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Alpha Pharmaceuticals supplies its customers with pharmaceuticals in several countries every year, providing pharmacies, hospitals and wholesalers with a very wide selection of high-quality pharmaceuticals. Our customers are satisfied that we are able to supply pharmaceuticals at more affordable prices and attractive sales conditions. These benefits provide more affordable access to pharmaceuticals for everyone. Every day we work to source pharmaceuticals for you from all over the world at the best available prices to deliver them to you. This is a practice commonly known as parallel importing.
Parallel import refers to the legal practice of importing and selling genuine, authorized products in a country without the involvement of the official distributor or manufacturer designated for that country. In the context of pharmaceuticals, it involves the importation and sale of medicinal products that have been authorized and placed on the market in one country, and then importing and selling them in another country where the same product is also authorized.
It's important to note that while parallel importation is a legal practice in some regions, it is not universally accepted or allowed everywhere. Some countries strictly regulate or prohibit parallel imports, while others have specific legal frameworks in place to govern and ensure the quality and safety of parallel-imported products.
Pharmaceutical companies and regulatory authorities closely monitor parallel importation to ensure that the integrity, safety, and quality of medicinal products are maintained throughout the process. Parallel importers and distributors must comply with relevant regulations and standards to ensure the legality and safety of their activities.
Unpacking involves carefully opening boxes with tools like box cutters or scissors, organizing items by type, and documenting any damages. Making fresh boxes requires selecting sturdy cardboard, assembling them securely, labeling with content and destination, and using protective materials for fragile items.
Creating flyers involves designing visually appealing content with essential details like date, time, location, and contact information, and printing on quality paper. Handling FMD (Foot-and-Mouth Disease, in a livestock context) necessitates biosecurity measures, isolation of infected animals, consultation with a veterinarian, adherence to local regulations, and thorough disinfection.
Providing products to customers involves a comprehensive process that begins with understanding consumer needs and preferences. From sourcing high-quality materials to manufacturing or procuring finished goods, the supply chain plays a crucial role. Efficient inventory management ensures products are readily available. Packaging is designed not only for protection but also to enhance the product's appeal. Timely order fulfillment and accurate shipping contribute to customer satisfaction. Customer service teams play a key role in addressing inquiries, resolving issues, and ensuring a positive overall experience. Feedback from customers is invaluable for continuous improvement, allowing businesses to adapt and evolve in response to market demands.
The same regulations and standards for quality apply to all parallel importers as they do to original producers.
Parallel importers are required to hold FDCA and GMP licenses, as well as an EU/EEA wholesale distribution license, and to submit to periodical inspections and audits.
Parallel importing, also known as parallel trade or gray market, involves the importation and sale of genuine branded products into a market without the authorization of the brand owner. Here is a description of the process behind parallel importing:
The Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD) is a regulatory framework implemented in the European Union (EU) to combat the entry of falsified medicines into the pharmaceutical supply chain. The directive includes measures to enhance the security of the supply chain, protect patients, and ensure the authenticity of medicinal products.
Parallel importation is driven by several factors, and it involves the legal import and distribution of genuine, authorized products in a country without the involvement of the official distributor or manufacturer designated for that country. The primary motivations for engaging in parallel importation include:
- Price Disparities: One of the main reasons for parallel importation is the existence of price disparities for the same product in different countries. Products may be sold at lower prices in the exporting (source) country compared to the importing (destination) country. Parallel importers can take advantage of these price differentials to offer the products at potentially lower prices in the destination country.
- Market Competition: Parallel importation introduces competition into the market. By offering the same or similar products at lower prices, parallel importers can challenge the pricing strategies of local distributors and manufacturers, leading to increased competition and potentially benefiting consumers.
- Increased Access to Products: Parallel importation can contribute to increased access to a broader range of products in the destination country. Consumers may have access to products that might otherwise be unavailable or more expensive through traditional distribution channels.
- Regulatory Frameworks: In regions where parallel importation is allowed and regulated, companies may engage in these activities to take advantage of legal frameworks that facilitate such trade. Certain countries have established systems to ensure the safety and quality of parallel-imported products.
- Market Dynamics: Parallel importation can be influenced by fluctuations in demand, shortages, or supply chain disruptions in the importing country. Parallel importers may step in to meet demand or address shortages more quickly than traditional distribution channels.
Cost Savings: One of the primary advantages for patients is the potential for cost savings. Parallel importers often source products from countries where the same medications are sold at lower prices. As a result, patients in the destination country may have access to more affordable medications.
Increased Access to Medications: Parallel importation can contribute to increased access to a broader range of medications. Patients may have access to medications that might be otherwise unavailable or more expensive through traditional distribution channels.
Competition and Price Reductions: The introduction of parallel-imported products into the market can create competition among pharmaceutical suppliers. This competition may lead to price reductions as local distributors and manufacturers adjust their pricing strategies to remain competitive.
Cost Savings: Parallel importation can provide hospitals and pharmacies with the opportunity to purchase medications at lower prices. This can result in cost savings for healthcare institutions, allowing them to allocate resources more efficiently.
Budget Efficiency: Lower costs associated with parallel-imported medications can contribute to budget efficiency for hospitals and pharmacies. This may enable healthcare institutions to reallocate funds to other critical areas, such as equipment, personnel, or patient care.
Access to a Wider Range of Products: Parallel importation can increase the variety of available pharmaceutical products in the market. Hospitals and pharmacies may have access to a broader range of medications, which can be particularly beneficial in situations where specific formulations or brands are needed.
Addressing Shortages and Discontinuations: Parallel importation can help address shortages or discontinuations of specific medications. Hospitals and pharmacies may find parallel-imported products as viable alternatives during periods of limited availability.
Budget Optimization: Lower costs associated with parallel-imported medications can contribute to the overall optimization of healthcare budgets. Public health authorities may be able to allocate saved funds to other critical areas, such as preventive measures, infrastructure, or healthcare workforce development.
Diversity of Pharmaceutical Products: Parallel importation introduces a greater diversity of pharmaceutical products into the market. This diversity can be beneficial for public health systems, providing healthcare professionals with a wider range of treatment options and formulations.
Flexibility in Procurement: Parallel importation provides public health systems with flexibility in procurement by offering alternative sources for medications. This flexibility is valuable in managing procurement risks and ensuring a reliable supply of essential pharmaceuticals.