Roundtable Discussion with Pharma's Alamanc Q: What is your perspective on how the pharma industry has responed to the COVID-19 pandemic? What lessons have been learned?

The pharmaceutical industry responded to the COVID-19 pandemic in a responsible manner and is fully supportive of efforts of various governmental agencies in responding quickly to the challenges this pandemic represents. Several pharmaceutical companies have announced financial support to COVID-19 relief efforts, donated personal protective equipment, and donated drugs like hydroxychloroquine sulfate and chloroquine phosphate to a strategic national stockpile as possible treatments for COVID-19 patients.

The pharmaceutical industry is carefully monitoring its supply chain to prevent and mitigate any potential shortages of important life-saving medicines. Thanks to the industry efforts, there is no shortage of essential drugs today. This shows the resilience of the pharmaceutical industry to quickly react and adjust its operational mode and maintain the supply chain of medicines to the public.

The Pharma and Biopharma Outsourcing Association (PBOA), a trade group that represents CMOs and other service providers in the bio/pharmaceutical sector, reported that its member companies remain committed to serving patients by manufacturing effective, quality products for their customers during this global health crisis, and reports no material disruptions to their operations.

Based on the FDA’s Coronavirus Treatment Acceleration Program (CTAP) update on March 31, 2020, there are 10 therapeutic agents in active trials and another 15 therapeutic agents in planning stages. This can be summarized as a remarkable effort by the pharmaceutical industry together with the FDA’s regulatory guidance to identify the effective drugs/treatments in the shortest possible time. Similarly, the developmental efforts for potential vaccine for COVID-19 are progressing at a brisk pace in various companies and laboratories.

Ready to Get Started?