Hunt, who spoke with in-Pharmatechnologist at AAPS 2010 in New Orleans last week, explained the transfer of drugs produced in one country to distributors creates numerous opportunities for improper storage or handling that could be detrimental to the product in question.
“It is important that every player in the supply chain knows their responsibility regards to that drugs product [and ensuring this] is the big issue that the industry is facing.”
To this end he explained that USP has already revised its guidance on storage and shipping practices to take a more global perspective with an emphasis on collaboration between all players in the supply chain.
Hunt also suggested that such an approach would also fit with demands from industry regulators like the US FDA and EMA, which he said are actively seeking to improve quality across the entire global supply chain.