Sponsored: The Season For Label Redesign

With the approach of pharma serialization deadlines all around the world, this is the season for label redesign.  The addition of new unique identifiers in 2D barcodes and human readable forms—often without removing existing linear barcodes—requires knowledge of the pharma labeling regulations in the target markets as well as artwork skills (see “DSCSA: Label Artwork Heartaches”).  The problem is, serialization doesn’t apply to just one product, it applies to all prescription drugs marketed in the target market.  That threatens to cause a glut of work in the label design departments of drug makers.

Combine that fact with the estimate that half of all recalls are related to errors in labeling or artwork, and you have a recipe for disaster for all drug manufacturers.  Yes, it’s called “artwork”, but you can’t turn the problem over to just any art major.  Label designers must have an intimate understanding of the relevant regulations in the target market.  That is a hard-to-find combination of regulatory knowledge and art skills.  Notice those are right-brained and left-brained skills.  Good luck finding that combination in the number of people you are going to need to meet the demand going forward.  I predict that salaries of experienced label designers with a history of success are going to be going up if they haven’t already.

One solution is to train existing workers to do these jobs.  You can either take a someone who understands the regulations and train them to do artwork, or you can take an existing artist and train them in the regulations.  Either way you go, the perfect opportunity is right around the corner.  IQPC is co-locating four pharma supply chain events in one location in San Diego, during the week of May 22-25, and one registration allows you to move between all four!  They call it “Pharma Logistics Week“.  The four events include:

This is an incredible idea because it allows attendees to maximize their investment in time, travel and money.  Label designers will want to register for the 3rd Pharmaceutical Packaging & Labeling Forum, but they can sample sessions in the other three events whenever something pertinent to their needs is available.  I suggest they stay aware of the agendas for the Traceability Forum and the Cold Chain GDP & Temperature Management Logistics Global Forum as well.  Even if you pick up just one session in each of those, you have gain immeasurably by the co-location and the ability to bounce between programs without extra charge.

Take the whole team.  IQPC has group discounts starting at only two registrants from the same company, and up to 30% off for groups of six to nine.

Collect cutting edge pharma label design insight from speakers who work for companies like:

  • Allergan
  • Par Pharmaceutical
  • Genentech
  • Shire
  • BioMarin Pharmaceutical
  • AbbVie
  • Merck
  • Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories
  • Anthera
  • Iroko Pharmaceuticals
  • Neurocrine Biosciences

You owe it to yourself to download the agenda and venue information here.  Register before March 17, 2017 and save $300!

Dirk.