The emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus – and the subsequent global pandemic – triggered fears that the global and extended pharmaceutical supply chain would crumble. In practice, it has proved remarkably resilient with drug shortages kept to a minimum. However, the pandemic has exposed some weaknesses in the supply chain that must be addressed as the world recovers and prepares for what the future holds.

What has been seen as a weakness of the pharma supply chain has actually proven to be one of its strengths. Lead times are regularly four to six months or even longer, ensuring some short-term resilience. However, should disruptions in the manufacturing of raw materials or active pharmaceutical ingredients last for more than two or three months then the trickle-down effect could lead to catastrophic worldwide drug shortages over the coming months.

The situation is even more acute for the global supply of medical products. The worldwide shortage of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) has demonstrated both the difficulty of meeting demand when the supply chain is under-prepared and the challenges in ramping up production and supply when there is a huge spike in demand.

Read more to know more about a few lessons that all pharmaceutical and medical product companies can learn from the COVID-19 pandemic.