This document discusses issues in the pharmaceutical supply chain. It outlines the life cycle of a pharmaceutical product from research to commercial manufacturing. It then describes the various components in the manufacturing and distribution chain from primary manufacturing to retailers. It notes challenges like the bullwhip effect, need to hold large active ingredient stocks, and lack of visibility beyond the first customer. Finally, it proposes steps to improve supply chain performance through increased visibility, reducing working capital, and ensuring efficiencies benefit all parties.