Global SCM

  The pharmaceutical supply chain process flow involves the following stages: Research and development Sourcing raw materials Manufacturing Regulatory approval Packaging and labeling Distribution Delivering to pharmacies and patients Processing returns   Research and Development (R&D) The pharmaceutical supply chain begins with Research and Development (R&D) , where companies invest in discovering new drugs or improving existing ones. This phase involves identifying potential drug candidates, preclinical testing, and clinical trials. For example, the development of mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 was a major R&D breakthrough. Once a drug shows promise in clinical trials, the next step is regulatory approval. R&D is critical as it determines the efficacy and safety of the drug, setting the foundation for the entire supply chain. It typically takes years, along with significant investment, to move from concept to approval. 2. Sourcing Raw Materials Sourcing raw mater...

 Here’s a list of commonly used terms in Pharma Supply Chain Management (SCM) , along with examples to illustrate their meaning: 1. API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) Definition: The primary substance in a drug that produces its therapeutic effect. Example: Ibuprofen in pain relief medication. 2. CRO (Contract Research Organization) Definition: A company that provides research services on a contract basis for drug development. Example: ICON and Labcorp are popular CROs helping pharmaceutical companies with clinical trials. 3. CDMO (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization) Definition: Firms that provide development and manufacturing services, especially during the scale-up phase. Example: Lonza and Catalent are top CDMOs used by pharma companies to produce bulk drug substances. 4. Cold Chain Definition: A temperature-controlled supply chain necessary for drugs sensitive to temperature variations. Example: COVID-19 vaccines that require ultra-cold storage from...

  General Supply Chain & Logistics: SCM – Supply Chain Management S&OP – Sales and Operations Planning TMS – Transportation Management System WMS – Warehouse Management System 3PL – Third-Party Logistics 4PL – Fourth-Party Logistics CPT – Carriage Paid To CIF – Cost, Insurance, and Freight FOB – Free On Board LTL – Less Than Truckload FTL – Full Truckload DHL – Delivery at Home Logistics RTV – Return to Vendor EOL – End of Life (referring to products nearing expiration) MOQ – Minimum Order Quantity ATP – Available to Promise CTO – Configure to Order MTO – Make to Order MTS – Make to Stock BOM – Bill of Materials EDI – Electronic Data Interchange Pharmaceutical Specific: GxP – Good x Practice (e.g., Good Manufacturing Practice, Good Distribution Practice) GDP – Good Distribution Practice GMP – Good Manufacturing Practice API – Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient FDF – Finished Dosage Form CTD – Common Technical Document SOP – Standard Operating Proce...