How to Plan a Successful Pharmaceutical Product Launch
There are a several key elements that should be to be taken into consideration when planning a pharmaceutical product launch, and they are outlined below:
When should product launch be discussed?
Our experience is that the earliest this can be discussed results in the best solution we can put in place. The more we know about your product, your supply chain, challenges or constraints, the best model we can design to meet your specific supply needs.
What are the main variations of product launch models?
Almac Pharma Services offers three core models for product launch. Each represents escalation in complexity as you move from standard, to expedited, and lastly to rapid. Through ongoing partnership and collaboration, we aim to establish the most appropriate fit for your unique product needs, which will be a tailored model designed around you.
What considerations are taken into account when product launch models are determined?
Component Supply – At Almac Pharma Services, upon receipt of approval, printing of components is conducted immediately.
Almac Capacity – If it’s a standard model it will fit in with routine supply, processes and resources. If it is an expedited model, it will require reserved capacity and support. If the launch is a rapid, this will require dedicated capacity and support throughout.
Logistics – We have a number of preferred logistic partners that we deploy, as necessary, to collect the launch supplies as soon as they are available.
What should a client consider when they are planning a product launch?
It is important to take into consideration the expectation of having stock in the market following approval.
Firstly, have you got reimbursement agreed in country, which means you can launch straight away after approval?. Secondly, have you established your sales & distribution teams or partners? Is there a corporate goal to have the product in the market within a number of days from launch? In many cases the answer can be yes. If there is less time pressure to get a product in the market, the added expense of expediting launch is not necessary.
Is packaging on the critical path? Or is it less critical, such as you waiting to get fresh bulk produced with longer shelf life once approval has been granted? Perhaps, there is a certain window where you can only launch in a given week or month, for example, a seasonal product etc.
Finally, what is the approach to risk? The speed at which a product moves to market will mean tasks will need to be performed more quickly, which can come with a level of risk. What additional mitigating processes would you want to put in place to decrease the risk for expedited or rapid launch? For instance, printing at risk in advance of approval (or 2 sets), alternatively booking the line at the print house to reserve the capacity.
Find out more about our product launch solutions today.
