Good Distribution Practice (GDP) plays a crucial role in safeguarding the pharmaceutical supply chain against the threat of falsified medicines — counterfeit or deliberately altered products that pose serious risks to patient safety.
What Is GDP?
GDP refers to the standards and guidelines governing the proper distribution, storage, and transportation of medicinal products. It ensures that medicines maintain their quality, safety, and efficacy from the manufacturer to the end user.
How GDP Helps Prevent Falsified Medicines
- Secure Supply Chain Controls
GDP mandates strict controls on suppliers, distributors, and transportation providers to prevent unauthorised access or substitution of products. - Traceability and Documentation
Accurate records and batch traceability allow quick identification and removal of suspicious products. - Storage and Handling Requirements
Proper storage conditions prevent degradation that can obscure product authenticity. - Personnel Training
Trained staff can identify and report potential falsified products or irregularities. - Verification Procedures
Implementing verification checks on products and packaging helps detect tampering or counterfeit items before reaching patients.
Regulatory Emphasis on GDP
Regulatory authorities worldwide, including the EMA, FDA, and WHO, emphasise GDP compliance as a frontline defence against falsified medicines.
How Q&V Supports GDP Compliance
At Q&V, we provide expert guidance on:
- GDP gap assessments
- Supply chain risk management
- Training on anti-counterfeiting measures
- Documentation and audit support
Robust GDP implementation is essential to protect patients and maintain trust in the pharmaceutical supply chain. By adhering to GDP principles, companies can effectively prevent falsified medicines from entering the market.
Need help strengthening your GDP practices? Contact Q&V for expert support.