A robust supply chain is the backbone of stable growth, making it a critical area of concern for small pharma companies. However, pharma supply chains are currently under intense stress.
Regulatory challenges and geopolitical disturbances continue to impede the safe delivery of shipments. Smaller companies often work in innovative fields such as cell and gene therapy (CGT), which require the transport of time- and temperature- sensitive materials. Delay and disruption across the supply chain will impact small businesses more severely because they have fewer resources to fall back on.
An expert logistics partner can significantly ease this burden, helping develop an effective supply chain strategy and nurturing small pharma companies on their scaling journey.
The challenges facing pharma supply chains
Managing a supply chain is already a daunting prospect without global events complicating processes. Navigating regulators, customs, and delivery, difficult processes in themselves, has only become more challenging as regional conflict, trade disputes, and sustainability concerns continue to impede the smooth transport of goods worldwide.
For a small pharma company, managing a supply chain within this complex environment can be overwhelming. Ensuring that all paperwork is filed correctly so that goods are approved by customs and regulatory officials is already a significant task, especially when requirements continue to vary dramatically between countries. Getting sensitive products or materials across these borders in spite of global upheavals is a greater challenge still.
Failure to deliver shipments on schedule can result in spoiled goods or even regulatory fines. For smaller companies, these costs can have a significant impact on the functioning of their business. Scale-up already places businesses under significant financial strain as they grapple with rising research and development (R&D) costs and intense market competition.
Breaking supply chain processes down into practical steps can make management easier. Companies need to understand their product needs, plan for any temperature requirements, map out volumes, and so on. From there, it becomes easier to find a partner with additional personnel, resources, and expertise who can help devise and execute a successful strategy.
Why logistics providers are so important
Without the internal infrastructure to manage the complexities of pharma logistics, collaboration is essential to growing businesses. An expert partner can help manage this process smoothly and ensure that scaling companies eliminate unnecessary costs and build resilient supply chains. Because they intimately understand every process in the supply chain, logistics providers can fill any knowledge gaps small businesses might have.
With robust quality management systems and real-time monitoring, experts can mitigate many of the risks associated with pharma logistics. Their historic expertise in international regulations can help businesses stay compliant as guidelines evolve, as well as prepare for changes in the future. A logistics provider with a global good distribution practice (GDP) certification further ensures compliance across regions while securing the timely delivery of sensitive materials, even within a challenging geopolitical environment.
As businesses scale, supply chains only become more complex. Managing such a transition requires proactive planning from experts so that pharma businesses can focus on their core operations. Engaging a logistics partner early means companies can develop sustainable supply chains from the outset.
How World Courier can help
The long-term cost of doing nothing to manage pharma supply chains significantly outweighs the necessary investment. Product losses, shipment delays, and compliance failures can prove a fatal obstacle to the success of small pharma companies, especially in a changeable geopolitical environment.
Building a strategic partnership for each stage of the development lifecycle, from Phase 1 to commercialisation, with an expert provider who understands specific product requirements is essential. Operating across more than 50 countries with over 4,000 staff, World Courier’s leading supply chain services are trusted by pharma leaders around the globe. With expertise in customs, regulatory requirements, shipment strategy, and customer service, World Courier fully understand the needs of their customers and work with their partners to scale effectively.
To learn more, download the free checklist below, a practical tool that summarises the considerations for sourcing logistics partners from Phase I to commercialisation.
