Request Multiple Quotes from Antiviral Drug Suppliers and Manufacturers

The challenge

The solution

The outcome

Requirements

• Define demand: product list, volumes, dosage forms, forecast, launch/continuity needs.
• Set requirements: regulatory markets, quality specs, packaging, shelf life, cold-chain/storage, lead times.
• Build supplier longlist: licensed manufacturers, authorized distributors, GMP-capable sources.
• Verify legitimacy: manufacturing licenses, product registrations, anti-counterfeit controls, ownership, sanctions screening.
• Assess quality system: GMP, GDP, ISO, batch release, QA documentation, deviation/CAPA, recalls.
• Check regulatory compliance: FDA/EMA/WHO/PIC/S, local MA status, import/export permits, pharmacovigilance.
• Review technical capability: API/formulation capacity, sterile/solid oral handling, stability data, serialization/traceability.
• Evaluate supply resilience: dual sourcing, raw material security, capacity, OTIF history, disaster recovery, geopolitical risk.
• Assess financial strength: creditworthiness, insurance, business continuity, bankruptcy risk.
• Compare commercial terms: price, rebates, MOQs, payment terms, Incoterms, logistics, service levels.
• Validate ESG/ethics: labor, environmental controls, anti-bribery, responsible sourcing.
• Run sample and audit: quality sample testing, site audit, document review, reference checks.
• Score and shortlist: weighted matrix for quality, compliance, risk, service, cost, innovation.
• Negotiate contract: quality agreement, supply agreement, SLAs, audit rights, change-control, recall liability, confidentiality.
• Set onboarding plan: master data, approved vendor setup, contacts, escalation paths, ordering process.
• Qualify logistics: shipping lanes, temperature monitoring, customs broker, warehousing, last-mile controls.
• Establish QA controls: incoming inspection, COA verification, serialization checks, complaint handling.
• Define KPIs: fill rate, OTIF, defect rate, lead time, deviations, responsiveness, cost performance.
• Create governance: review cadence, risk register, performance reviews, contingency/exit plan.
• Confirm continuity: safety stock, buffer inventory, alternate source, product substitution rules.

Best practices

• 1. Verify supplier regulatory compliance and licensing in every market served.
• 2. Require proof of product quality systems, including GMP, GDP, and valid certifications.
• 3. Source only from authorized manufacturers, distributors, or verified partners.
• 4. Confirm product authenticity with batch/lot traceability and anti-counterfeit controls.
• 5. Review clinical evidence, labeling accuracy, and approved indications before purchase.
• 6. Assess storage, handling, and cold-chain requirements for each product.
• 7. Establish strict incoming inspection and quarantine procedures for shipments.
• 8. Compare total cost of ownership, not just unit price, including logistics and compliance costs.
• 9. Put written quality agreements in place covering recalls, deviations, and complaints.
• 10. Validate supplier business continuity, capacity, and inventory resilience.
• 11. Check pharmacovigilance and adverse event reporting capabilities.
• 12. Ensure contracts include clear service levels, lead times, and penalties for nonperformance.
• 13. Train procurement and receiving teams on antiviral-specific handling and documentation.
• 14. Conduct routine supplier audits and periodic performance reviews.
• 15. Maintain a documented recall, return, and disposal process for expired or defective products.