Being Prepared: Business Continuity Planning In The Life Science Industry

By Sinead McGlone, Director, Quality, IQVIA

Business continuity planning (BCP) ahead of the next pandemic or natural disaster is essential to ensure the success of any enterprise, but it's particularly crucial for companies in the life science industry. A sound BCP gives companies a roadmap and processes to follow in times of crisis. The plans outline what the company must do to react quickly and efficiently, and the measures to put in place so critical operations can continue.

In life science, and pharmacovigilance (PV), a continuity strategy is vital to ensure critical patient safety activities and global regulatory compliance continues. That’s because regulatory compliance activities that are mandated by global agencies including FDA, EMA and PMDA can be impacted by multiple factors ranging from cybercrime to natural disasters. Rethinking BCPs regularly is crucial to preparing for future disaster events.