Quick-Fire Interview: Associate Director Distribution & Logistics Quality at MSD

Netherlands based Ana Martinez is the Associate Director and Logistics Quality EMEA Lead for MSD (Merck to US citizens). MSD’s purpose is to “use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world” and with 69,000 employees and having invested $13.5B since 2022 into R&D - they are at the cutting edge of scientific innovation.

Ana, who has a B.S degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences and an MBA focused on Pharma BioTech with several years of experience in the Pharmaceutical Industry in various roles, including Production, Technical Operations, Quality Assurance and Compliance - now heads the logistics quality and distribution for EMEA.

This quick-fire interview is a snapshot into the perspective of one of pharma’s biggest players and what Ana will be sharing at this year’s Logipharma Asia 2023.

Can you tell us about some of the most significant changes that new regulations have brought to the distribution of high-value temperature-sensitive products in the pharmaceutical industry?

The requirements on temperature controlled products have increased over the last decade as it has evolved the medicine and products developed too. That has led regulations to increase the standards on assuring that medicines are kept and transported in the way to assure optimal temperature conditions are met: from risk assessments on transportation to require temperature control for every shipment as a must.

How have big pharma players adapted their distribution processes in response to these new regulations? What specific changes have you seen as a result of using innovative technologies like AI or ML?

By evolving together with their portfolio and adapting to new technologies available over time such as improving in passive solutions by moving into phase change solutions, by implementing real time monitoring devices, etc.

What new technologies are being used to improve supply chain visibility and how effective have they been in improving customer service?

Blockchain is just one example, but in general all technologies developed recently that led us to have more real time visibility, possibility of interaction, predictability and risk mitigation.

What challenges or obstacles have big pharma players faced in implementing new regulatory requirements? Can you think of any examples?

The main challenge I see from implementation point of view when deploying new technologies is the fact that not only do you need to face change resistance, which is normally a reality down the road, but also process changes, new technologies deployment comes, normally, hand by hand with changing the processes in order to benefit from it.

In your opinion, how can you work with supply chain partners to embed new systems?

By having clear quality requirements as part of the user specifications, working together from development to implementation.

What do you expect to get out of Logipharma Asia? And can you give us a sneak peek on what you will be sharing with the audience when you moderate the panel?

I expect to gather valuable information, experiences and inputs on the trending topics and challenges that we all face in this industry and sector. When moderating the panel we will have some of the top leaders in the industry sharing and discussing the challenges on defying social expectations in order to meet career goals as we wish for.

Why is Logipharma Asia an event not to be missed?

If you are in Pharma and Supply Chain and you want to know where the industry is going, if you want to be ahead of what is coming in this sector, this is your place to be.

Ana Martinez Lozano will be speaking at LogiPharma Asia 2023, 21st June 2023, 9:15 AM "Opening Keynote Panel: Question the leaders – How can you shatter the glass ceiling, defy societal expectations and support female talents as they seek to climb up the career ladder?" Find out more here!