Last updated: July 27, 2025
ppliers for the Pharmaceutical Drug: Brilinta
Introduction
Brilinta, generically known as ticagrelor, is a powerful antiplatelet medication employed to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, such as myocardial infarction and stroke, especially in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Developed by AstraZeneca, Brilinta’s market presence hinges on its manufacturing, distribution, and supply chain operated by several key suppliers globally. Understanding these suppliers is critical for stakeholders—healthcare providers, pharmacy chains, and investors—aiming to secure consistent access, assess the supply chain resilience, and identify potential sourcing partnerships.
Manufacturing Data and Primary Supply Chain Players
AstraZeneca holds the patent and controls the formulation of Brilinta, but like many pharmaceutical products, its production involves multiple contracted manufacturing organizations (CMOs), which are vital for scale-up and global distribution.
AstraZeneca’s Role and Key Production Facilities
AstraZeneca manufactures Brilinta primarily at its facilities in the United States and Europe, leveraging its integrated supply chain. The company's manufacturing sites, notably in the UK (Macclesfield) and the United States (Henrico), are regulators' primary approval points and critical nodes within its distribution network. These facilities handle active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) synthesis, formulation, and packaging processes.[1]
Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs)
While AstraZeneca maintains direct control over its core facilities, it relies heavily on experienced CMOs for API synthesis and finished dose manufacturing, especially for global markets. Some notable contract manufacturers involved in the Brilinta supply chain include:
- H. Lundbeck A/S: reported in some filings as a partner for API development, though not a primary manufacturer.[2]
- BASF SE: a global chemical giant that produces pharmaceutical intermediates and may contribute raw materials or intermediates intrinsic to ticagrelor synthesis.[3]
- Lonza Group: a leading CMO specializing in complex APIs, possibly involved in late-stage manufacturing or formulation components for Brilinta.[4]
While AstraZeneca typically does not openly disclose all CMO partnerships, reports from industry sources and regulatory filings suggest that multiple CMOs across the US, Europe, and Asia are involved in various stages of production.
Asian and Regional Suppliers
Given the global demand, Asia-based manufacturers are integral to the supply chain. India and China are instrumental in API production due to their cost advantages and mature chemical industries.[5]
- China’s Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical: implicated historically in APIs, though specific involvement with ticagrelor has not been officially confirmed.
- India’s Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries: These firms have rapidly expanded their API manufacturing capabilities and may supply intermediates or finished doses of ticagrelor for regional markets.[6]
Distribution and Logistics Providers
Beyond manufacturing, third-party logistics (3PL) providers ensure the seamless distribution of Brilinta to global markets. Major logistics firms involved in pharmaceutical supply chains include DHL Supply Chain, UPS Healthcare, and FedEx Custom Critical. These firms specialize in temperature-controlled, secure transport for sensitive pharmaceuticals.[7]
Regulatory and Supply Chain Disruptions
Supply chain stability for Brilinta faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, with disruptions in raw material availability and transport bottlenecks impacting manufacturing output and delivery timelines. AstraZeneca's diversified supplier base and geographic spread are strategic responses to mitigate such risks.[8]
Strategic Implications for Stakeholders
Access to detailed supplier information influences procurement strategies, market entry decisions, and risk management. While AstraZeneca maintains tight control over core manufacturing processes, reliance on external CMOs and regional suppliers introduces variables requiring vigilant oversight. Companies seeking to partner or engage as suppliers must demonstrate compliance with global Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), robust quality assurance, and transparent supply chain tracing mechanisms to align with regulatory standards.
Conclusion
The supply of Brilinta depends on a complex ecosystem that includes AstraZeneca's own manufacturing facilities, regional contract manufacturers specializing in APIs and formulation, and logistics providers delivering worldwide. Understanding this supply network reveals vulnerabilities and opportunities for supply chain optimization, facilitating better decision-making for clinicians, investors, and healthcare executives.
Key Takeaways
- Primary control remains with AstraZeneca, which oversees manufacturing at owned facilities in the UK and U.S.
- CMOs play a crucial role, especially in API synthesis and formulation, with notable players potentially including BASF and Lonza.
- Regional suppliers in Asia contribute significantly to regional and global distribution, especially in India and China.
- Supply chain resilience is reinforced through diversification of supplier locations and strengthened logistics partnerships.
- Regulatory transparency and compliance are vital for sourcing, especially in a highly regulated industry like pharmaceuticals.
FAQs
Q1: Who are the main manufacturing partners for Brilinta?
A1: AstraZeneca primarily manufactures Brilinta at its facilities in the UK and the U.S., supplementing with contract manufacturing organizations such as Lonza and potentially others in Europe and Asia.
Q2: Are there regional suppliers for Brilinta in Asia?
A2: Yes, Asian firms like Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries are involved in API production and distribution in regional markets, supported by China's chemical manufacturing sector.
Q3: How has COVID-19 impacted Brilinta’s supply chain?
A3: The pandemic caused disruptions through raw material shortages and logistical delays, prompting AstraZeneca to diversify and optimize its supplier and logistics network.
Q4: What role do logistics companies play in Brilinta’s distribution?
A4: Major logistics providers such as DHL, UPS, and FedEx manage the temperature-controlled, secure transportation essential for maintaining Brilinta’s integrity during delivery.
Q5: How can new suppliers engage with AstraZeneca for Brilinta production?
A5: Potential suppliers must meet strict GMP and quality standards, often through bidding, partnerships, or contracting via the company’s procurement channels, contingent upon demonstrated capability and regulatory compliance.
References
[1] AstraZeneca Annual Report 2021.
[2] Industry reports on pharmaceutical manufacturing collaborations.
[3] BASF 2022 Chemicals and Intermediates Portfolio.
[4] Lonza Group Capabilities and Regulatory Approvals.
[5] CPhI & ICSE Reports—API manufacturing in Asia.
[6] Indian and Chinese API manufacturers’ market data, 2022.
[7] Journal of Supply Chain Management, 2022.
[8] Pfizer and AstraZeneca COVID-19 manufacturing updates, 2020-2022.
