Pharmaceutical Supply Research Articles

Factors Affecting the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain: A Systematic Review

Background: Medicine plays a crucial role in societal health, and even minor disruptions in the supply chain can lead to crises. An organized supply chain ensures that patients receive their medications in the best possible conditions. Objectives: This study aims to identify and categorize key variables associated with the pharmaceutical supply chain. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of all studies on drug supply chain management, adhering to the PRISMA guidelines. The search was carried out in both international and national databases from January 30, 2000, to March 30, 2023. We used specific keywords related to the drug supply chain for this search. We excluded articles, letters to the editor, and editorials from the review and ultimately qualitatively examined 34 studies. The quality of these articles was assessed using the CASP checklist. Results: We identified key variables and classified them into five categories: Monitoring and control (16 variables), information technology and intelligence (4 variables), human capital (10 variables), physical and financial resources (16 variables), and suppliers (4 variables). Conclusions: It is imperative for health policymakers to develop effective strategies in monitoring and control, information technology and intelligence, human capital, physical and financial resources, and management of drug suppliers. These strategies are essential for the efficient supply and distribution of drugs within the supply chain.

Administration of Drugs for Pharmacotherapy of Tuberculosis According to GSP Requirements

This research paper outlines the findings from a comprehensive investigation focused on the dispensation and management of antituberculosis medications in pharmaceutical practices. The examination of antituberculosis medications was conducted using various classification systems, including ATC codes, clinical and pharmacological, classification and legal, nomenclature and legal groups. The study provides a detailed analysis of the harmonization process for GxP standards within Ukraine, offering a thorough understanding of the current practices. Additionally, the research looks into the supply chain dynamics of antituberculosis medication distribution. Developed within the study are strategic guidelines for the proper storage of these medications, essential for maintaining their efficacy and safety. A systematic proposal for the spatial organization of storage facilities in the wholesale sector is presented, ensuring compliance with GSP. The study’s goal was to refine the methodologies involved in the storage and management of antituberculosis drugs, with the ultimate aim of enhancing the efficiency of tuberculosis treatment protocols. This, in turn, is expected to elevate the caliber of healthcare delivery and pharmaceutical care available to patients afflicted with tuberculosis. Expanding on the study's contributions, the paper highlights the implications of these findings for public health policy and the potential to streamline pharmaceutical organization. By drawing attention to the criticality of adherence to rigorous storage protocols, the research underscores the necessity of meticulous oversight in the pharmaceutical supply chain. The insights gained from the study are not only pivotal for healthcare providers but also for policymakers tasked with the mandate of curbing the tuberculosis epidemic. The proposed recommendations provide a scaffold for future enhancements in drug management practices.

Multistage scenario-based planning for locating of pharmaceutic distribution centers for emergency patients by considering practical constraints under budget uncertainty conditions (case study: Kerman city in Iran)

In the realm of healthcare, medicine and the pharmaceutical supply chain exert notable influence. Recognized as a strategic commodity, any disruption in its supply chain can precipitate significant crises. The dispersed nature of pharmacies and the critical need for prompt medication delivery to patients underscore the paramount importance of designing an optimal pharmaceutical supply chain. This necessity is particularly pronounced when addressing the needs of diabetic and epilepsy patients, who, being more susceptible and in urgent need of medication, intensify the significance of a robust supply chain. Given the critical role of medicine and the pharmaceutical supply chain in healthcare, the repercussions of supply chain disruptions are far-reaching. A well-designed pharmaceutic supply chain is indispensable, especially in ensuring timely access to medications for vulnerable patient groups. To address this imperative, this study proposes a multi-stage scenario-based mathematical model aimed at enhancing the responsiveness of demand regions amidst uncertain budgets and feasible scenarios for meeting the insulin and phenobarbital requirements of patients. By incorporating uncertainties in both demand and procurement costs, the practicability of applying this model in real-world contexts has been strengthened. A case study focusing on Kerman City in Iran is conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the proposed model.

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.

A Benders decomposition approach for a new sustainable pharmaceutical supply chain network: a case study in France

A Benders decomposition approach for a new sustainable pharmaceutical supply chain network: a case study in France

Inventory Management in Pharmaceutical Industry

This research paper explores the intricacies of managing inventories of medicines in the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on meeting the healthcare needs of both humans and animals. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature and analysis of real-world case studies, this paper identifies key challenges, strategies, and best practices associated with pharmaceutical inventory management. The literature review reveals the complexities of inventory management in the pharmaceutical sector, including demand variability, regulatory compliance, and the need for precise temperature control for perishable medicines. Strategies such as economic order quantity (EOQ) and just-in-time (JIT) inventory management are discussed for managing normal inventories, while specialized approaches like cold chain management are highlighted for managing perishable inventories. Technological innovations, such as RFID technology and predictive analytics, are recognized for their potential to enhance inventory visibility and mitigate supply chain risks. Case studies provide valuable insights into successful inventory management practices within the pharmaceutical industry. Examples demonstrate the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, investment in advanced inventory management systems, and adherence to regulatory compliance measures. Furthermore, case studies underscore the significance of maintaining optimal inventory levels, minimizing stockouts, and ensuring medication safety and efficacy. This research paper contributes to the ongoing discourse on pharmaceutical supply chain optimization, patient-centric care delivery, and the pursuit of sustainable healthcare solutions. By synthesizing insights from literature and real-world examples, stakeholders can develop strategies to address challenges, enhance inventory management practices, and improve patient outcomes in the pharmaceutical industry. KEYWORDS Pharmaceutical Inventory Management, Medicine Inventory Control, Perishable Inventory, Normal Inventory, Supply Chain Optimization, Regulatory Compliance, Demand Variability, Cold Chain Management, RFID Technology, Patient Safety, Supply Chain Efficiency, Case Study Analysis, Healthcare Logistics, Sustainable Healthcare Solutions.

WITHDRAWN: Post-Brexit implications: Review of marketing authorisations in Malta

Geopolitical incidences such as Brexit can have a significant impact on the stability of the pharmaceutical supply chain and availability of medicines in a small island state like Malta. During Brexit amendments in existing policies in the medicine supply chain were required in Malta and requests for exemptions from the requirement of a marketing authorization (MA) through application of Article 20 of the Maltese Medicines Act could be made. The study aimed to understand whether Brexit affected medicine availability in Malta by identifying which medicines are not available post-Brexit. Review of the (i) Maltese Government Formulary List (GFL) and (ii) Malta Medicines Authority (MMA) database was undertaken and statuses of MA of medicines were identified. Availability of medicines with Withdrawn or Invalidated MA from the UK via alternative routes was checked. For medicinal products in the GFL, 11 had MAs previously held in the UK and for 4 of them, there were no requests for use of Article 20. Review of the MMA database identified 542 MAs with MA holders based in the UK that were withdrawn by companies and 544 MAs that were Invalidated MAs from the UK because they no longer met requirements in the EU legislation. The study sheds light on the impact of Brexit on availability of medicines which have a MA in Malta.

The Potential Application of Large Language Models in Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Management.

The Potential Application of Large Language Models in Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Management.

Drug procurement and coordination decision under non‐directed donation behavior

AbstractThe frequent occurrence of public emergencies seriously threatens human health. As the supplier of drugs, besides producing drugs, pharmaceutical manufacturers also actively launch drug donations. However, whether this donation will affect the procurement decisions of hospital pharmacies and help relieve the supply pressure is worthy of attention. This paper aims to analyze the procurement and donation decisions under non‐directed donation scenario. Besides, we extend the application of collaborative decisions in the pharmaceutical supply chain. Our results point out that donations made by the pharmaceutical manufacturer always benefit the hospital pharmacy and the pharmaceutical supply chain system, and only in certain circumstances can it make itself more profitable. In non‐directed donation scenario, drug donation and procurement quantities under centralized decision are always higher than that under decentralized decision. The social collaborative decision has more advantages in improving members' decisions and profits. The coordination effect of collaborative decisions is often better when there are significant fluctuations in the wholesale price. Through our analysis, it can provide a reference for pharmacies and pharmaceutical manufacturers to make appropriate procurement and donation decisions.

Investigating the Presence of Falsified and Poor-Quality Fixed-Dose Combination Artemether-Lumefantrine Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms in Kumasi, Ghana.

Artemether-lumefantrine (AL) is a highly effective and commonly used Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) for treating uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, including drug-resistant strains. However, ineffective regulatory systems in resource-limited settings can lead to the infiltration of poor-quality and counterfeit antimalarial medicines into the pharmaceutical supply chain, causing treatment failures, prolonged illness, and disease progression. The objective of the study was to assess the quality of selected brands of fixed-dose combination (FDC) AL tablets and suspensions marketed in Kumasi, Ghana. A total of fourteen brands of FDC AL medicines, comprising eight tablets and six suspensions were purchased from various retail pharmacy outlets in Kumasi, Ghana. All samples were subjected to thorough visual inspection as a quick means of checking quality through meticulous observation of the packaging or dosage form. The quality parameters of the tablets were determined using uniformity of weight, hardness, friability, and disintegration tests. Suspensions were assessed based on pH and compared with the British Pharmacopeia (BP) standard. The samples were then analyzed for drug content (assay) using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). All the tablet samples conformed to BP specification limits for uniformity of weight (deviation of less than ± 5%), hardness (4.0-10 kg/mm2), friability (<1%), and disintegration time (<15 minutes). The active pharmaceutical ingredients' quantitative assay demonstrated that all the tablets met the BP specifications (90-110%). The results of the pH studies showed that out of the six brands of suspension investigated, five (83.3%) were compliant with the official specification for pH, while one (16.7%) failed the requirement. Unlike the tablet brands, drug content analysis of the six suspensions showed that two (33.3%) were substandard. The artemether and lumefantrine contents in these failed suspensions were variable (artemether: 81.31%-116.76%; lumefantrine: 80.35%-99.71%). The study results indicate that most of the tested products met the required quality standards, demonstrating satisfactory drug content and other quality specifications. The presence of substandard drugs underscores the necessity for robust pharmacovigilance and surveillance systems to eliminate counterfeit and substandard drugs from the Ghanaian market.

The study of the professional activity of pharmacy specialists in modern conditions

Aim. To study the peculiarities of the professional activity of pharmacists in dispensing medicines and other pharmacy products in modern conditions, characterized by a high level of risks and uncertainties. Materials and methods. Materials and methods are based on the use of statistical, scientific and monographic materials and the results of our personal research. Scientific methods of analysis, abstract and logical, comparison, surveys, and sociological (questionnaires) methods using Google forms were applied. A total of 194 рharmacy specialists (PhS) took part in the survey. The results were processed using modern Microsoft Excel software products. Results and discussion. The general requirements for the organization of the pharmacist’s workplace for dispensing medicines have been determined. Important professional and business qualities of the personality of PhS (14 in total) have been identified, among which the first place is occupied by the presence of pharmaceutical education, the conditions for successful professional activity (20 directions), a list of individual practical actions that PhS perform most often (13 actions). The necessary practical skills that PhS should possess in today’s conditions (10 skills) have been identified. The features of pharmacy visitors and their requests during communication with PhS have been studied. Possible options for communication between them and professional response of PhS from the point of view of professional ethics and deontology, respectful attitude to visitors under any conditions have been clarified. The peculiarities of communication between PhS and other healthcare specialists, including doctors, and colleagues in the pharmacy team have been determined. Conclusions. The results of the survey made it possible to determine the peculiarities of the professional activity of PhS in modern conditions. The correct assessment and rational use of human resources can have a positive impact on the economic performance of the pharmacy, pharmaceutical supply of the population, medical military and civilian institutions in today’s conditions under the influence of crisis phenomena.

Blockchain technologies in pharmaceutical industry: A comprehensive overview

Pharmacies need to manage their data effectively. A novel technology known as blockchain holds the potential to enhance transparency and safety for various pharmaceutical operations. The Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA), which was passed by the US Congress in 2013 to stop pharmaceuticals that are stolen, tainted, or counterfeit, has a response provided by blockchain technology. Blockchain technology is a decentralized distributed ledger that uses cryptographic techniques to provide security to a peer-to-peer network of transactions. These guarantee that a product is secure and suitable for consumer sale. By making sure laws are readily followed, blockchain provides solutions to improve the validity, reliability, and efficiency of medicine production. It also presents a chance to address one of the main issues, which is the surge of fake medications getting into the system and into the hands of patients or customers. According to the pharmaceutical industry, society is seriously threatened by fake medications. False medications have a direct or indirect negative impact on patients health, sometimes leading to major problems and even death. The pharmaceutical industry's inadequate supply chain management is the cause of this counterfeiting, which jeopardizes patient safety and damages the reputation of the manufacturer. Blockchain technology can be applied to supply chain management to provide assurance, security, traceability, and openness to the chain by providing visibility and immutability of each stage in the chain. A relatively new electronic data management technology called blockchain has promise for transparency and accountability. A blockchain is a ledger of transactions that is viewable by all users of a computer network, each with an identical copy of the ledger.

Design of a pharmaceutical supply chain in uncertain conditions considering financial strategies and environmental concerns

Design of a pharmaceutical supply chain in uncertain conditions considering financial strategies and environmental concerns

Impact of Covid-19 on the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Supply Chain

Impact of Covid-19 on the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Supply Chain

Securing Pharmaceutical Supply chain to Combat Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Counterfeiting

Securing Pharmaceutical Supply chain to Combat Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Counterfeiting

Book My Doctor Application

The mobile application, called "Book My Doctor Application," is designed for easy access to medical assistance by providing prompt and accurate information. The users of the healthcare system include physicians, patients, pharmacists, and pharmaceutical suppliers. The concept of the application will give users access to all content whenever and wherever they want, given that smartphone usage has skyrocketed. In today’s technologically advanced world, it is important to have a quick, digital solution for every issue so that any urgent needs can be meet in an accessible manner. This system has a symptom analyzer that analyzes the input symptoms and recommends medications or physicians based on the patient and his or her symptoms. Given how difficult it is to remind everyone in the modern world, medication reminders help users remember their medications. Anything to forget except loud. Many accounts help maintain data security by limiting the user to only data they are authorized to send, so data integrity is very useful. Again, this. The application includes a chat room where users can consult with doctors, avoid waiting in line at the hospital, access there. wallet, and take advantage of the health insurance service. The patient may have a health condition. He is supervised by a physician who can also review past medical records.

Availability of essential, generic medicines before and during COVID-19 at selected public pharmaceutical supply agencies in Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study

ObjectivesLockdowns and border closures impacted medicine availability during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to assess the availability of essential, generic medicines for chronic diseases at public pharmaceutical supply agencies...

Pharmacy Compounding Regulation in the German Pharmaceutical Market. Part 1. Basic Regulatory Provisions (Review)

SCIENTIFIC RELEVANCE. There is a need to move towards an appropriate system of quality assurance in pharmacy compounding. At the same time, the development of a Russian regulatory system for pharmacy compounding requires a broad understanding of international experience.AIM. This study aimed at analysing the basic principles of pharmacy compounding regulation in the Federal Republic of Germany in order to identify best practices and determine ways to improve the legal and regulatory framework for compounding pharmacies in the Russian Federation.DISCUSSION. According to German law, pharmacies may dispense compounded medicinal products on an oral request from a patient. The German regulatory framework provides a mechanism delineating medicinal products compounded by pharmacies and those manufactured by pharmaceutical companies. The geographical and quantitative restrictions combined with the neutral pricing policy for pharmacies facilitate the establishment of a highly effective pharmaceutical supply system. In practice, this system helps set uniform prices for medicinal products throughout Germany while preventing pharmacy chains from monopolising the pharmaceutical market. These regulations can be considered regulatory mechanisms operating at the regional (land) level. Moreover, it is of key importance that German legislation divides compounded medicinal products into stock and extemporaneous preparations.CONCLUSIONS. German pharmaceutical practice features a number of innovations that can be borrowed for Russian pharmaceutical practice. Russian pharmaceutical legislation may benefit from adopting the concept of a “request from an individual” for dispensing compounded medicinal products that do not contain prescription-only active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). In order to improve the efficiency of the use of pharmaceutical-quality raw materials, including APIs, it is necessary to identify cases in which regular pharmacies can receive or purchase compounded medicinal products from compounding pharmacies and cases in which compounding pharmacies can purchase APIs from other compounding pharmacies. The authors recommend considering the possibility of defining the role, functions, and powers of self-regulating professional pharmacy organisations at various levels of governance in this social sphere of activity. Furthermore, the authors recommend creating a Russian mechanism to mitigate the risks of stock shortages and/or limited supply of medicinal products that would be similar to the German “standard authorisation” system and would encompass compounding pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies.

Challenge or opportunity? Impact of a two-invoice mechanism on pharmaceutical supply chains with channel promotion

Two-invoice mechanism (TIM) was introduced by the Chinese government with the purpose of reducing pharmaceutical prices. This paper studies the impact of the TIM on a pharmaceutical supply chain consisting of a manufacturer, buyer, and agent (in the absence of a TIM) or a third-party company (in the presence of a TIM). Considering the promotion effort, we establish game theoretical models for different supply chain structures. The pharmaceutical agent conducts channel promotion in the absence of the TIM. However, under the TIM, the agent is ruled out, and channel promotion is thus performed by the manufacturer or third-party company. Interestingly, we find that although the original intention of the TIM is to reduce pharmaceutical prices, it may fail to do so when channel promotion is performed by the manufacturer. Nevertheless, the TIM increases pharmaceutical demand and consumer surplus, thus benefiting the public. Moreover, whether the manufacturer can benefit from the TIM depends on the promotion mode and its investment cost of setting up a promotion channel. Particularly, when the manufacturer performs self-promotion and the investment cost is high, the profit is reduced. In contrast, the buyer always benefits from the TIM. Finally, we propose coordination schemes based on revenue-sharing contracts (RSCs) and performance-based contracts (PBCs) to improve the performance of the supply chain with the TIM.

Faith-based pharmaceutical supply chains and their role in African pharmaceutical systems: a qualitative systematic review

For the health system to function well, the population must have equitable access to quality, affordable pharmaceutical supplies; however, pharmaceutical systems in Africa are challenged by inadequate funding, drug stock outs and irregular supplies, a shortage of trained pharmacy personnel, and a lack of systems for drug regulation and quality. Faith-based health providers, as private, not-for-profit actors, have long complemented public sector efforts in the supply of pharmaceuticals in Africa. However, the contribution of faith-based health providers in pharmaceutical systems has not been formally studied. This study examines the nature and function of faith-based healthcare providers in improving access to pharmaceutical supplies in Africa. To do so, we conducted an exploratory qualitative systematic review to identify documents that contain information on faith-based involvement in pharmaceutical supply in Africa. The review identified 20 articles for inclusion. These articles were analyzed using thematic, narrative analysis. The analysis revealed a significant evidence gap relating to the contribution of private-not-for-profit, faith-based providers to African pharmaceutical systems. The review suggests that while faith-based drug supply organizations have existed for a long time and contribute significantly to national pharmaceutical systems, there is very little known about the nature of faith-based pharmaceutical providers and how they complement public sector pharmaceutical systems. In many contexts, faith-based involvement in pharmaceutical systems improved access for the general population and increased the supply of pharmaceuticals in national systems. Faith-based drug supply organizations also often provide pharmaceutical supplies to both rural and urban areas, often targeting rural and remote areas particularly. The review also indicates that faith-based drug supply organizations improved access to medicines and related commodities and, despite a lack of regulation in many contexts, have the potential to make a positive contribution to quality assurance of pharmaceuticals. In summary, the analysis confirmed that faith-based involvement in pharmaceutical supply chains contributes to strengthening the national health system by complementing the public pharmaceutical system through improved access to medicines and related commodities in Africa. These conclusions corroborate the need to continually document and acknowledge faith-based healthcare providers’ efforts which could guide the formulation of stringent, evidence-based strategies.