TC Script: Navigating Supply Chain During COVID-19

The pharmaceutical supply chain has never experienced a year like 2020. Each day seems to present a new set of challenges. During January and February, the concern was seemingly simple, and in retrospect, a bit naïve. Back then, our only concern was how to handle supply chain slowdowns from major manufacturing centers located in Asia, Western Europe, and the Middle East. Today, our challenges are much more complex, and it looks like the future is still uncertain.

Ambulatory Care Centers, Physician Offices, & Elective Surgery Centers are Closed

Prolonged state and local orders have required nonessential health care services to be delivered either remotely using telemedicine. Public health emergency management agencies have mandated that hospitals only accept the most seriously ill patients in an effort to preserve precious intensive care resources. In addition, local and regional pharmaceutical supplies are creating more complex problems.

Needless to say, the disruption in the delivery of health care services, the limitations on healthcare providers that are allowed to go to work, and the inability of patients to access routine health services for an extended period of time (which history may end up measuring in years) is a challenge few saw coming. Even fewer can provide a viable solution.

TC Script to the Rescue

TC Script, Mercalis' (formerly TrialCard) non-commercial dispensing pharmacy located in Scottsdale, Arizona, is providing solutions to the challenges facing its clients. Arizona surpassed New York’s number of COVID-19 cases per capita in July 2020.

TC Script, located in the center of it all, introduced the following solutions: (1) compounding hand sanitizer for essential personnel; (2) engaging with manufacturers who can’t send sales representatives into health care settings to distribute samples by offering sample distribution to HCPs by mail and, in some cases, patients pursuant to FDA emergency rule guidance; (3) expanding access to Patient Assistance Program and other “free goods” programs for the millions of Americans who, unfortunately, now qualify financially due to the exponential increase in unemployment numbers nationally; (4) investing in automation equipment to meet the increased need for free goods programs and provide efficiencies to minimize cost; and (4) working with manufacturers of the most promising drugs (and potential vaccines) to treat COVID-19 in order to build a 24/7 distribution system compliant with CDC guidelines.

TC Script’s clinical staff is also a part of the State of Arizona’s Board of Pharmacy COVID-19 Response Task Force and frequently serves as subject matter expert contributors to the White House’s newly created Office of Special Counsel for pharmaceutical supply chain challenges. In sum, our staff is working with clients to provide creative, compliant solutions to access and affordability issues never before encountered, all the while working with state and federal policymakers on reducing traditional barriers in a COVID-19 world.

Contact sales@mercalis.com if you’re interested in learning more.