Securing the Pharma Supply Chain

Published on: 

Pharmaceutical Technology Europe

Pharmaceutical Technology Europe, Pharmaceutical Technology Europe-03-01-2012, Volume 24, Issue 3

Regulatory bodies, standard-setting organizations, and industry seek to tackle the problem of counterfeit drugs and securing the flow of pharma ingredients.

By Patricia van Arnum

Although the problem of counterfeit drugs traditionally has centered on solid dosage drugs, recent drug shortages for injectable cancer medications have triggered concerns over counterfeit versions of these types of drugs. In January 2012, FDA advised that current shortages of injectable cancer medications may present an opportunity for introduction of non-FDA approved products into the drug supply. FDA advised healthcare providers to obtain and use only FDA- approved injectable cancer medications purchased directly from the manufacturer or from wholesale distributors licensed in the United States.

Advertisement

This article was also published in our US sister publication Pharmaceutical Technology and can be read here.