MOLLY BOWMAN
Thomson Reuters, 215 Commercial St 5th Floor, Portland, ME, 04101, USA

INTRODUCTION
Active ingredient sourcing is often a critical activity in the overall drug development process. The speed at which a source can meet needs is important for both innovator and generic companies. As costs rise around the world, traditional sourcing markets such as Italy have evolved and geographical specializations have emerged. The impact of rising costs on sourcing decisions has motivated some API companies to invest in specialized manufacturing and others to reach into developing markets. The shift from traditional sourcing markets has been quite dramatic over the past ten years, but as costs rise in low-cost regions, such as India and China, many companies in long-established markets are seeing a resurgence.

SOURCING TRENDS AND API MANUFACTURERS
There are many factors influencing sourcing decisions, including direct costs such as the price of materials and services as well as the speed at which a source can deliver. It is also important for companies to consider the cost of knowledge transfer, quality assurance, and project management. When choosing a supplier companies must examine intellectual property protec ...
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