Suppliers and packagers for flector

flector

Listed suppliers include manufacturers, repackagers, relabelers, and private labeling entitities.

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	NDA/ANDA	Supplier	Package Code	Package	Marketing Start
Ibsa	FLECTOR	diclofenac epolamine	SYSTEM;TOPICAL	021234	NDA AUTHORIZED GENERIC	Teva Pharmaceuticals USA Inc.	0093-3727-55	6 POUCH in 1 CARTON (0093-3727-55) / 5 SYSTEM in 1 POUCH (0093-3727-50)	2020-05-01
Ibsa	FLECTOR	diclofenac epolamine	SYSTEM;TOPICAL	021234	NDA	IBSA Pharma Inc.	71858-0405-2	1 POUCH in 1 CARTON (71858-0405-2) / 2 SYSTEM in 1 POUCH (71858-0405-1)	2020-11-01
Ibsa	FLECTOR	diclofenac epolamine	SYSTEM;TOPICAL	021234	NDA	IBSA Pharma Inc.	71858-0405-5	6 POUCH in 1 CARTON (71858-0405-5) / 5 SYSTEM in 1 POUCH (71858-0405-4)	2020-11-01
Ibsa	FLECTOR	diclofenac epolamine	SYSTEM;TOPICAL	021234	NDA AUTHORIZED GENERIC	ASCLEMED USA INC.	76420-409-30	6 POUCH in 1 CARTON (76420-409-30) / 5 SYSTEM in 1 POUCH	2020-05-01

Last updated: July 31, 2025

ppliers for the Pharmaceutical Drug: FLECTOR

Introduction
Flector, the brand name for diclofenac epolamine topical patch, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) primarily used for the management of acute pain due to minor strains, sprains, and other musculoskeletal conditions. Its unique formulation as a topical patch allows targeted delivery, minimizing systemic exposure and associated side effects. Understanding the landscape of suppliers for Flector is critical for stakeholders involved in procurement, distribution, or competitive analysis within the pharmaceutical supply chain.

Manufacturers of Flector

Pfizer Inc.
Pfizer, a global pharmaceutical leader, originally developed Flector. The company holds the patent and manufacturing rights for Flector, ensuring consistent supply and quality assurance. Pfizer’s extensive distribution network globally ensures Flector’s availability in major markets, including North America, Europe, and select Asian countries. The company maintains rigorous quality control aligned with international regulatory standards such as the FDA (USA) and EMA (Europe).

Regulatory and Licensing Agreements
Pfizer’s exclusive rights to manufacture and distribute Flector in several regions are protected through licensing agreements with regional pharmaceutical companies. These agreements enable Pfizer to extend the reach of Flector into markets where local subsidiaries or partners handle regulatory compliance, distribution, and sales. For example, in certain Asian markets, Pfizer collaborates with regional partners who hold rights to produce and distribute Flector under licensing terms.

Contract Manufacturers and Supply Chain Partners
While Pfizer remains the sole manufacturer in major markets, a network of contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) supplies ancillary components such as patches, adhesives, and packaging. These CMOs must adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and often operate under strict confidentiality agreements to ensure quality and supply chain security.

Regional Suppliers and Generic Manufacturers

Generic Pharmaceutical Companies
With patent expiration in several jurisdictions, generic alternatives to Flector have emerged, although they often use the active ingredient diclofenac epolamine rather than the specific branded formulation. Notably, some regional manufacturers produce authorized generics or similar topical NSAID patches to capture market share. Key players include:

• Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (India) — Offers topical NSAID therapeutics, sometimes marketed as equivalent to Flector in local markets.
• Cipla Limited (India) — Produces various topical formulations, including diclofenac-based patches and gels.
• Hikvision Pharmaceuticals (China) — Developed topical NSAID patches similar to Flector, targeted at regional markets.

Challenges in Generic Supply
Due to patent protections and proprietary formulation technology—particularly the grading of epolamine and adhesive matrix—manufacturing authorized generics or biosimilar equivalents can be complex. Regulatory hurdles further complicate market entry for these companies, requiring extensive bioequivalence and safety data.

Distribution and Wholesale Suppliers

Major Distributors
Flector’s distribution is handled through a network of regional pharmaceutical wholesalers and hospital formularies to ensure comprehensive coverage. Leading distributors include:

• McKesson Corporation (North America)
• AmerisourceBergen (North America)
• Alliance Healthcare (now part of Walgreens Boots Alliance) (Europe)
• Shanghai Pharmaceuticals Holding Co. Ltd. (China)
• Sun Pharmaceutical Distribution (India)

These distributors often work directly with healthcare providers, clinics, and pharmacies to ensure timely delivery and availability.

Supply Chain Considerations
Supply chain integrity is critical due to the topical nature and specific storage conditions of Flector. The patches demand stabilized temperature ranges and protection from light and moisture, making qualified logistics providers essential. Pfizer’s control over the manufacturing process helps in maintaining the product quality throughout the supply chain.

Emerging Suppliers and Market Dynamics

Technological Advancements and Contract Research Organizations (CROs)
Innovations in patch technology and formulation are driving new entrants into the supplier landscape. Contract research organizations and specialized biotech firms collaborate with established manufacturers to develop next-generation NSAID patches with improved bioavailability or reduced skin irritation.

Market Entry Barriers and Intellectual Property
The proprietary nature of Flector’s formulation provides it with a competitive barrier in markets where patent protection is in force. Nonetheless, patent expiries and patent challenges can open pathways for potential new suppliers or generics to enter the market, especially in regions with lenient patent enforcement.

Strategic Supplier Considerations for Stakeholders

• For Procurement Teams: Establish relationships with Pfizer’s authorized distributors to ensure genuine supply and regulatory compliance.
• For Market Analysts: Monitor patent statuses and patent challenge outcomes to anticipate the entry of generic competitors.
• For Regulatory Bodies: Verify that regional suppliers adhere to GMP and local regulatory standards to prevent counterfeit or substandard products entering the supply chain.

Conclusion
Flector’s supply chain is primarily anchored by Pfizer, which retains manufacturing rights and controls distribution through regional agreements and authorized wholesalers. The landscape is further complicated by regional generic manufacturers, contract manufacturing organizations, and evolving technological entrants. Maintaining high standards of quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and supply chain integrity is essential given the product’s topical application and therapeutic importance. As patents expire and market dynamics shift, the supplier landscape will likely evolve, presenting both opportunities and challenges for stakeholders across the pharmaceutical industry.

Key Takeaways

• Pfizer is the primary manufacturer and global supplier of Flector, ensuring high-quality standards.
• Regional and generic companies operate as authorized distributors or independent manufacturers, often under licensing agreements.
• Supply chain integrity hinges on stringent logistics protocols given the product’s sensitivity and topical nature.
• Market entry for new suppliers hinges on patent status, regulatory approval, and technological innovation.
• Stakeholders should maintain vigilance on patent expirations, technological advancements, and regional market regulations to adapt procurement strategies effectively.

FAQs

1. Who are the main global suppliers of Flector?
Pfizer Inc. is the primary global supplier, controlling manufacturing and distribution rights. Regional suppliers and authorized distributors facilitate market access in various territories.

2. Are there generic equivalents of Flector available on the market?
Yes, following patent expiration in certain regions, authorized generics and similar topical NSAID patches are available from regional manufacturers, though they may differ in formulation and branding.

3. What are the key challenges in sourcing Flector?
Challenges include ensuring product authenticity, maintaining quality standards, supply chain logistics, and navigating regional regulatory requirements.

4. How does patent protection influence the supplier landscape for Flector?
Patent protection restricts generic manufacturing and promotes exclusive supply by Pfizer, but patent expiries create opportunities for generic competitors to enter the market.

5. What are future trends that could impact Flector’s supply chain?
Emerging technologies in patch formulations, patent expirations, and regional regulatory reforms will shape the future landscape, potentially increasing competition and supply options.

Sources

1. Pfizer Inc. product information and official documentation.
2. Regulatory filings and patent databases.
3. Industry reports on topical NSAIDs and market analysis.
4. Distributors' and regional manufacturers' public disclosures.