Securing trust in global Covid-19 supply chain (1)

Embracing GS1 standards adds an element of trust at all levels of the supply chain — a trust that ultimately extends to the patients themselves

In the last months of the pandemic, an 18 percent increase in counterfeit products has been observed, and the first fake Covid-19 vaccines have entered the South American markets. Nothing can undermine the delivery of the vaccines faster than the emergence of fake vaccines.

Let me share a summarized White Paper I received from GS1 Global Health Care that shows, while countries like the Philippines, Australia, et al, have not rolled out vaccines, there is much to learn from their experience that could enhance our own vaccination program.

Scientists have come together in an unparalleled worldwide collaboration and sharing of data to advance a Covid-19 vaccine. As rollouts become reality, stakeholders from across the globe will need to collaborate to ensure these vaccines are available and accepted. Vaccines will need a high level of trust for a return to normal.

Trust will be cornerstone for the successful launch, distribution and acceptance of vaccines. Trust is the belief that another will behave with integrity and consistency — and cannot only be embodied by individuals and institutions — but also by standards, processes and technology. To secure public trust, organizations will need to:

• Advance industry collaboration across the value chain. • Embrace and promote global standards for supply chain security.

• Anticipate challenges for safe and efficacious delivery of vaccines.

• Use clear and transparent communications for vaccine confidence.

Advancing industry collaboration

Key trials open to public scrutiny

Transparency helps build trust. When organizations are transparent and openly share information, they instill confidence. Every interaction either gains or loses trust, and one bad player may negate the efforts of many.

Due to the unprecedented demand for openness and transparency, a few companies with leading Covid-19 vaccines (e.g., Oxford/ AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech) are providing far greater detail about critical trial protocols than was previously available. Industry cooperation created a rare opportunity for a “real time” exchange on the scientific, deliberative and inclusive trial process — a great win for public trust.

Vaccines will need a high level of trust for a return to normal.

Early information sharing between stakeholders, including the pharmaceutical industry, was usually open and transparent — driving rapid development of Covid-19 vaccines. Vaccines moved from concept to Phase 3 trials to Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) in a record-breaking 11 months.

Minimizing supply chain hiccups, advancing interoperability

Covid-19 vaccines and therapeutics, plus associated medical devices and consumables, present an urgent need for a system of traceability built around globally identified products. The not-for-profit global standards organization GS1 has developed the most widely utilized supply chain standards.

Use of global GS1 standards means that every product, at every level of packaging, is uniquely identified. This identification information is captured in a standardized barcode that is able to be read by all supply chain partners.

In addition to vaccines, standards provide a level of trust for:

• The medical supplies needed to administer vaccines.

• The medicines and medical devices required to treat Covid patients.

• The personal protective equipment needed to protect clinical caregivers and the population.

Information is able to be shared in a standardized way with health authorities and up and down the supply chain — throughout manufacturing, shipping, distribution and use processes. This standardization also benefits post market and pharmaco-vigilance activities. Using existing standards for harmonized implementation of regulatory requirements will further patient safety goals. Embracing GS1 standards adds an element of trust at all levels of the supply chain — a trust that ultimately extends to the patients themselves.

(To be continued)