How Medix Biochemica Enhances the Resilience of Hormone IVD Raw Material Supply Chains: Part 2 - Forward Thinking and Future-Proofing

We’ve previously discussed Medix Biochemica’s position in the middle of the in vitro diagnostics (IVD) hormone supply chain and how it gives us many opportunities to improve the process for our customers. We coordinate information from both our suppliers and customers and proactively offer solutions to mitigate potential problems.

Here are some practical examples of how we think ahead and future-proof to ensure a robust and reliable supply chain for IVD assay manufacturers.

Common challenges in the IVD supply chain

We’re aware that our IVD customers face a rapidly changing competitive landscape, and that this landscape includes a number of common risks and challenges such as:¹

• the burden of managing multiple raw-material suppliers;
• inadequate supplier manufacturing capabilities, including scale, lead time, lack of quality control procedures and lack of innovative R&D;
• reliance on a single, traditional source of critical materials (e.g. reliance on human tissues for native hormone antigens);
• the constant need to adapt to regulatory changes;
• limited visibility and lack of critical real-time information slowing decision-making; 
• lack of supplier agility and responsiveness to customer demands;
• inefficient supplier communication on changing demands and feedback; and 
• slow supplier response to demand.

In addition, any unexpected changes in raw materials are costly for manufacturers due to material costs, production delays and the need for products to be updated and revalidated accordingly.¹

These challenges highlight the need for forward-thinking solutions and reliable supplier partnerships. This is where Medix Biochemica is able to step in as a leader in the IVD raw-materials industry, to mitigate many common supply chain vulnerabilities.^1,2

Medix Biochemica’s proactive approach to supply chain challenges

We work to prevent supply chain issues by:²

• maintaining an in-depth understanding of the changing IVD landscape; 
• collaborating closely and communicating transparently with customers and suppliers; 
• eliminating burdensome supplier management by providing a wide variety of quality reagents (antigens, antibodies, enzymes, proteins/hormones, biologicals and base matrices);
• Strategic growth through acquisition, allowing us to offer a wider range of quality products under our umbrella; 
• joint forecasting to mitigate supply chain disruptions;
• providing excellent scalability to meet increased demand;
• ensuring batch-to-batch consistency; 
• providing regulatory support and auditing readiness; and 
• providing technical support to our customers as needed.
  

Read more about Medix Biochemica's position in the IVD supply chain

Future-proofing the supply chain

Successfully managing supply chain logistics means supporting the ‘six rights’:³

1) The right reagents, 2) in the right quantities, 3) in the right condition, 4) delivered to the right place, 5) at the right time, 6) for the right cost.

At Medix Biochemica, our forward-thinking approach helps us to address each of these requirements.^1,2

1. The right reagents: We provide thousands of different reagents to meet a wide variety of supplier needs.
2. The right quantities: We provide great scalability and also plan ahead for unexpected changes, maintaining a safety stock to handle shortages and running at less than 100% capacity so we can easily handle surge demands as needed.
3. The right condition: Our rigorous quality-control procedures and excellent batch-to-batch consistency provide customers with products of the highest quality.
4. The right place: We collaborate closely with each customer to ensure we’re providing the right products for their needs. This includes product customization where needed.
5. The right time: We deliver timeous results to avoid supply chain delays. We recognize the importance of strong R&D-to-R&D connections, so we can adapt to upcoming changes together at an early stage.
6. The right cost: Investing in high-quality, reliable reagents saves our customers time and money that would otherwise be lost if the supply chain was disrupted.

We encourage customers to think of us as an extension of their own company, fostering close relationships and working in sync to keep the supply chain running smoothly. We believe that collaboration drives innovation and sustainability, ensuring long-term supply chain resilience.¹

Case study: native vs recombinant hormone antigens

Recombinant antigens are manufactured artificially and mimic their native counterparts very effectively.²

The benefits of using recombinant antigens

• Better accessibility than native antigens²
• High specificity⁴
• Cost-effective⁴
• Improved stability and comparable functionality⁴
  

This case study is just one example of how Medix Biochemica’s extensive knowledge of the IVD industry allows us to help customers to guard their supply chain against potential delays.^1,2

Are you looking to partner with a forward-thinking IVD supplier? Contact us to discuss your needs and supply chain concerns, and find out how we can assist you.

References:

1. Expert opinion. Notes from Anthony Austin, Global Marketing Manager, Medix Biochemica. April 2024.
2. Expert opinion. Interview with Anthony Austin, Global Marketing Manager, Medix Biochemica. April 24, 2024.
3. Supply chain management of health commodities and logistics: fundamental components of booming medical laboratory services. European Journal of Logistics, Purchasing and Supply Chain Management (EJLPSCM). Accessed May 6, 2024. https://eajournals.org/ejlpscm/vol-3-issue-4-november-2015/supply-chain-management-of-health-commodities-and-logistics-fundamental-components-of-booming-medical-laboratory-services/.
4. Gupta V, Sengupta M, Prakash J, et al. Production of recombinant pharmaceutical proteins. Basic and Applied Aspects of Biotechnology. Published online October 23, 2016:77-101. doi:10.1007/978-981-10-0875-7_4