AMSTERDAM, April 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --
Improved process efficiency, with
modern manufacturing techniques could save billions and increase
profits, improve quality and open up sales in developing
markets
Girish Malhotra, CPhI expert
panel view: "'Process centricity' has to overtake the current
'regulation centricity' if pharma wants to see cost reductions in
new and existing processes."
(Logo:
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Report highlights:
- Manufacturing efficiencies must be driven by big pharma, not
regulators as this will only increase costs
- 'Improving product quality' and 'reducing manufacturing costs'
are the industry's major priorities
- 70% investing in manufacturing this year, with 59% also hiring
more staff
- 59% are increasing the use of outsourcing
- Nearly 50% of the industry stated they introduced more than
three products last year, with a further 41% adding 1-3
products
- 'Improved efficiency' and 'improved safety' were highlighted as
the most important manufacturing goals
CPhI Worldwide, part of UBM Live's Pharmaceutical Portfolio,
announce the findings of its Pharma Insights report on
Manufacturing. Overall the report indicates that the industry is
aware of the need to continue to improve manufacturing practices,
processes and efficiencies to dive down costs and improve profits
and drug quality. However, the report warns that industry must more
actively take the lead if we are to see these vital changes driven
through- currently, the inertia of the existing model is impeding
innovation and preventing wide spread adoption.
CPhI adds that most of the sector now states it is utilising
continuous process improvements to drive efficiency savings, but
more could be done to revolutionise practices. CPhI findings show
that 26% are using 'statistical process control', 21% using
'process capability analysis', 16% QbD, 12% 'six sigma' and 11%
using both 'lean/kaizen' and 'PAT'. Furthermore, many are building
for the future and making essential upgrades to existing equipment
with 70% actively investing in manufacturing.
In the medium to long term, we should see a cross-pollination of
process improvements from generics (where costs savings can still
be made) though CMOs and ultimately into big pharma's patented
products. The advantage here is that lower cost patented products
would open huge new markets, whilst reducing the attractiveness of
counterfeits.
For cost savings to be made however, the report clearly states
further improvements must come from the industry itself and not the
regulator, as this will only increase costs.
CPhI panel member and President of EPCOT International
Girish Malhotra, added: "Not much
will change in the current processes as the needed regulatory
approval will come in the way of any improvement of existing
processes. Success to exceed regulations will only come from
process inception stage along with command of the process as they
become commercial. 'Process centricity' has to overtake the current
'regulation centricity' if pharma wants to see cost reductions in
new and existing processes."
In terms of the industry's economic strength, the findings show
the sector is in good health with 59% planning to increase
headcount this year and only 4% planning reductions. In outsourcing
we continue to see increases with 41% outsourcing more of their
manufacturing. Going forwards, if manufacturers want to improve
product quality, they must find a supplier that aligns with their
own GMP compliance expectation.
Additionally, nearly 50% of the industry stated they introduced
more than three products last year, with a further 41% adding 1-3
products.
The biggest manufacturing goals are to 'increase efficiencies'
and 'safety' and already 89% are testing raw material sourced- with
'compendial testing' by far the most favoured method (81%).
"With the majority of the industry now committed to process
improvements and increased product quality the next few years will
hopefully see more new manufacturing methods coming to market, with
tighter process controls - these should ultimately reduce costs and
increase profits for the industry." Chris Kilbee, Group
Director Pharma.
CPhI believes we may be at the cusp of a revolution and if one
major pharma company starts reaping the benefits of implementing
process perfection from initial development to commercialisation
others will follow. Drawing all these findings together the report
concludes that the industry has made great strides and with new
efficient techniques drugs should be more available globally at
reduced cost, enabling developing countries increased access.
Chris Kilbee added: "The desire to modernise processes across
the industry is clearly there and taking a long term view we can
see that the way we conduct development work right through to
commercialisation has the chance to revolutionise the business
model. Patented products will be opened up to a wider number of the
globe's seven billion inhabitants, which is a real human goal, but
also one that will see the industry become more sustainable and
increase profits. I believe that with these commitments we see a
situation where industry actively drives improvements and takes
these new methods to the regulator- cost savings and improved
quality should go hand in hand".
Full
report: http://www.cphi.com/documents/129623/1317492/CPhI+Pharma+Insights+Report-+Manufacturing.pdf/2fe19c18-9641-4a60-9846-4fbb561cb8a6
About CPhI
CPhI drives growth and innovation at every step of the global
pharmaceutical supply chain from drug discovery to finished dosage.
Through exhibitions, conferences and online communities, CPhI
brings together more than 100,000 pharmaceutical professionals each
year to network, identify business opportunities and expand the
global market. CPhI hosts events in Europe, China, India,
Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, Istanbul, Russia and South
America and co-locates with ICSE for contract services,
P-MEC for machinery, equipment & technology, InnoPack for
pharmaceutical packaging and BioPh for biopharma. CPhI provides an
online buyer & supplier directory at CPhI-Online.com.
For more information visit: http://www.cphi.com
The UBM Live annual schedule of Pharmaceutical events also
includes CPhI Russia and IPhEB (16-17 April,
2014 at the Lenexpo Exhibition Complex- St Petersburg, Russia); CPhI, P-MEC and
Innopack South East Asia (20-22 May,
2014 at the Jakarta International Expo- Jakarta, Indonesia); CPhI Istanbul
(4-6 June, 2014, at the Lutfi Kirdar
Convention and Exhibition Centre- Turkey); CPhI, Hi and Fi, ICSE, P-MEC, BioPh
and LabWorld China (26-28 June, 2014
at SNIEC- Shanghai, China); CPhI
South America (5-7 August 2014 at
Expo Centre Norte, Sao Paulo-
Brazil); CPhI, ICSE Korea
(2-3 September, 2014 at the COEX-
Seoul, South Korea); CPhI, ICSE,
P-MEC and InnoPack Worldwide (7-9 October
2014, Paris Nord Villepinte- France); CPhI and P-MEC India (2-4 December, 2014 at the Bombay Exhibition
Centre- Mumbai); CPhI, ICSE,
P-MEC, BioPh and Pharmatec Japan (22-24
April, 2015 at the Big Sight Exhibition Centre- Tokyo).
About UBM Live
UBM Live connects people and creates opportunities for companies
across five continents to develop new business, meet customers,
launch new products, promote their brands, and expand their market.
Through premier brands such as TFM&A, Internet World, IFSEC,
MD&M, CPhI, Cruise Shipping Miami, the Concrete Show, and many
others, UBM Live exhibitions, conferences, awards programs,
publications, Websites, and training and certification programs are
an integral part of the marketing plans of companies across more
than 20 industry sectors.
For media enquiries, please
contact:
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