Crisis Management in the Pharmaceutical Industry During the COVID-19 Pandemic

A new study on coronavirus - COVID-19 has been published, shedding light on the vulnerabilities of the pharmaceutical industry and its critical role in functioning healthcare systems during the pandemic. The research, conducted by a team from the University of Helsinki, aimed to identify areas for development to improve future crisis preparedness. The study revealed that crisis preparedness improved concurrently during the pandemic due to increased risk perception, updated preparedness plans, and operational changes. However, key challenges such as anticipating and responding to increased demand and stocking, coordination and collaboration among pharmaceutical supply chain stakeholders were identified.

Key Takeaways:

• The pharmaceutical industry played a critical role in functioning healthcare systems during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting its vulnerabilities and the need for better crisis preparedness.
• The study identified areas for development to improve future crisis preparedness, including increased risk perception, updated preparedness plans, and operational changes.
• Crisis preparedness improved concurrently during the pandemic, with decision-making made via teams or shared efforts between key persons.
• Anticipation of and responses to increased demand and stocking, coordination and collaboration among pharmaceutical supply chain stakeholders were identified as key challenges.
• The study extends crisis management process models to the pharmaceutical industry context and advances this research field by drawing on a novel approach for data collection.
• The research provides practical implications for improving future preparedness, including the need for better collaboration and coordination among pharmaceutical supply chain stakeholders.
• Semi-structured interviews with industry leaders and managers were conducted to triangulate data and provide additional insights.
• The study was conducted during the second wave of the pandemic (October-November 2020) and the results were peer-reviewed.

Statistics:

• 73 managing directors from pharmaceutical and wholesale companies in Finland participated in the online survey.
• 9 semi-structured interviews were conducted with industry leaders and managers in March-May 2021.
• Crisis preparedness improved concurrently during the pandemic due to increased risk perception, updated preparedness plans, and operational changes.
• Decision-making was made via teams or shared efforts between key persons in 80% of the cases.
• Anticipation of and responses to increased demand and stocking, coordination and collaboration among pharmaceutical supply chain stakeholders were identified as key challenges in 90% of the cases.

Sources:

• NewsRx, TB & Outbreaks Week, July 8, 2025
• International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 2025;125 (Elievier)
• University of Helsinki, Faculty of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Viikinkaari 5 E Pl 56, Helsinki 00014, Finland