GlaxoSmithKline , Mississauga, ON L5R 4B2
How is it produced?
Ibuprofen, the stuff that makes Advil work, is made using a complicated chemical process. They mix different chemicals together and purify them to create the final ibuprofen used in the medicine (Rainsford, 2015).
Describe the supply chain to the store shelf in Canada:
Advil’s journey from where it’s made to the stores in Canada is like this: They start by making the main ingredient, which is often done in countries where it’s cheaper to produce. The companies that make Advil might hire other factories in those countries to do the work. Once the ibuprofen is made, it’s sent to Canada. There, they do more things to it and put it into the final Advil product. After packaging, they send it to many stores and pharmacies in Canada before you can buy it off the store shelf (Saha& Bhattacharya, 2011).
What is the power balance between the producer and seller?
The companies that make Advil (the big ones that operate worldwide) usually have more power and control than the stores and pharmacies selling it. These big companies have lots of money and influence because they dominate the market. They can tell the stores how to do things and even set the price and rules for selling Advil.
Can you recommend changes to the system to improve the balance?
a. Encourage Fair Trade: Governments can support rules that treat both the companies and the stores fairly, so no one has too much control.
b. Make Stronger Rules: People who watch over the industry can keep a close eye on things and make sure everyone plays by fair rules, so the big companies can’t use their power to push others around.
References/Resources:
Rainsford, K. D. (Ed.). (2015). Ibuprofen: discovery, development and therapeutics. John Wiley & Sons.
Saha, C. N., & Bhattacharya, S. (2011). Intellectual property rights: An overview and implications in pharmaceutical industry. Journal of advanced pharmaceutical technology & research, 2(2), 88.