Batch tracking: A crucial element of the Supply Chain

Recently Missionpharma’s unique batch tracking system proved its importance and value when Roche Pharmaceuticals recalled all batches of Nelfinavir (Viracept®) tablets and oral powder.

The products concerned are:

	Nelfinavir 250mg, as Mesilate, tablets (Missionpharma item number A4379) and
	Nelfinavir 50mg/g, 144g, as Mesilate, powder for suspension (Missionpharma item number F0680)

It is very difficult to handle such situations in the field, as the batch tracking often ends at the in-country distribution point, thus making it impossible to provide specific information to the persons having received the concerned batch.

The more precise this information is the better is the chance of localizing the batch and thereby avoiding use of the product.

Knowing this, an integrated part of Missionpharma’s batch tracking system is to register the specific content of each carton on batch level along with a unique carton identification code, a serial number, a colour code and a symbol marking simply to make the system operational in practice at all levels.

In situations where Missionpharma has arranged the in-country distribution, the products can be tracked to the Central Medical Stores and further on to the final destinations. Even in the most distinct areas, we are instantly able to track down a specific batch number to the individual carton delivered at the final destination.

A unique carton numbering system combined with one colour code and one symbol per recipient enable full traceability at the final destination.

In such cases, the chain of information does not stop at the Central Medical Store but is passed on beyond this point to the persons having received the products. They are not only informed about batch numbers and quantities to be recalled but they receive exact information about carton serial number, colour code and symbol marking of the carton that contains the batches.
 

In order to keep full track of all distributed products, Missionpharma’s Quality department coordinates and manages all details in connection with the product recall.

Roche will cover all costs related to the recall of Nelfinavir from the market and replacement of all products.

Read Roche’s press release here

Read WHO's statement on Roches Viracept® recall here

WHO's Good distribution practices for pharmaceutical products (Annex 5). Go 

Contact us for further information.