When Supply Is of Public Interest: Roche & Tamiflu Case Solution And Analysis, HBR Case Study Solution & Analysis of Harvard Case Studies

The case targets the challenges of Roche keeping a supply network for a global influenza pandemic reaction initiative base on its antiviral drug Tamiflu. The Roche group is a 40 billion CHF firm comprising a diagnostic division and a pharmaceutical section. The business's antiviral drug Tamiflu dominates the market for prevention and treatment of seasonal influenza (flu). So, there was the potential to establish a preparedness plan based on creating a stockpile of the drug in conjunction with a suitable strategy for distribution to the affected public.

When Supply Is of Public Interest Roche & Tamiflu Case Study Solution

Using Tamiflu in such a catastrophe would allow the world to respond promptly, rather than have to wait for progress of a vaccine which had limits in its effectiveness and the WHO as a first line of defense had backed the drug. The case focus on the challenge of Roche keeping a supply network for a global pandemic response initiative. Handling supply is particularly challenging for three reasons. First, demand for stockpile quantities is spiky and dubious, and governments placing orders anticipate lead times to be brief. Second, lead times for raising capacity are long, as are lead times for drug creation and encapsulation. Last, media reporting and press release made by other stakeholders and authorities raise the positions, as negative media coverage may break Roche's reputation with customers, leading to lower sales levels for its goods.

PUBLICATION DATE: January 15, 2009 PRODUCT #: 609061-HCB-ENG

This is just an excerpt. This case is about ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT