Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/1299034
89 Executive Briefing If a healthcare provider has to switch among two or three different products due to supply issues, it can create medication safety issues for patients. When staff have to continually adjust to new labeling and product presentation, it often creates confusion. To minimize variability and confusion, it is preferable to have the same product constantly available. Partnerships are a key to unique products that improve provider efficiency and patient outcomes Fagron Sterile Services US' robust product portfolio includes a complete line of ophthalmics, as well as specialty products and products used in anesthesia settings. The company has a reputation for customizing its portfolio to meet the product needs of health system partners. It has developed several different controlled substances, local anesthetics and other injectables for specific customers. "We see this as a partnership. We have the ability to create new sterile products that will make a difference for customers. They, in turn, provide us with an opportunity to demonstrate our committed supply of safe, effective, sterile medications," said Mr. Pulido. FSS is constantly exploring new product innovations to improve patient outcomes. For example, this fall the company is launching a sterile topical anesthetic LET gel made with lidocaine, epinephrine and tetracaine. This will be the first sterile topical LET gel in the marketplace that medical professionals can use on open wounds as an anesthetic and a vasoconstrictor. Another product innovation from Fagron Sterile Services US is Avastin® for ophthalmic use in a new silicone-free syringe that was developed in collaboration with West Pharmaceutical Services. "We are committed to use the most sophisticated containers in terms of technology, storage and administration for our compounded sterile solutions. Our new Avastin® syringe is designed specifically to store a biologic." noted Mr. Olsheim. In addition to these offerings, FSS is validating its first wave of IV infusion bags that will contain controlled substances, oxytocin and other drugs. The company has been in close contact with customers to understand which products it should prioritize. Looking ahead, FSS is in the planning stages for other new products like epidurals and patient- controlled analgesics that will come in cassettes, bags and syringes. "Rather than trying to compete with offerings that are standard, we are looking to supply customers with unique products that will make them more efficient, while improving patient safety and outcomes," said Mr. Olsheim. Conclusion Best-in-class 503B outsourcing providers like Fagron Sterile Services US have proven that they can be more nimble, transparent and entrepreneurial than pharmaceutical manufacturers. If a drug doesn't exist in a customer's desired concentration or volume, they can create it. They work with specific clients on specific needs at much smaller volumes. FSS' commitment to quality, innovation and customer service is rooted in the experience of its leaders. The executives have walked in the shoes of large integrated delivery networks and hospital systems. They understand the expectations related to medication safety and quality, as well as the financial challenges. The team also is familiar with the ins and outs of hospital operations, including ambulatory surgery centers where key concerns include patient throughput, staff efficiency, controlled substance accountability and regulatory compliance. Whether the market challenges are a global pandemic like COVID-19 or more routine operational concerns, the Fagron Sterile Services US team comes together to provide safe and reliable pharmaceutical solutions. "Our company is committed to quality products and safety, which is a big deal in this business. A lot of our competitors aren't making the investment that we are in automation or focusing on quality first. We are well regarded by the regulatory agencies, pharmacy boards and our customers," said Mr. Spinelli. n Fagron Sterile Services US (FSS) expertise is 503B Outsourcing with industry-leading state-of-the-art facilities and in-house quality testing labs, centrally located in Wichita, KS. FSS specializes in sterile preparations to support acute care hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers and clinics, offering a full line of preparations to support Anesthesia, Ophthalmics, Pain Management and specialty products for Dialysis and Urology. Compliance with FDA, DEA, cGMP, GDP and cGLP regulations and guidance ensure our process is sound. Ready-to-administer products are designed to support decentralized medication distribution with extended expiration dates and high-quality labels to improve efficiency. With pharmaceutical outsourcing experience spanning three decades, Fagron Sterile Services offers expertise our customers, and the patients they serve, can trust. FSS delivers some of the most reliable supply and efficient turnaround in the industry.