Lachman Consultants recently conducted a survey of professionals working in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, and other regulated sectors related to the greater life sciences industry with the goal of taking the “pulse” of the overall organizational and industry impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of the survey can be found here.

A few key takeaways from the survey:

 

  1. Almost 50% of the respondents stated that they were currently experiencing or anticipating work stoppages due to COVID-19. Were these stoppages accomplished by following shutdown protocols, or were they abrupt stoppages? How will companies come back up after the shutdown and quarantine periods are over, regardless of how the shutdowns were accomplished? Is there an impact on ongoing testing? Were classified areas maintained? As an industry, we know how important prior planning is, but sometimes you don’t have that luxury. The next phase will be crucial to the quality of our health products, and companies will need to execute restart protocols, assess materials, clean facilities and equipment, assess excursions… The list goes on and on.

 

  1. Almost 90% of the respondents stated that they were somewhat, or very concerned about the integrity of their supply chain. We interpret this to mean both the quality and uninterrupted nature of the supply chains. It is foreseeable that some regions will return to work sooner than others, and if key players lag in returning to work, there will be breaks in the chain. If these breaks are in the supply chain for lifesaving, or drugs in shortage, the results will be significant. Integrity can also refer to trustworthiness. At all times, there are bad actors, but in times of crisis, it seems that there are even more. Companies will need to be ever vigilant for counterfeit materials, or materials from outside the legitimate supply chain.

 

If you are faced with any questions or issues related to restarting operations or dealing with your supply chain, please know that we can help and guide you through this time. Please contact me directly at l.evansoconnor@staging.lachmanconsultants.flywheelsites.com.