AUCTORES
Globalize your Research
Mini Review
*Corresponding Author: a Faculty of Pharmacy, Quest International University , 30250 Ipoh,perak, Malaysia; b Department of Management, Kshatriya College of Engineering, Nizamabad-503 224, Telangana, India;
Citation: Kotra Vijay, Madhavedi Sudhakar and Varala Ravi (2022) Covid-19 Pandemic: Is it a Challenge or Opportunity for Pharmaceutical Industry around the Globe? J Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology Research. 5(7), DOI: 10.31579/2693-7247/089
Copyright: @ 2022 Varala Ravi, This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Received: 05 April 2022 | Accepted: 15 April 2022 | Published: 16 June 2022
Keywords: covid-19; covax; pharmaceutical industry; WHO; Patent; pandemic
In this opinion article, authors emphasized the role of pharmaceutical industries or organizations, the way forward to deal efficiently with pandemics such as covid-19 and various aspects of supply chain management are discussed so as to reach the vaccine to the last end user.
The Corona virus is a highly contagious and life-threatening disease that has spread into 208 countries (509 million confirmed cases and over 6.23 million deaths as on 27th April 2022) and had been initially traced in Wuhan City of China and it has started spreading into several countries by January 2020 [1]. The novel Corona virus disease (SARS n-Cov/ COVID-19) is declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 11th March 2020. Industries like transport, aviation, hospitality, education and software services were worst hit by the pandemic during all the waves across the world [2]. In contrast to this, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) have grown phenomenally during the pandemic waves. The new COVID-19 variants are surpassing existing vaccine shields with modified genetic structure affecting human cells having different intensities.
USA, India, Brazil, France, UK, Russia, Germany, Turkey, Italy and Spain alone contributed to approximately 60% of the global cases and 55% of the global deaths reported during 2019-till date [3]. The USA, Brazil and India have passed through an aggressive phase of the Delta wave in 2021. Consequently, a sudden pull in the demand resulted in massive imbalances in the pharmaceutical supplies for protective goods, testing devices, pharmaceutical medicines and life support devices, that formed bottlenecks and which were further affected by transport delays in the flow [4].
In fact, China, being the world’s largest supplier of API was affected by lockdown disruptions in the supply chain due to the COVID-19 outbreak, which has further intensified healthcare crisis across the globe [5]. The pandemic forced the countries engage in macroeconomic policy initiatives to combat with raising cases and mortality by making their healthcare more agile, to reduce its adverse effect on economies in terms of productivity, employment and incomes [6]. Life saving technologies like 3D printing, flexible manufacturing, big data analytics, e-healthcare and IoT played a key role in combating the corona virus. In addition to these technologies, distance education, e-gaming, video conferencing, OTT, internet streaming and digital payments had a high momentum during the COVID pandemic [7].
Many research studies revealed that the COVID-19 waves would continue to hit the countries until herd immunity is attained, or the population is fully immunized with effective vaccines. It was an extraordinary task for the pharmaceutical companies to develop a corona vaccine while battling with multiplying COVID-19 cases. In this complex pandemic environment, companies have to conduct quick trials within the scheduled time, get approvals from national and international authorities for its use and launch the vaccine across the globe with decentralized manufacturing facilities. Ever since the corona was declared as pandemic, the international pharma giants Astra Zeneca-Oxford University (Covishield), Gamaleya Research Institute (Sputhnik-V), Pfizer (BioNTech), Moderna (Moderna vaccine), Bharth Biotech (Covaxin) and Sinovac biotechnology (Sinovac) had invested in vaccine development with their associates across the world. Academic collaborations between Oxford University and Astra Zeneca for the development of low price vaccine, is a ray of hope for the third world countries across the globe until the pandemic subsides [8]. Economically strong countries are placing bulk order for immunization of their population on a priority basis whereas Third world countries majorly depend on funds from WHO (COVAX) initiatives. The relaxing patent for COVID-19 inventions was echoed by India and South Africa in various international forums, and could get the sympathy of more than 100 countries but failed to obtain the support of developed nations. The idea of a patent waiver for the COVID vaccine is not sweet for developed nations and pharma companies. It is obvious notion of the pharma industry that why expensive technology could be made available to competitors for a cheaper price [9].
The WHO accorded an Emergency use license (EUL) to 10 vaccine makers under 35 brand names comprising of mRNA, protein subunit, non-replicating viral vector, DNA and live attenuated methods, which are expensive in manufacturing [10]. However, COVAX is a WHO initiative to provide vaccine for all population as soon as they are available. This initiative offers vaccine support to at least 20% of any country’s population. To attain this goal, companies need to overcome production bottlenecks, shortage of raw materials, manufacturing equipment, lockdown disruptions and shortage of storage capacities. Companies need to raise their investment in manufacturing, scaling up capacities and need to establish collaboration with local manufacturers. Storage conditions of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are complex, as they have to be stored at -30 0C-70 0C compared to remaining vaccines. Due to this reason, many countries, with insufficient cold logistics, opted for other vaccines despite their efficacy. This storage constraint could slow down the distribution efficiency of vaccines.
Oxford-Astrazeneca vaccines have a presence in 185 countries including their Indian collaborator SII. Pfizer’s BioNtech vaccine has its presence in 166 countries and Sputnik V & Light is sold in 74 countries. Jhonson & Jhonson Ad26.Cov2.s vaccine is licensed in 107 countries. China’s Sinopharm has a presence in 89 countries and Sinovac has a presence in 54 nations. Indonesia, Brazil, Pakistan, Turkey and Iran are large users of Sino Pharm vaccine. The WHO data reveals that until now, the Third world countries, more specifically the countries in Africa, East Mediterranean and Western Pacific region are far from vaccine availability [11]. Nearly 90 countries have not even immunized their population with single dose, this issue needs to be addressed immediately. The length of immunity protection offered by certain vaccines is questionable. In such cases, booster doses will be made mandatory and this will further increase the pressure on vaccine production.
As per the WHO covid-19 treatment protocols, the anti-viral and antiviral-property drugs like tocilizumab, remdesivir, favipiravir, ceftrioxome, azithromycin, methylprednisolone, ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine are widely used in the COVID treatment [12]. However, these medicines are of acute shortage during the global waves, which have become more expensive during peak times. Parallel black markets have emerged in a few countries. Most of the anti-viral drugs are authorized EUL, and added to treatment protocols. Therefore, companies were unable to draw on advanced production and sourcing raw materials. Moreover, the most of the drugs have practical uselessness or proven benefit, so being regularly monitored by US FDA, WHO or other competent authorities whether to add in covid treatment protocol medicines or not.
The performance of the pharma industry is exceptionally good in meeting demand to a larger extent. The road ahead for the pharma industry is to make COVID-19 vaccines and medicines available to a large population in a short period of time. It is highly indispensable to relax the IPR & Patent framework in this critical time, considering COVID-19 as a special case. A low cost and affordable access to copy rights and manufacturing rights need to be granted across the globe to produce vaccines for all countries in less time [13]. WTO and Free trade agreement members should ensure that no tariffs are imposed on COVID-19 related medical supplies.
A ‘Strategic Drug Reserves’ (SDR) has to be created centrally, in a de-central manner, to meet the contingencies for upcoming COVID-19 waves and to respond quickly to future pandemics. These SDRs are to be made available in geographical regions, even country wise also, so that in the event of outbreaks, it will be easier to reach the outbreak affected countries logistically, medically within a short span of time. A special focus has to be made on the African continent, which is amounting for 1.3 billion population and the vaccination process is far slower than other continents.
The pharma API makers need to strengthen their production capacities for which the international aid and governmental policy initiatives are highly essential. The investment channels, including foreign investments, need to be relaxed to finance COVID-19 vaccine and drug makers. The cold logistics are highly essential for a few vaccine varieties, shortage of cold infrastructure will become barriers for vaccine distribution in developing and undeveloped nations.
The need of the hour for the pharmaceutical industry is to have collaborations, strategic alliances with host country companies in order to have agile, highly responsive, competitive and cost effective production and distribution chains. The pharma industry has to restructure their business models with an object to calibrate their process, methods and systems to enhance their innovation, production and supply chains self-sufficient for global needs in the present and future. Pharma companies should adopt the latest technologies like AI, IoT, and the block chain to make drug distribution safer to end users with information on traceability [14].
The industry is passing through a phenomenal change during the pandemic times. The industry is repositioning itself by strengthening its systems, processes and channels for superior delivery of COVID pharmaceuticals to end-users. However, it needs a booster dose to act beyond their capabilities relating to simplification of copy rights, manufacturing rights, automatic clearance of investment channels, promotions.
Dr. RV sincerely thanks Dr. Ch. V. Rajasekhar, Scrips Pharma, for his continued support.
Dr. RV sincerely thanks Dr. Ch. V. Rajasekhar, Scrips Pharma, for his continued support.
Clearly Auctoresonline and particularly Psychology and Mental Health Care Journal is dedicated to improving health care services for individuals and populations. The editorial boards' ability to efficiently recognize and share the global importance of health literacy with a variety of stakeholders. Auctoresonline publishing platform can be used to facilitate of optimal client-based services and should be added to health care professionals' repertoire of evidence-based health care resources.
Journal of Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Intervention The submission and review process was adequate. However I think that the publication total value should have been enlightened in early fases. Thank you for all.
Journal of Women Health Care and Issues By the present mail, I want to say thank to you and tour colleagues for facilitating my published article. Specially thank you for the peer review process, support from the editorial office. I appreciate positively the quality of your journal.
Journal of Clinical Research and Reports I would be very delighted to submit my testimonial regarding the reviewer board and the editorial office. The reviewer board were accurate and helpful regarding any modifications for my manuscript. And the editorial office were very helpful and supportive in contacting and monitoring with any update and offering help. It was my pleasure to contribute with your promising Journal and I am looking forward for more collaboration.
We would like to thank the Journal of Thoracic Disease and Cardiothoracic Surgery because of the services they provided us for our articles. The peer-review process was done in a very excellent time manner, and the opinions of the reviewers helped us to improve our manuscript further. The editorial office had an outstanding correspondence with us and guided us in many ways. During a hard time of the pandemic that is affecting every one of us tremendously, the editorial office helped us make everything easier for publishing scientific work. Hope for a more scientific relationship with your Journal.
The peer-review process which consisted high quality queries on the paper. I did answer six reviewers’ questions and comments before the paper was accepted. The support from the editorial office is excellent.
Journal of Neuroscience and Neurological Surgery. I had the experience of publishing a research article recently. The whole process was simple from submission to publication. The reviewers made specific and valuable recommendations and corrections that improved the quality of my publication. I strongly recommend this Journal.
Dr. Katarzyna Byczkowska My testimonial covering: "The peer review process is quick and effective. The support from the editorial office is very professional and friendly. Quality of the Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions is scientific and publishes ground-breaking research on cardiology that is useful for other professionals in the field.
Thank you most sincerely, with regard to the support you have given in relation to the reviewing process and the processing of my article entitled "Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of The Prostate Gland: A Review and Update" for publication in your esteemed Journal, Journal of Cancer Research and Cellular Therapeutics". The editorial team has been very supportive.
Testimony of Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology: work with your Reviews has been a educational and constructive experience. The editorial office were very helpful and supportive. It was a pleasure to contribute to your Journal.
Dr. Bernard Terkimbi Utoo, I am happy to publish my scientific work in Journal of Women Health Care and Issues (JWHCI). The manuscript submission was seamless and peer review process was top notch. I was amazed that 4 reviewers worked on the manuscript which made it a highly technical, standard and excellent quality paper. I appreciate the format and consideration for the APC as well as the speed of publication. It is my pleasure to continue with this scientific relationship with the esteem JWHCI.
This is an acknowledgment for peer reviewers, editorial board of Journal of Clinical Research and Reports. They show a lot of consideration for us as publishers for our research article “Evaluation of the different factors associated with side effects of COVID-19 vaccination on medical students, Mutah university, Al-Karak, Jordan”, in a very professional and easy way. This journal is one of outstanding medical journal.
Dear Hao Jiang, to Journal of Nutrition and Food Processing We greatly appreciate the efficient, professional and rapid processing of our paper by your team. If there is anything else we should do, please do not hesitate to let us know. On behalf of my co-authors, we would like to express our great appreciation to editor and reviewers.
As an author who has recently published in the journal "Brain and Neurological Disorders". I am delighted to provide a testimonial on the peer review process, editorial office support, and the overall quality of the journal. The peer review process at Brain and Neurological Disorders is rigorous and meticulous, ensuring that only high-quality, evidence-based research is published. The reviewers are experts in their fields, and their comments and suggestions were constructive and helped improve the quality of my manuscript. The review process was timely and efficient, with clear communication from the editorial office at each stage. The support from the editorial office was exceptional throughout the entire process. The editorial staff was responsive, professional, and always willing to help. They provided valuable guidance on formatting, structure, and ethical considerations, making the submission process seamless. Moreover, they kept me informed about the status of my manuscript and provided timely updates, which made the process less stressful. The journal Brain and Neurological Disorders is of the highest quality, with a strong focus on publishing cutting-edge research in the field of neurology. The articles published in this journal are well-researched, rigorously peer-reviewed, and written by experts in the field. The journal maintains high standards, ensuring that readers are provided with the most up-to-date and reliable information on brain and neurological disorders. In conclusion, I had a wonderful experience publishing in Brain and Neurological Disorders. The peer review process was thorough, the editorial office provided exceptional support, and the journal's quality is second to none. I would highly recommend this journal to any researcher working in the field of neurology and brain disorders.
Dear Agrippa Hilda, Journal of Neuroscience and Neurological Surgery, Editorial Coordinator, I trust this message finds you well. I want to extend my appreciation for considering my article for publication in your esteemed journal. I am pleased to provide a testimonial regarding the peer review process and the support received from your editorial office. The peer review process for my paper was carried out in a highly professional and thorough manner. The feedback and comments provided by the authors were constructive and very useful in improving the quality of the manuscript. This rigorous assessment process undoubtedly contributes to the high standards maintained by your journal.
International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews. I strongly recommend to consider submitting your work to this high-quality journal. The support and availability of the Editorial staff is outstanding and the review process was both efficient and rigorous.
Thank you very much for publishing my Research Article titled “Comparing Treatment Outcome Of Allergic Rhinitis Patients After Using Fluticasone Nasal Spray And Nasal Douching" in the Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology. As Medical Professionals we are immensely benefited from study of various informative Articles and Papers published in this high quality Journal. I look forward to enriching my knowledge by regular study of the Journal and contribute my future work in the field of ENT through the Journal for use by the medical fraternity. The support from the Editorial office was excellent and very prompt. I also welcome the comments received from the readers of my Research Article.
Dear Erica Kelsey, Editorial Coordinator of Cancer Research and Cellular Therapeutics Our team is very satisfied with the processing of our paper by your journal. That was fast, efficient, rigorous, but without unnecessary complications. We appreciated the very short time between the submission of the paper and its publication on line on your site.
I am very glad to say that the peer review process is very successful and fast and support from the Editorial Office. Therefore, I would like to continue our scientific relationship for a long time. And I especially thank you for your kindly attention towards my article. Have a good day!
"We recently published an article entitled “Influence of beta-Cyclodextrins upon the Degradation of Carbofuran Derivatives under Alkaline Conditions" in the Journal of “Pesticides and Biofertilizers” to show that the cyclodextrins protect the carbamates increasing their half-life time in the presence of basic conditions This will be very helpful to understand carbofuran behaviour in the analytical, agro-environmental and food areas. We greatly appreciated the interaction with the editor and the editorial team; we were particularly well accompanied during the course of the revision process, since all various steps towards publication were short and without delay".
I would like to express my gratitude towards you process of article review and submission. I found this to be very fair and expedient. Your follow up has been excellent. I have many publications in national and international journal and your process has been one of the best so far. Keep up the great work.
We are grateful for this opportunity to provide a glowing recommendation to the Journal of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy. We found that the editorial team were very supportive, helpful, kept us abreast of timelines and over all very professional in nature. The peer review process was rigorous, efficient and constructive that really enhanced our article submission. The experience with this journal remains one of our best ever and we look forward to providing future submissions in the near future.
I am very pleased to serve as EBM of the journal, I hope many years of my experience in stem cells can help the journal from one way or another. As we know, stem cells hold great potential for regenerative medicine, which are mostly used to promote the repair response of diseased, dysfunctional or injured tissue using stem cells or their derivatives. I think Stem Cell Research and Therapeutics International is a great platform to publish and share the understanding towards the biology and translational or clinical application of stem cells.
I would like to give my testimony in the support I have got by the peer review process and to support the editorial office where they were of asset to support young author like me to be encouraged to publish their work in your respected journal and globalize and share knowledge across the globe. I really give my great gratitude to your journal and the peer review including the editorial office.
I am delighted to publish our manuscript entitled "A Perspective on Cocaine Induced Stroke - Its Mechanisms and Management" in the Journal of Neuroscience and Neurological Surgery. The peer review process, support from the editorial office, and quality of the journal are excellent. The manuscripts published are of high quality and of excellent scientific value. I recommend this journal very much to colleagues.
Dr.Tania Muñoz, My experience as researcher and author of a review article in The Journal Clinical Cardiology and Interventions has been very enriching and stimulating. The editorial team is excellent, performs its work with absolute responsibility and delivery. They are proactive, dynamic and receptive to all proposals. Supporting at all times the vast universe of authors who choose them as an option for publication. The team of review specialists, members of the editorial board, are brilliant professionals, with remarkable performance in medical research and scientific methodology. Together they form a frontline team that consolidates the JCCI as a magnificent option for the publication and review of high-level medical articles and broad collective interest. I am honored to be able to share my review article and open to receive all your comments.
“The peer review process of JPMHC is quick and effective. Authors are benefited by good and professional reviewers with huge experience in the field of psychology and mental health. The support from the editorial office is very professional. People to contact to are friendly and happy to help and assist any query authors might have. Quality of the Journal is scientific and publishes ground-breaking research on mental health that is useful for other professionals in the field”.
Dear editorial department: On behalf of our team, I hereby certify the reliability and superiority of the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews in the peer review process, editorial support, and journal quality. Firstly, the peer review process of the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is rigorous, fair, transparent, fast, and of high quality. The editorial department invites experts from relevant fields as anonymous reviewers to review all submitted manuscripts. These experts have rich academic backgrounds and experience, and can accurately evaluate the academic quality, originality, and suitability of manuscripts. The editorial department is committed to ensuring the rigor of the peer review process, while also making every effort to ensure a fast review cycle to meet the needs of authors and the academic community. Secondly, the editorial team of the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is composed of a group of senior scholars and professionals with rich experience and professional knowledge in related fields. The editorial department is committed to assisting authors in improving their manuscripts, ensuring their academic accuracy, clarity, and completeness. Editors actively collaborate with authors, providing useful suggestions and feedback to promote the improvement and development of the manuscript. We believe that the support of the editorial department is one of the key factors in ensuring the quality of the journal. Finally, the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is renowned for its high- quality articles and strict academic standards. The editorial department is committed to publishing innovative and academically valuable research results to promote the development and progress of related fields. The International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is reasonably priced and ensures excellent service and quality ratio, allowing authors to obtain high-level academic publishing opportunities in an affordable manner. I hereby solemnly declare that the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews has a high level of credibility and superiority in terms of peer review process, editorial support, reasonable fees, and journal quality. Sincerely, Rui Tao.
Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions I testity the covering of the peer review process, support from the editorial office, and quality of the journal.
Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions, we deeply appreciate the interest shown in our work and its publication. It has been a true pleasure to collaborate with you. The peer review process, as well as the support provided by the editorial office, have been exceptional, and the quality of the journal is very high, which was a determining factor in our decision to publish with you.
The peer reviewers process is quick and effective, the supports from editorial office is excellent, the quality of journal is high. I would like to collabroate with Internatioanl journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews journal clinically in the future time.
Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude for the trust placed in our team for the publication in your journal. It has been a true pleasure to collaborate with you on this project. I am pleased to inform you that both the peer review process and the attention from the editorial coordination have been excellent. Your team has worked with dedication and professionalism to ensure that your publication meets the highest standards of quality. We are confident that this collaboration will result in mutual success, and we are eager to see the fruits of this shared effort.
Dear Dr. Jessica Magne, Editorial Coordinator 0f Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions, I hope this message finds you well. I want to express my utmost gratitude for your excellent work and for the dedication and speed in the publication process of my article titled "Navigating Innovation: Qualitative Insights on Using Technology for Health Education in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients." I am very satisfied with the peer review process, the support from the editorial office, and the quality of the journal. I hope we can maintain our scientific relationship in the long term.
Dear Monica Gissare, - Editorial Coordinator of Nutrition and Food Processing. ¨My testimony with you is truly professional, with a positive response regarding the follow-up of the article and its review, you took into account my qualities and the importance of the topic¨.
Dear Dr. Jessica Magne, Editorial Coordinator 0f Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions, The review process for the article “The Handling of Anti-aggregants and Anticoagulants in the Oncologic Heart Patient Submitted to Surgery” was extremely rigorous and detailed. From the initial submission to the final acceptance, the editorial team at the “Journal of Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions” demonstrated a high level of professionalism and dedication. The reviewers provided constructive and detailed feedback, which was essential for improving the quality of our work. Communication was always clear and efficient, ensuring that all our questions were promptly addressed. The quality of the “Journal of Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions” is undeniable. It is a peer-reviewed, open-access publication dedicated exclusively to disseminating high-quality research in the field of clinical cardiology and cardiovascular interventions. The journal's impact factor is currently under evaluation, and it is indexed in reputable databases, which further reinforces its credibility and relevance in the scientific field. I highly recommend this journal to researchers looking for a reputable platform to publish their studies.
Dear Editorial Coordinator of the Journal of Nutrition and Food Processing! "I would like to thank the Journal of Nutrition and Food Processing for including and publishing my article. The peer review process was very quick, movement and precise. The Editorial Board has done an extremely conscientious job with much help, valuable comments and advices. I find the journal very valuable from a professional point of view, thank you very much for allowing me to be part of it and I would like to participate in the future!”
Dealing with The Journal of Neurology and Neurological Surgery was very smooth and comprehensive. The office staff took time to address my needs and the response from editors and the office was prompt and fair. I certainly hope to publish with this journal again.Their professionalism is apparent and more than satisfactory. Susan Weiner
My Testimonial Covering as fellowing: Lin-Show Chin. The peer reviewers process is quick and effective, the supports from editorial office is excellent, the quality of journal is high. I would like to collabroate with Internatioanl journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews.
My experience publishing in Psychology and Mental Health Care was exceptional. The peer review process was rigorous and constructive, with reviewers providing valuable insights that helped enhance the quality of our work. The editorial team was highly supportive and responsive, making the submission process smooth and efficient. The journal's commitment to high standards and academic rigor makes it a respected platform for quality research. I am grateful for the opportunity to publish in such a reputable journal.
My experience publishing in International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews was exceptional. I Come forth to Provide a Testimonial Covering the Peer Review Process and the editorial office for the Professional and Impartial Evaluation of the Manuscript.
