• Login
    • Join
  • FOLLOW:
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Manufacturing
    • Packaging
    • Development
    • Compliance
    • Top 25
    • Directory
    • Microsites
    • Events
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Manufacturing
  • Packaging
  • Development
  • Compliance
  • Top 25
  • Directory
  • Microsites
  • Events
  • Current / Back Issue
    Features
    Editorial
    Columns
    Digital Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Our Team
    Editorial Guidelines
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    Top Features
    Bye-Bye China?

    Decentralized Trials Fuel AI Revolution in Clinical Research

    Self-Medication: Flexibility for Patients and Drug Manufacturers

    The Single-Use Mixing Landscape: Evaluating Your Options

    DCAT President Talks COVID-19, Drug Manufacturing and Innovation
    Breaking News
    Online Exclusives
    Industry News
    Collaborations & Alliances
    Promotions & Moves
    Trials & Filings
    Financial Reports
    Bio News & Views
    Custom Sourcing News
    Packaging & Tracking
    CRO News
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    WDSrx Expands Warehouse Network

    Piramal Inks Clinical Supply Deal with Theratechnologies

    Recipharm Signs Manufacturing Deal with Enzymatica

    CDMO Northway Biotech Expands in U.S.

    Global Biosciences Co. Selects ValGenesis VLMS
    APIs
    Aseptic Processing
    Cleaning Validation
    Clinical Trial Materials
    Cytotoxics and High Potency Manufacturing
    Equipment
    Excipients
    Extractables and Leachables
    Facilities
    Fill/Finish
    Lyophilization
    Parenterals
    Process Development
    Process Validation
    Risk Management
    Scale-up/ Technology Transfer
    Solid Dosage/ Creams/ Ointments

    WDSrx Expands Warehouse Network

    Piramal Inks Clinical Supply Deal with Theratechnologies

    Recipharm Signs Manufacturing Deal with Enzymatica

    CDMO Northway Biotech Expands in U.S.

    Lonza to Exit Pharma Softgels and Liquid-Filled Hard Capsules
    Capsules
    Cold Chain Management
    Injectables
    Logistics
    Serialization
    Solid Dosage / Semi-solids
    Supply Chain
    Vials

    WDSrx Expands Warehouse Network

    Catalent Acquires Acorda’s INBRIJA Manufacturing Operations

    Varcode, PL Developments Form Strategic ‘Smart Tag’ Pact

    COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution: The Air Cargo Industry’s Greatest Challenge

    Thermo Fisher Expands Clinical Supply Services in Europe
    Analytical Services
    Bioanalytical Services
    Bioassay Developement
    Biologics, Proteins, Vaccines
    Biosimilars
    Chemistry
    Clinical Trials
    Drug Delivery
    Drug Development
    Drug Discovery
    Formulation Development
    Information Technology
    Laboratory Testing
    Methods Development
    Microbiology
    Preclinical Outsourcing
    R&D
    Toxicology

    Improving Product Profitability

    CDMO Northway Biotech Expands in U.S.

    Global Biosciences Co. Selects ValGenesis VLMS

    Nexelis Acquires GSK Vax Lab in Marburg

    The Future of Clinical Trials Series: Part I
    Filtration & Purification
    GMPs/GCPs
    Inspections
    QA/QC
    Regulatory Affairs
    Validation

    Global Biosciences Co. Selects ValGenesis VLMS

    Gene Therapy Co. Selects ValGenesis' SaaS Platform

    The Year of COVID: How FDA Coped with a Worldwide Pandemic in 2020 and What to Expect in 2021

    Samsung Biologics Adopts Veeva Vault QMS to Unify Quality Management

    CDMO Cognate BioServices Teams Up with L7 Informatics
    Companies
    Categories
    Corporate Capabilities
    Add New Company
    Contract Service Directory Companies
    Baxter BioPharma Solutions

    Cytovance Biologics

    Alcami

    Aphena Pharma Solutions

    Emergent BioSolutions
    Companies
    News Releases
    Posters
    Brochures
    Services
    Videos
    Case Study
    White Papers
    Jobs
    Contract Service Directory Companies
    Cytovance Biologics

    Emergent BioSolutions

    Alcami

    PCI Pharma Services

    Aphena Pharma Solutions
    Webinars
    Live From Shows
    • Magazine
      • Current / Back Issue
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Editorial Guidelines
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
      • Enewsletter Archive
      • Digital Edition
    • Directory
      • Companies
      • Categories
      • Corporate Capabilities
      • Add Your Company
    • Manufacturing
      • APIs
      • Aseptic Processing
      • Cleaning Validation
      • Clinical Trial Materials
      • Cytotoxics and High Potency Manufacturing
      • Equipment
      • Excipients
      • Extractables and Leachables
      • Facilities
      • Fill/Finish
      • Lyophilization
      • Parenterals
      • Process Development
      • Process Validation
      • Risk Management
      • Scale-up/ Technology Transfer
      • Solid Dosage/ Creams/ Ointments
      • cGMP Manufacture
    • Packaging
      • Capsules
      • Cold Chain Management
      • Injectables
      • Logistics
      • Serialization
      • Solid Dosage / Semi-solids
      • Supply Chain
      • Vials
    • Development
      • Analytical Services
      • Bioanalytical Services
      • Bioassay Developement
      • Biologics, Proteins, Vaccines
      • Biosimilars
      • Chemistry
      • Clinical Trials
      • Drug Delivery
      • Drug Development
      • Drug Discovery
      • Formulation Development
      • Information Technology
      • Laboratory Testing
      • Methods Development
      • Microbiology
      • Preclinical Outsourcing
      • R&D
      • Toxicology
    • Compliance
      • Filtration & Purification
      • GMPs/GCPs
      • Inspections
      • QA/QC
      • Regulatory Affairs
      • Validation
    • Top 25 Pharma & BioPharma
    • Contract Pharma Direct
    • Breaking News
    • Online Exclusives
    • Slideshows
    • Experts Opinions
    • Surveys
      • Outsourcing Survey
      • Salary Survey
    • Glossary
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • White Papers
    • Infographics
    • Contract Pharma Conference
      • Contract Pharma Conference
      • Speakers
      • Exhibitors
      • Conference Sessions
    • Supplier Microsite
      • Companies
      • News Releases
      • Posters
      • Brochures
      • Services
      • Videos
      • Case Study
      • White Papers
    • eBook
    • Webinars
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live from Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Classifieds / Job Bank
      • Classifieds
      • Job Bank
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Online Exclusives

    Is Blockchain Key to COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution?

    The global supply chain has taken a huge hit over the last several months, what role might blockchain play when it comes to vaccine distribution.

    Is Blockchain Key to COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution?
    Related CONTENT
    • Novavax, Par Sterile Products Enter COVID-19 Vax Mfg. Pact
    • GRAM, J&J Enter COVID-19 Vax Manufacturing Pact
    • J&J Initiates Phase III ENSEMBLE Trial for COVID-19 Vax
    • Hovione to Support Manufacture of Remdesivir for COVID-19
    • ARCA Submits IND for AB201 in COVID-19
    Kristin Brooks, Contract Pharma08.05.20

    Through the initiative Operation Warp Speed, the U.S. federal government has entered numerous contracts with pharmaceutical companies, investing billions to support the development of a vaccine to combat COVID-19, with the goal of delivering 300 million doses of a vaccine by January 2021. The broader strategy aims to accelerate development, manufacturing, and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics.

    In June, the U.S. government awarded Novavax $1.6 billion to expedite the development and manufacture of 10 million doses of its vaccine candidate, NVX‑CoV2373, made using its nanoparticle technology and Matrix‑M adjuvant, and most recently up to $2.1 billion under an agreement with Sanofi and GSK to accelerate the development and manufacture of 100 million doses of a COVID-19 recombinant protein-based vaccine leveraging GSK’s pandemic adjuvant technology.

    While a potential vaccine seems like a silver bullet, some experts are concerned about supply chain distribution challenges.

    The global supply chain has taken a huge hit over the last several months, which has slowed down distribution channels, heightened labor shortages and increased product delays. Pharmaceutical companies must begin to rethink their strategies and capabilities around manufacturing, production, and inventory management.

    The vaccine supply chain involves not only manufacturing the vaccine, but storage and packaging components, cold-chain transit, domestic and global shipping, distribution strategies and storage. In turn, pharmaceutical companies may need to utilize blockchain to help clean up their supply chains, which could increase transparency and improve communication with vendors. By incorporating blockchain, pharmaceutical companies can track vaccine distribution and ensure a fair and equitable process - especially as vaccines manufacturers have limits on what they can use, making sourcing more complicated.

    Gina Parry, Distribution and Pharmaceutical Sales Manager at VAI discusses the role blockchain will play in the pharmaceutical supply chain when it comes to vaccine distribution. –KB

    Contract Pharma: What global supply chain challenges does the Pharma/Biopharma industry currently face amid the pandemic?

    Gina Parry: The pharmaceutical industry has been facing drug and personal protective equipment (PPE) supply shortages throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Shortages tend to increase demand as everyone is scrambling to get their hands on products expected to remain hard to attain.

    Additionally, some drug companies have ramped up production on drugs that were initially thought to be helpful in fighting the virus, which later was found to be ineffective and/or dangerous by the FDA. This led to an overabundance of these drugs in the market, and subsequently, an increase of dead stock for the industry.

    Manufacturing companies have also experienced the loss of employee productivity due to illness and in some cases, employee cutbacks, as well as plant closures due to the lockdown measures imposed by local and federal governments.

    The transportation industry can also experience container shortages in which to move products as they are redirected for more critical distribution.   

    These challenges are significant on their own, but when combined, they can create a serious ripple effect across the entire industry and then out to the population at large.

    CP: What challenges do you anticipate upon approval of a COVID-19 vaccine?

    GP: While it may be uncertain at this time what percentage of the population will initially seek the COVID-19 vaccine, there may be an overwhelming demand for this vaccine on a level not seen in recent memory. Manufacturers will be working hard to meet any kind of sizable demand, and distributors will be fighting to acquire the product for their customers first. After initial distribution, we anticipate this demand to continue for many months. 

    CP: What role will blockchain play in the pharmaceutical supply chain when it comes to vaccine distribution?  

    GP: A blockchain-based COVID-19 pharmaceutical supply chain would be a private and highly controlled environment. Blockchain based supply chains would work well because they will instill trust for consumers, who during this time may have heightened fears about safety and reliability within the supply chain. Blockchain can also help supply chains to be more efficient in these times especially with current workforce challenges.

    The interest level for the pharmaceutical supply chain in blockchain would encompass tracking whichever components they need to be included in their vaccines, along with their own portion of the vaccine that they develop. The blockchain itself would enable confidence for everyone from the pharmaceutical supply chain, down to doctors and recipients of vaccines that it has been verified along every step, and safe for distribution. Since the data in a blockchain is tamper proof, people can feel safe when a vaccine is available.

    If you're just joining a blockchain, the only investment needed is having software that is capable of working with blockchain. If you're going beyond just joining blockchain and want to be part of blockchain at the authentication point, then you would need to invest in the infrastructure to be part of that blockchain. Usually only the biggest providers and pharmaceutical companies would be part of the blockchain or, it would entail them going to companies such as IBM or others as the blockchain provider.

    Suggested For You
    Novavax, Par Sterile Products Enter COVID-19 Vax Mfg. Pact Novavax, Par Sterile Products Enter COVID-19 Vax Mfg. Pact
    GRAM, J&J Enter COVID-19 Vax Manufacturing Pact GRAM, J&J Enter COVID-19 Vax Manufacturing Pact
    J&J Initiates Phase III ENSEMBLE Trial for COVID-19 Vax J&J Initiates Phase III ENSEMBLE Trial for COVID-19 Vax
    Hovione to Support Manufacture of Remdesivir for COVID-19 Hovione to Support Manufacture of Remdesivir for COVID-19
    ARCA Submits IND for AB201 in COVID-19 ARCA Submits IND for AB201 in COVID-19
    BioNTech to Acquire Novartis Mfg. Site for COVID-19 Vax Production BioNTech to Acquire Novartis Mfg. Site for COVID-19 Vax Production
    Pharma Supply Chain Logistics & Potential COVID-19 Vaccines Pharma Supply Chain Logistics & Potential COVID-19 Vaccines
    Lilly, Amgen Enter Antibody Mfg. Pact for COVID-19 Therapies Lilly, Amgen Enter Antibody Mfg. Pact for COVID-19 Therapies
    FDA Clears IND Application for Vaxart Oral COVID-19 Vaccine FDA Clears IND Application for Vaxart Oral COVID-19 Vaccine
    Valneva Partners with UK Government for COVID-19 Vaccine Valneva Partners with UK Government for COVID-19 Vaccine
    Valneva, Dynavax Enter COVID-19 Vax Supply Pact  Valneva, Dynavax Enter COVID-19 Vax Supply Pact
    Novavax, Serum Institute of India Enter COVID-19 Vax Mfg. Pact Novavax, Serum Institute of India Enter COVID-19 Vax Mfg. Pact
    BioNTech to Receive German Federal Ministry Funding for COVID-19 Vax BioNTech to Receive German Federal Ministry Funding for COVID-19 Vax
    AstraZeneca Temporarily Halts COVID-19 Vax Trials of AZD1222 AstraZeneca Temporarily Halts COVID-19 Vax Trials of AZD1222
    iBio Advances COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate iBio Advances COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate

    Related Online Exclusives

    • Analytical Services | Laboratory Testing
      Improving Product Profitability

      Improving Product Profitability

      Using PAT/QbD/CM as tools to increase profitability of products.
      Emil Ciurczak, Contributing Editor 01.21.21

    • Analytical Services | Biologics, Proteins, Vaccines | cGMP Manufacture | Drug Development | Fill/Finish
      A New Era of Vaccine and Biologic Drug Development

      A New Era of Vaccine and Biologic Drug Development

      As a result of COVID-19, unprecedented investments in vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments have had a tremendous impact on the Biotechnology industry.
      Kristin Brooks, Managing Editor 01.12.21

    • Clinical Trials | Drug Development | Information Technology
      Advancing Digital Endpoints in Clinical Trials

      Advancing Digital Endpoints in Clinical Trials

      An end-to-end approach to managing wearable devices through clinical development.
      Kristin Brooks, Contract Pharma 12.14.20


    • Drug Delivery | Drug Development
      Inhaled Drug Delivery Technology Trends

      Inhaled Drug Delivery Technology Trends

      The success of new inhaled medicines relies on the correct combination of formulation and device technology.
      Dr. Sandy Munro, Vice President – Pharmaceutical Development, Vectura 11.24.20

    • Bioanalytical Services | cGMP Manufacture | Drug Development | Scale-up/Technology Transfer
      CDMOs: Keeping up with Science & Technology

      CDMOs: Keeping up with Science & Technology

      Enhancing the development of increasingly advanced and complex drug candidates is needed to drive growth in the industry.
      Kristin Brooks, Contract Pharma 11.12.20

    • Excipients
      Pharmaceutical Excipients Market Poised for Growth

      Pharmaceutical Excipients Market Poised for Growth

      The global pharmaceutical excipients market is estimated to surpass $11,944.6 million by 2027.
      Contract Pharma Staff 11.03.20


    • cGMP Manufacture | Fill/Finish | Scale-up/Technology Transfer
      Ramping Up COVID-19 Vaccine Fill and Finish Capacity

      Ramping Up COVID-19 Vaccine Fill and Finish Capacity

      As a partner to the U.S. Government, GRAM's newest facility was designed to increase large-scale fill and finish capacity with room to expand as demand grows.
      Kristin Brooks, Contract Pharma 11.03.20

    • Biologics, Proteins, Vaccines
      India Emerges as Hot Spot for Manufacturing COVID-19 Vaccines

      India Emerges as Hot Spot for Manufacturing COVID-19 Vaccines

      CMOs expand and ‘repurpose’ capacities.
      S Harachand, Contributing Editor 10.20.20

    • Clinical Trials | Drug Development | Preclinical Outsourcing
      Accelerating R&D Trends

      Accelerating R&D Trends

      The pandemic has propelled lingering trends into the forefront and increasingly complex molecules and biologics have drug developers outsourcing more.
      Kristin Brooks, Contract Pharma 10.20.20


    • Drug Delivery
      Topical Drugs Poised for Growth

      Topical Drugs Poised for Growth

      The topical drug delivery market is projected to reach $129.8 billion by 2025 from $95.2 billion in 2020, at a CAGR of 6.4%.
      Contract Pharma Staff 10.12.20

    • Drug Delivery
      Drug Delivery Market Report

      Drug Delivery Market Report

      The pharmaceutical drug delivery market was valued at $1,403,082.9 million in 2019 and is projected to reach $2,296,170.9 million by 2027.
      Contract Pharma Staff 10.12.20

    • Parenterals
      Primary Packaging Considerations Amid COVID-19 Vax Urgency

      Primary Packaging Considerations Amid COVID-19 Vax Urgency

      Fran L. DeGrazio of West discusses why and how vaccine development is different than drug development and the impacts of COVID-19 on vaccine development.
      Kristin Brooks, Contract Pharma 10.05.20


    • Cold Chain Management | Logistics | Supply Chain
      Pharma Supply Chain Logistics & Potential COVID-19 Vaccines

      Pharma Supply Chain Logistics & Potential COVID-19 Vaccines

      Wes Wheeler of UPS Healthcare explores various complexities, how to minimize supply chain gaps and challenges across the nation and globally.
      Kristin Brooks, Contract Pharma 09.17.20

    • cGMP Manufacture
      Keeping Up with Continuous Biopharmaceutical Processing

      Keeping Up with Continuous Biopharmaceutical Processing

      Keith Fritsky discusses uptake among biomanufacturers and W. L. Gore’s perspective on operation of equipment in continuous processing.
      Kristin Brooks, Contract Pharma 09.11.20

    • COVID-19: Racing for a Vaccine

      COVID-19: Racing for a Vaccine

      Amélie Boulais of Sartorius discusses the landscape and challenges for developing a vaccine against the SARS-Cov-2 virus
      Kristin Brooks, Contract Pharma 09.09.20

    Trending
    • The Future Of Clinical Trials Series: Part I
    • Thermo Fisher Buys Novasep's Viral Vector Manufacturing Biz
    • Lonza To Exit Pharma Softgels And Liquid-Filled Hard Capsules
    • Nexelis Acquires GSK Vax Lab In Marburg
    • CDMO Northway Biotech Expands In U.S.
    Breaking News
    • WDSrx Expands Warehouse Network
    • Piramal Inks Clinical Supply Deal with Theratechnologies
    • Recipharm Signs Manufacturing Deal with Enzymatica
    • CDMO Northway Biotech Expands in U.S.
    • Global Biosciences Co. Selects ValGenesis VLMS
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    November/December 2020

    • Modeling Process Safety Workflows in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Scale-Up
    • Ensuring Quality During the Transfer and Scale Up of Rx Drugs
    • Inspecting the Unexpected
    • Cold Chain Trends
    • Catering for the Complex
    • Biopharma Contract Manufacturing: Robust Growth Ahead
    • DCAT President Talks COVID-19, Drug Manufacturing and Innovation
    • The Single-Use Mixing Landscape: Evaluating Your Options
    • Self-Medication: Flexibility for Patients and Drug Manufacturers
    • Decentralized Trials Fuel AI Revolution in Clinical Research
    • View More >

    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    NIH Study Compares Low-Fat, Plant-based to Low-Carb, Animal-Based Diet
    Gadot Positions Mineral Line for Vegan Market
    Nutritfy India to Launch Global Broadcast Channel Covering Nutrition
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    IGL Coatings Launches Graphene Reinforced Dual System Ceramic Coating
    Miller Paint Declares Simple Serenity its 2021 Color of the Year
    TAUBMANS Paint by PPG Releases ‘Chromatic Joy’ Palettes
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    TPI Partners with Zeiss
    PPE Moves into New Manufacturing Facility
    Neurent Medical Closes $25 Million Series B Financing
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    WDSrx Expands Warehouse Network
    Piramal Inks Clinical Supply Deal with Theratechnologies
    Recipharm Signs Manufacturing Deal with Enzymatica
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    Lageen Tubes Launches Mono-Material PE Tube Solutions
    Jason Jones Loses Battle with Covid-19
    Weleda Celebrates 100 Years By 'Opening' Its Gardens
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    NY's 1,4-Dioxane Law May Impact Concentrated Cleaners
    Sabinsa's Top Scientist Addresses US FDA
    Ipsy Adds New Personal Care Brand
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    Morancé Soudure France Adds Comexi F2 MC 10-color Flexo Press
    THIMM Group Installs 1st Koenig & Bauer CorruFLEX
    Cowan Graphics Adds Fujifilm Inca OnsetX3 HS
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    Lemu Group engineers mask-making machine
    Niagara Label upgrades with Nilpeter flexo press
    Soma partners with Moore & Moore in US
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    Lemu Group Engineers Mask-Making Machine
    Armbrust American Adds Meltblown Manufacturing
    P&G Reports 8% Sales Increase
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Siemens Healthineers’ DR Systems Cleared by FDA
    Former Medtronic Exec Appointed Zimmer Biomet's Chief Transformation Officer
    SeaSpine Launches Regatta Lateral Plates
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    UDC Subsidiary Adesis' Website Wins 2020 MarCom Platinum Award
    Roadsimple Modernizes Warehouse Ops with Zebra Technologies
    Graphene Flagship Launches Redesigned Website

    Copyright © 2021 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login