Considering new challenges
PharmTech»
Given recent industry concerns in supply-chain integrity, can you explain what additional criteria you may use to evaluate
suppliers of raw materials or other ingredients (e.g., increased audits, additional testing)?
»Jenkins (Abbott):
We have an extensive program to evaluate raw-material suppliers. We gather information from supplier questionnaires and conduct
on-site facility audits. Suppliers are automatically a part of our Supplier Excellence program, which involves monthly evaluations.
If there are any issues or concerns, an RCPS session is held.
»Dixon (Baxter):
Baxter takes a strong position and stance in ensuring that quality raw materials are used in production processes. The quality-by-design
(QbD) approach emphasizes a more careful examination of the quality of our raw materials and raw-material suppliers. This
industry trend will only continue as we see more companies involved in the complex pharmaceutical supply chain. Specifically,
we use a variety of measures and analytical techniques to assess raw materials received at our facility. Raw materials go
through rigorous, predefined testing procedures, including appropriate compendial testing to ensure consistency in raw-material
performance.
Based on our preemptive actions on quality standards for our external vendors, we have been able to further improve a strong
supplier–quality process. Baxter recently implemented a Global Supplier Quality Plan to ensure that suppliers meet rigorous
global quality criteria. The plan is supported by supplier audits and quality agreements between the supplier and Baxter,
which enable Baxter to determine and maintain the quality of goods. This global system also enables Baxter to share knowledge
across the entire organization as it relates to raw materials and vendor-supplied goods.
The improvements to our supplier-quality plan have led to continuous improvement and better customer service. By using the
mentioned techniques previously described, we are able to better understand the cycle time and throughput capability of our
planning processes, which enables us to accommodate unanticipated client requests.
»Kosko (Pfizer):
Pfizer remains extremely active in the area of supply-chain integrity. Even before the most recent concerns about economically
motivated adulteration, Pfizer had an aggressive process in place to effectively evaluate and select suppliers, raw materials,
and packaging. That process includes assessments of supplier technology and capabilities, operational and manufacturing capacities,
and investments. We also evaluate quality processes, systems, procedures, and compliance to current good manufacturing practice
as well as supply-chain practices that include supplier selection and quality management.
»Alberstetter (Vetter):
Vetter's quality system includes regular supplier audits and a thorough incoming inspection process. API-related raw materials
often are supplied by our customers. Methods are selected or developed separately depending on the product.
We respond to customers' demands by applying security measures such as defined and documented interfaces within the process.
Vetter Solutions develops packaging components that support anticounterfeiting measures, including tamper-evident closure
(Vetter-OVS). We also apply other available solutions based on customer needs.
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