Conclusion

This article presents the various issues surrounding the supply chain for the pharmaceutical industry, and highlights the tools and methods that can be used to model it. The research challenges lie in multi-scale and multi-actor modeling, taking into account multi-level uncertainty and requiring robust modeling, simulation and multi-objective optimization tools.

Their importance is growing as the product portfolio diversifies with the advent of nanotechnologies, stem cells and tissue regeneration, for example. Many of the new treatments and devices used to deliver them will involve manufacturing and distribution processes that are more complex than conventional chemical production units. In addition, specific manufacturing processes, which consume large amounts of water and energy, will need to be adapted to reduce the environmental footprint.

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