The top pharma logistics stories of 2022 so far

The first half of 2022 has already seen several major events that have impacted supply chains around the world. Here we take a look at the biggest news of the year so far.

Gilead discovers unauthorized supply of fake HIV medication

In January Gilead Sciences revealed it had uncovered an unauthorized network of distributors that sold pharmacies counterfeit versions of its HIV drugs worth more than US$250mn in total over a period of two years.

After an investigation with US law enforcement agencies, thousands of bottles of Gilead-labeled medication were discovered at 17 locations across the US. Many of the counterfeits originated from suppliers who purchased Gilead HIV medication from individuals after it was dispensed to them, often exploiting individuals with low incomes who were experiencing substance use or homelessness.

Suppliers then unlawfully resold the medication on the secondary market with fake supply chain documentation, as though they were legitimate Gilead medicines.

The war in Ukraine

After two years of dealing with a global pandemic, pharmaceutical supply chains faced another blow when Russia invaded Ukraine in February.

Supplies of medicines into Ukraine were quickly impacted, leading organizations including the British Red Cross, UNICEF and the UNHCR refugee agency to issue calls for funds and donations to ensure vital medical supplies could reach the country.

Approximately 250 clinical trials have been put on hold, leading to concerns over the future of the country as a preferred location for clinical studies.

Countries that provide pharmaceutical products to Ukraine and Russia are also feeling the impact of the war, particularly India, a major exporter to both nations.

Additionally, sanctions imposed against Russian banks are impacting outstanding payments due for medication, while the cost of transportation has risen due to the hike in oil prices as a result of the conflict, having a knock-on effect on supply chains.

Improving access to medicines around the world

First Pfizer announced in May that it would provide all its medicines to lower-income countries for no-profit. Swiftly following this news, pharma giants including AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb, Gilead Sciences, Novartis, Roche, Sanofi and Teva joined a coalition to improve access to cancer medicines in these regions.

The companies have joined the Access to Oncology Medicines (ATOM) coalition, formed to improve the availability of cancer therapies, increase capacity for diagnostics and improve handling and supply monitoring of these medicines.

The coalition will also support manufacturers to develop generics and biosimilars at affordable prices in selected countries, before expanding to other regions over time.

The Covid-19 pandemic is not over

Covid-19 continues to make headlines. While parts of the world are debating whether to administer a fourth booster shot in preparation for the flu season, other countries are yet to finish rolling out their initial vaccination programs. In Africa for example, the average rate of adults who have received two doses of the vaccine is 18 percent, compared to the global estimate of 68 percent.

In Kenya, where only 34 percent of the population has been fully vaccinated, AstraZeneca is in the process of setting up mobile clinics to improve uptake.

AstraZeneca will work in partnership with Amref Health Africa and the Ministry of Health in Kenya to launch ten mobile vaccination clinics. Each clinic aims to vaccinate 70-100 people per day initially, reaching up to 1,000 people per day once fully operational. 

The new mobile clinics will be fitted with solar-powered fridges and backup energy sources to ensure power outages do not disrupt supply. Additionally, the clinics will provide vaccine education, Covid-19 screening and support from Amref Flying Doctors, who will replenish the clinics with medical supplies as needed.

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