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Airpharm: Leader in Pharmaceutical Distribution and Logistics.
Airpharm Logistics specialises in distribution and pharmaceutical logistics. We have been offering national and international freight, logistics, storage, customs services and logistics outsourcing for more than 30 years. Airpharm specialises in the chemical-pharmaceutical, cosmetic and veterinary sectors, but provides services for all. In this article we will learn more about pharmaceutical logistics …
The needs of pharmaceutical logistics
The supply chain in the pharmaceutical industry has a strict regulation regarding the storage and transport of products. The vast majority of pharmaceutical products, especially medications, have a number of properties that help people and animal’s bodies to protect and recover from illness. Thus, it is essential to preserve these properties during distribution so that they reach the final consumer in perfect condition. The temperature control and the environmental conditions of transport and storage of pharmaceutical products are crucial to preserve their properties and benefits. Specialised pharmaceutical logistics can be structured in four main sections regarding the characteristics of the product…
Medical devices
This includes all articles related to medical and surgical instruments, medical devices, orthopaedic products, first aid kits, glasses, dental instruments, etc. For the distribution, import and export of this type of merchandise it is necessary to have all the required permits including a health import license and the commercialisation register. At Airpharm Logistics we advise, process, manage and review all the necessary certifications for our clients.
Medicines
This category includes both drugs and raw materials intended for their manufacture. Drugs are marketed in the form of pills, syrups, suppositories, injectables, etc. The agents involved in the distribution of pharmacological products and medications are increasingly numerous. This has made the distribution network more complex and it is necessary to establish guidelines that help distributors and wholesalers in their activity. These guidelines guarantee the control of the distribution chain while maintaining their quality and integrity. In this sense, the transport and distribution of medicines requires specific conditions regulated by the Guide to Good Distribution Practices of the European Commission which was transposed into the Royal Decree 782/2013, of the 11th of October, on the distribution of medicines in Spain. The European Directive also includes a series of requirements for distributors intended to prevent the entry of counterfeit medicines into the regular market.
Biocides and Antiseptics
The logistics of products such as sanitisers, sterilisers, anti-lice products, repellents, acaricides and any preparation containing an active substance intended to destroy or control another organism using chemical or biological substances is also regulated. For its import or export it is necessary to have the corresponding health license and be registered in the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Health Products
Perfumes and Cosmetics
Finally, all beauty products such as lotions, perfumes, makeup, cosmetics, etc. are also included in pharmaceutical logistics.
For this type of products, from Airpharm Logistics advises you at each phase in order to ensure compliance with European standards. From labelling to the necessary certificates for the commercialisation of this type of merchandise.
Storage of Pharmaceutical Goods
As we have mentioned before, the biggest challenge in regard to pharmaceutical products is to maintain the necessary conditions for these products to preserve their therapeutic qualities.
It is necessary that the temperature never raises above 30 degrees. To do this, warehouses must be equipped with all the necessary insulation. In addition, for those products that need to preserve the cold chain, it is required to have refrigerated chambers that maintain a controlled temperature between two and eight degrees.
To be able to offer these services, warehouses must have computer systems that allow the control of stocks, as well as security and fire control measures, etc.
Transportation of Pharmaceutical Products
The transportation of pharmaceutical products is also under these medication distribution guidelines. All transporting vehicles must be furnished with equipment that guarantees that products are not exposed to conditions that may damage their properties.
Air, sea or land freight of medicines must preserve the within the limits set by the manufacturer in its description or packaging products throughout their transport, as established by the Guide to Good Distribution Practices. This regards both the temperature at which goods should be kept as well as the cleanliness of the spaces or the placement of products during transport.
Most commonly the transport of medicines from the production centre to wholesalers is done using large specialised refrigerated trucks, be it for international or national transport. For local distribution a smaller type of specialised vehicles furnished with isothermal equipment is usually used.
Stowage During Transport
The placement of this type of goods during transport must ensure that the products are not at risk of damage or deterioration. These guarantees that both the product and its packaging arrive in perfect conditions at their destination.
Cleanliness
Cleanliness is a key requirement in the logistics of any type of merchandise, however, in the case of pharmaceutical logistics, it is heightened since any residue can potentially change the conditions or chemical composition of the product and change its properties.
Temperature
For the storage and transport of drugs it is necessary to keep the temperature of the products stable. We find different temperature ranges depending on the characteristics of each product, which range between 2ºC and 8ºC, 15ºC and 25ºC degrees, less than + 25ºC, ambient, etc.
Factors Affecting Pharmaceutical Logistics
Currently there are 3 key factors that are having an impact on pharmaceutical logistics. Among them would be the generalization of generic drugs, personalized medicine and the rise of biotechnology.
The extensive use of generic medicines has created greater competitiveness in the pharmaceutical industry that has led to the outsourcing of logistics services in order to increase the efficiency in the process.
Personalised medicines involve the preparation of smaller orders by the industry, making it more expensive to manufacture and transport. For logistics companies that know how to adapt to these specific processes, this can be an opportunity for the future.
Finally, the rise of biotechnological companies inside and outside our country also represents a new business opportunity for companies specialising in pharmaceutical logistics due to the strict conservation conditions required by pharma-biological products.
At Airpharm Logistics we are leaders in pharmaceutical distribution and logistics.
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