The Complexities of Supplying Products and Medicines to Countries Under Sanctions: Challenges and Solutions for Pharmaceutical Companies

The challenges of supplying products and medicines to countries under sanctions are complex and multifaceted. However, pharmaceutical companies can overcome these challenges by taking a proactive approach and implementing effective solutions.

One solution for pharmaceutical companies is to partner with local organizations and suppliers who have experience operating in the target country and can navigate the regulatory environment. By partnering with local organizations and suppliers, pharmaceutical companies can benefit from their knowledge and experience of the local market, customs, and regulations. This can help ensure that products and medicines meet local regulatory requirements and reach their destination safely and on time.

For example, Pfizer partnered with a local distributor in Syria to supply vaccines to children in conflict-affected areas. The partnership helped Pfizer navigate the complex regulatory environment in Syria and ensure that vaccines were delivered to remote and underserved areas.

Another solution for pharmaceutical companies is to develop contingency plans that can account for the unpredictability of the regulatory environment and transportation routes. Pharmaceutical companies can develop contingency plans to mitigate the risks associated with shipping products and medicines to countries under sanctions. These plans can include identifying alternative transportation routes, developing backup storage facilities, and establishing communication channels with local authorities and organizations.

For example, Novo Nordisk developed a contingency plan for shipping insulin to Venezuela during a period of political instability. The plan included working with local distributors and transportation partners, developing alternative shipping routes, and establishing communication channels with local authorities.

Ensuring that all necessary permits and licenses are obtained before shipping products and medicines is another solution for pharmaceutical companies. Obtaining the necessary permits and licenses before shipping products and medicines can help avoid delays and ensure that products and medicines meet local regulatory requirements.

For example, Roche obtained a license to supply medicines to Iran during a period of sanctions. The license allowed Roche to continue supplying essential medicines to patients in Iran while complying with local regulations.

Implementing robust quality control measures is also crucial for pharmaceutical companies supplying products and medicines to countries under sanctions. Robust quality control measures can help ensure that products and medicines meet local regulatory requirements and are safe for patients.

For example, Sanofi implemented a quality control program in Sudan to ensure that its products meet local regulatory requirements. The program includes regular inspections of manufacturing facilities, testing of products, and training for local staff.

Using specialized transportation and storage equipment to maintain the necessary temperature control during transportation and storage is also a solution for pharmaceutical companies. Many products and medicines require specific temperature control during transportation and storage, which can be challenging in countries under sanctions.

For example, Merck developed specialized temperature-controlled packaging for shipping vaccines to Syria during a period of conflict. The packaging maintained the necessary temperature control during transportation and storage, ensuring that vaccines were safe and effective when administered to patients.

Developing communication channels with local authorities and organizations to obtain accurate and up-to-date information on the regulatory environment and transportation routes is another solution for pharmaceutical companies. Effective communication channels can help pharmaceutical companies navigate the complex regulatory environment and transportation routes in countries under sanctions.

For example, GSK established communication channels with local authorities in Sudan to obtain accurate and up-to-date information on the regulatory environment. The communication channels helped GSK navigate the regulatory environment and ensure that its products met local regulatory requirements.

Working with reliable logistics partners who have experience operating in challenging environments and can provide customized solutions to meet the needs of the supply chain is also a solution for pharmaceutical companies. Reliable logistics partners can help pharmaceutical companies navigate the complex supply chain in countries under sanctions and ensure that products and medicines reach their destination safely and on time.

For example, Johnson & Johnson worked with a logistics partner in Syria to ensure that its products reached patients in conflict-affected areas. The logistics partner provided customized solutions to meet the needs of the supply chain, including alternative transportation routes and backup storage facilities.

As part of the learning and market advancement, we at SK Pharma have created an A-Z envelope program that provides a solution for shipping to these complex areas, with the understanding that the best interests of patients always come first.

To face the challenges of supplying products and medicines to countries under sanctions, suppliers can take the following steps:

1. Partner with local organizations and suppliers who have experience operating in the target country and can navigate the regulatory environment.
2. Develop contingency plans that can account for the unpredictability of the regulatory environment and transportation routes.
3. Ensure that all necessary permits and licenses are obtained before shipping products and medicines.
4. Implement robust quality control measures to ensure that products and medicines meet local regulatory requirements.
5. Use specialized transportation and storage equipment to maintain the necessary temperature control during transportation and storage.
6. Develop communication channels with local authorities and organizations to obtain accurate and up-to-date information on the regulatory environment and transportation routes.
7. Work with reliable logistics partners who have experience operating in challenging environments and can provide customized solutions to meet the needs of the supply chain.

In conclusion, supplying products and medicines to countries under sanctions can be a complex and challenging process due to the supply chain complexity in conflict zones, delivering regulated products in uncertainty, keeping the supply chain cool, and obtaining accurate and up-to-date data. However, by taking proactive steps to address these challenges, suppliers can ensure that essential products and medicines reach their destination safely and on time, even in challenging environments.