Monthly Archives: November 2016

Samples

Drug Samples Under Global Serialization and Tracing Regulations

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istock-526070305-smallerSome pharma manufacturers make special packages of certain drugs that they give away to certain medical practitioners as a way of promoting the product and introducing the practitioner and their patients to it.  The method of distribution is usually through field sales people employed directly by the drug manufacturer, and the drug samples are delivered by them directly to the practitioner.

What could go wrong with that?  Probably diversion of the product contained within the “free sample” packaging back into the supply chain, but without the “free sample” indicator on the package.  Should these special packages be tracked?  Should they be serialized?  Continue reading Drug Samples Under Global Serialization and Tracing Regulations →

EPCIS, GS1 U.S.

The New GS1 US DSCSA Implementation Guidance Suite

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A few weeks ago, GS1 US published version 1.2 of the DSCSA implementation guidance that documents how to apply GS1 standards when meeting the U.S. Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA).  GS1 US is the GS1 Member Organization (MO) in the United States, of GS1, the global supply chain standards organization.  Companies who market drugs in the U.S. pharma supply chain and their solution providers will find this new version to be an indispensable resource that will Continue reading The New GS1 US DSCSA Implementation Guidance Suite →

HDA

HDA Delivers Home Run To Record-Breaking Audience

HDA logoLast week the Healthcare Distribution Alliance (HDA) (formerly the HDMA) held their annual Traceability Seminar in Washington DC.  More than 450 people registered, shattering the previous record set just last year (see “Aggregation –> Chargeback Accuracy –> ROI”) and nearly equaling the record set in March for their 2016 Distribution Management Conference and Expo (see “HDMA DMC Serves Sizzling Steak With A Small Side Of Snake Oil”).  This year’s event was executed nearly flawlessly with presentations by the FDA and wholesale distributors, and various panel discussions with thought-leaders from drug manufacturers, 3PLs, contract manufacturers, wholesale distributors, repackages, hospitals and chain pharmacies.  Here are some of my notes from the event. Continue reading HDA Delivers Home Run To Record-Breaking Audience →

DSCSA

Will President Trump Eliminate The DSCSA?

screen_shot_2016-10-30_at_1-39-54_pm__previewPresident-elect Donald Trump has made no secret of his interest in eliminating regulations that burden businesses unnecessarily.  And he may take a particular interest in those that were newly imposed under President Obama.  He has vowed to use his first 100 days to repeal “Obamacare”, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and his plans include “… cutting the red tape at the FDA: there are over 4,000 drugs awaiting approval, and we especially want to speed the approval of life-saving medications.”  Could the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) get caught up in that vow and also be repealed?  There are three obvious possibilities. Continue reading Will President Trump Eliminate The DSCSA? →

EDDS

5 Myths About The DSCSA In 2023

istock_67972853_smallerThere are a number of misconceptions floating around the industry right now about what will happen in November of 2023, when the Enhanced Drug Distribution Security (EDDS) phase mandated by the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) begins.  It is surprising where you hear some of these, but they are all based on mis-reads of the DSCSA law itself.  I’ll explain the myths, and then I will try to provide extracts from the DSCSA that expose them as myths. Continue reading 5 Myths About The DSCSA In 2023 →