Pharmaceutical companies are a high-risk security facility bound by global threats – from outright theft to counterfeit drugs and not all will be on premises. A significant proportion of the risk is in-transit. With theft almost as likely from a truck or vehicle, the world’s leading drugs companies face multi-billion USD dollar losses every year.
Pharmaceutical companies can only survive through continued investment and innovation. Developing a new drug can cost billions and lifesaving medications can take many years to create, depending on the complexity of the disease.
That’s why when the Covid19 vaccine was introduced so quickly, many felt it may not have been given the time it needed to be tested for human health impact. However, drug companies were not starting from scratch when they learned about SARS-Cov-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. A member of the coronavirus family, SARS-CoV-2, there are literally hundreds of coronaviruses, these include four that can cause the common cold as well as SARS or severe acute respiratory syndrome.
In the main, it can take anywhere up to 15 years to bring a new drug to market. It is also worth highlighting that some do not make it through the clinical trials after years of investment.
When it comes to protecting our pharmaceutical industry, it is imperative that security technology innovation remains a priority. A lab without a targeted fire and security strategy is at risk from the threat of destruction, theft, counterfeit drugs and even stealing of Intellectual Property from insider actions.
A robust security strategy must touch on all aspects of the drugs cycle – the inception of an idea to the laboratory, the drug transportation and access control to the facilities – monitoring foot and vehicle traffic. Tools such as CCTV, video monitoring, biometrics, ANPR and 24/7 central monitoring stations form part of the critical strategy in protecting our pharma companies.
You will be aware that pharmaceutical companies face multiple risks on a day-to-day basis, from the standard risks of regulatory changes and adherence to their highly competitive arena. Alleviating the risk of theft or malicious intent through fire and security protection is a decision well made.
Sharp Group’s fire and security protection formula will help you ‘raise the bar’ for your innovations and inventions.