing psilocybin, ibogaine, dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and mescaline (other than peyote) are now legal to possess, share and cultivate. Guidelines for regulated treatment with psilocybin containing mushrooms are in process with service delivery to begin early in 2025. In Oregon, clients must complete a preparation session with a licensed facilitator before consuming psilocybin products at a licensed service center. A prescription is not required. It is expected that other states will follow suit with a ballot measure likely in Massachusetts this year. Additionally, in the United States, the DEA, state boards, pharmaceutical distributors, and professional liability carriers all share mounting concerns about the in-home use of compounded ketamine used as a psychedelic therapeutic via remote prescribing. Psychedelic treatments are rapidly entering the mainstream of medical care delivery in the United States. Clinical guidelines are urgently needed to ensure well tolerated practice and coherent regulation. The delivery of this guidance is limited by a core philosophical disagreement. Resolution of this conflict will be needed to deliver coherent clinical guidelines. Current research and clinical experience provide a solid foundation for practical clinical guidance and the introduction of psychedelics into healthcare.

Developing Nepal's medicines pricing policy: evidence synthesis and stakeholders' consultation.

The objectives of this paper are to (a) explore stakeholders' opinions regarding Nepal's existing medicines pricing practices/situation and (b) build and present a set of medicines pricing policies for Nepal. A review of the literature and field visits to community retail pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, wholesalers, and distributor outlets in Kathmandu were conducted to assess the medicines pricing situation. Following the literature review, preliminary meetings with stakeholders and field visits were held and a draft interview guide was prepared. Consultative sessions subsequently were undertaken in Kathmandu, Nepal, in January 2023 with representatives from the Department of Drug Administration, Ministry of Health and Population, Association of Pharmaceutical Producers of Nepal, consumer groups, Transparency International, Medicines Importers Association of Nepal/ Pharmaceutical Distributors Association of Nepal, Nepal Chemist and Druggist Association, and Nepal Pharmaceutical Association. Notes were taken during these meetings regarding issues and concerns raised as well as experiences and recommendations for the future, as outlined in the interview guide. The stakeholders in general stated that they do not have any objection to price regulation; however, they believe such regulation should be subject to periodic review. Both the importers and the Ministry of Health and Population have the view that an independent body/authority should be charged with regulating the prices of medicines. A set of policy options to be considered for use in Nepal include cost-plus pricing, external price referencing, internal reference pricing, and mark-up regulations. Key issues related to pricing were identified and suggest that a set of pricing policies and updated regulations need to be considered to establish changes that are transparent, rational, and acceptable to the related stakeholders. Hence, suggestions made in this paper could be useful to inform a rational and fair pricing structure and to improve access to medicines.

Vehicle Routing Optimization Algorithms for Pharmaceutical Supply Chain: A Systematic Comparison

Abstract Nowadays, supply chain and road networks are full of complexity. Companies can differentiate themselves by offering superior customer service. Therefore, pharmaceutical distributors need to optimize route distribution for efficient and effective delivery to pharmacies, enhancing their competitiveness. In the field of operations research (OR), efficient route optimization is a significant function of the Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) where the goal is to find the optimal distance travelled. The VRP can be solved using a range of algorithms, comprising exact methods, heuristics and meta-heuristics. This paper gives the basic concepts of some algorithms and these algorithms are compared based on the results. This study also extends its focus to the variation known as the Vehicle Routing Problem with Time Windows (VRPTW), that closely mirrors real-world scenarios, allowing for a more practical assessment of pharmaceutical distribution challenges and optimization solutions.

Healthcare failure mode and effects analysis and cost-minimization analysis of three pharmaceutical services

Healthcare failure mode and effects analysis and cost-minimization analysis of three pharmaceutical services

Brand Loyalty and Customer Retention Among Pharmaceutical Distributors in Lagos State, Nigeria

Studies on brand loyalty posit that customers are motivated by factors external and internal to them. The former deals with items driven by brand makers and intermediate partnership; the latter is driven by cognitive and behavioral disposition. Against this backdrop, the study was conducted to examine moderating role of physician and pharmaceutical distributors in customer brand loyalty in Ikeja-Lagos. The study adopted descriptive survey, 25 sample size and qualitative method. Key informant interviews and semi structure interview were used as instrument of data collection. Study population consisted of middle class residents, who were brand customers, and pharmacy stores. Moderating role of physicians and brand customers in pharmacy stores were dominantly influenced by doctor’s prescriptions, history of illness, satisfaction and trust. Purchase intention of customers was driven by attachment and commitment to doctor’s brand prescription. Satisfaction predicted trust. Brand medicine which offered satisfaction was retained whether or not the price changed upward. Trust for brand depended on consistent satisfaction and this significantly predicted loyalty. Pharmacy distributors had little capacity to change purchase intention. Brand decision was predicted by moderating role of physician. This study recommended that the role of physicians should be mainstreamed in brand patronage in pharmaceutical distribution. Loyalty to brand was predicted by customer knowledge of efficacy in disease history. Physician intervention was valued by customers.