Production close to the final consumer – The situation today

The discovery of new drugs is a long and complex process involving research, development and the production of medicines to fight disease and contribute to the health of people across the globe. Along the way, numerous choices must be made. The consequences of certain choices have a very strong impact on the process itself, its outcome and sometimes much further.

The geographic location of industrial development and production units is one of these critical choices with multiple consequences, in particular concerning:

adapting the product to the needs and characteristics of patients and markets;
the speed of the product development process;
the impact on costs;
relationships with local authorities;
the impact on local communities.

This phase consists of adapting the product and processes for production, controls and distribution in line with local needs and demands. For example, decisions about the form of the drug and its presentation are made during this phase.

All these factors may vary from one country to another, for a number of reasons.