Securing the Pharma Supply Chain

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.

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