Sept. 26 seminar examines interruptions in the supply chain of animal pharmaceuticals

Monday, Aug. 12, 2019

OLATHE — Experts from industry, academia and government — including the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine — are leading a series of discussions focused on minimizing disruptions and increasing communication in the supply chain operations phase of animal pharmaceutical production.

"Animal Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Interruptions" is from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 26 at Kansas State University's Olathe campus.

The interactive workshop explores why interruptions happen and the best practices for mitigating them.

Experts will lead discussion sessions about best practices and risk management tools before transitioning into a hands-on format with case studies and exercises. The case studies will be used and analyzed to look at how the interruptions could be prevented and how the communication process can be enhanced. Attendees also will participate in a risk mapping exercise.

"Interruptions in the supply chain significantly affect the health and wellbeing of animals. In the case of medically necessary products, in which there are no available replacements, these can cause an even greater impact — both in welfare and publicity," said Gary Anderson, director of the Animal Health and Food Safety Institute at K-State Olathe.

A significant contributor to this problem is the complexity of the regulatory environment that exists both domestically and abroad. Another contributor is the limited number of approved supplies that exist globally. While maintaining product quality is paramount, identifying and reducing supply chain risks is key for the sustainability of the animal health industry and the wellbeing of pet and food animal drugs and vaccines.

"Animal Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Interruptions" is the seventh seminar in the Regulatory Affairs in Animal Health Seminar Series. The series is offered in partnership with BioKansas and is designed to provide the latest information about regulatory affairs in the animal health industry.

More than 400 professionals from animal health companies and affiliated industries have attended previous seminars since the series debuted in late 2017. Participant feedback has shown that the information is effective and making a difference in the industry.

Learn more about the series and register for "Animal Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Interruptions" at olathe.k-state.edu/regaffairs.