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Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Suppliers and packagers for velcade


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velcade

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

Applicant Tradename Generic Name Dosage NDA NDA/ANDA Supplier Package Code Package Marketing Start
Takeda Pharms Usa VELCADE bortezomib INJECTABLE;INTRAVENOUS, SUBCUTANEOUS 021602 NDA Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc. 63020-049-01 1 VIAL in 1 CARTON (63020-049-01) / 1 INJECTION, POWDER, LYOPHILIZED, FOR SOLUTION in 1 VIAL 2003-05-13
>Applicant >Tradename >Generic Name >Dosage >NDA >NDA/ANDA >Supplier >Package Code >Package >Marketing Start

Last updated: August 6, 2025

ppliers for the Pharmaceutical Drug: Velcade


Introduction

Velcade, the brand name for the generic drug bortezomib, is a groundbreaking proteasome inhibitor primarily used to treat multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma. Its innovative mechanism of disrupting protein degradation pathways distinguishes it in oncology therapeutics. Given its high clinical value, Velcade’s supply chain management is vital for pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers, and patients alike. This article explores the key suppliers involved in the manufacturing, raw material sourcing, and distribution of Velcade, analyzing factors influencing supply chain stability and strategic considerations for stakeholders.


Manufacturers of Velcade (Bortezomib)

1. Millennium Pharmaceuticals (a subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company)

Takeda, the global pharmaceutical company, owns the original patent rights and is the primary manufacturer of Velcade. As of recent data, Takeda is responsible for its formulation, production, and global distribution. Their production facilities are compliant with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and are strategically positioned across North America and Europe to meet regional demands efficiently.

Key aspects:

  • Manufacturing capacity: Takeda invests in advanced biopharmaceutical manufacturing plants equipped for complex synthesis and fill-finish operations.
  • Quality assurance: As a licensed manufacturer, Takeda adheres strictly to regulatory standards by agencies like the FDA, EMA, and PMDA.

2. Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs)

Due to the complexity and high demand for Velcade, Takeda engages several CMOs to scale production and ensure supply stability. Notable CMOs include:

  • Celltrion (South Korea) – known for biosimilar manufacturing.
  • Samsung Biologics (South Korea) – provides large-scale biomanufacturing capacity.
  • Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies (UK/US) – offers contract manufacturing for biologics.

Engagement with CMOs allows Takeda to diversify manufacturing risk, increase capacity, and maintain compliance with evolving regulations.


Raw Material Suppliers

1. Chemical Intermediates

The synthesis of Velcade involves complex organic chemistry, requiring specialized raw materials such as 4-aminobenzoyl derivatives, phosphoryl compounds, and heterocyclic building blocks. These raw chemicals are supplied by specialized vendors globally, including:

  • Sigma-Aldrich (Merck) – a dominant supplier of pharmaceutical-grade chemicals.
  • Thermo Fisher Scientific – offers broad portfolios of raw chemicals and reagents compatible with GMP standards.

2. Bioreactor and Cell Culture Components

For biologic manufacturing, key raw materials include media, growth factors, and buffer solutions sourced from:

  • GroPep (Australia) – supplies cell culture media.
  • Gibco, Thermo Fisher – provides high-quality culture media and supplements.

3. Regulatory and Quality Testing Materials

Third-party vendors supply analytical standards, reference materials, and testing reagents necessary for QC and validation, including providers like:

  • Accium Biosciences
  • Sigma-Aldrich

Distribution and Supply Chain Dynamics

1. Logistics Providers and Distributors

Velcade’s global reach relies on an extensive network of logistics partners experienced in handling temperature-sensitive biologics. These include:

  • DHL Supply Chain
  • FedEx Express
  • UPS Healthcare

Strategic partnership with these logistics firms ensures compliance with cold chain protocols, minimal disruptions, and rapid delivery across regions.

2. Regional Distributors and Warehouse Networks

Regional pharmaceutical distributors such as:

  • McKesson (US)
  • Alliance Healthcare (Europe)
    play vital roles in downstream distribution. Their extensive warehouse networks facilitate stock management and emergency supply.

Key Challenges and Strategic Considerations

Supply Chain Risks

Supply chain disruptions may arise from raw material shortages, geopolitical tensions, environmental factors, or manufacturing delays. The pandemic underscored the vulnerability of global pharmaceutical supply chains, emphasizing diversified sourcing and inventory buffering.

Regulatory Compliance

Manufacturers and suppliers must navigate strict regulatory environments. Compliance with GMP, validation standards, and import-export regulations directly influences the ability to maintain an uninterrupted supply.

Intellectual Property and Licensing

Patent status influences manufacturing rights and access. Patent expirations may usher in biosimilars, affecting Velcade’s market landscape and supply dynamics.


Emerging Trends and Future Outlook

  • Biosimilar Suppliers: Post-patent expiry, several companies, including Sandoz, Interested Biosciences, and Celltrion, have developed Velcade biosimilars, expanding the supplier landscape and potentially reducing costs.
  • Vertical Integration: Takeda is increasingly investing in upstream raw material manufacturing, aiming to secure raw material supply chains.
  • Supply Chain Digitization: Implementation of blockchain, IoT, and real-time tracking systems enhances traceability and risk mitigation across Velcade’s supply chain.

Key Takeaways

  • Takeda Pharmaceuticals remains the primary manufacturer and license holder for Velcade, supported by a network of CMOs to meet global demand.
  • Raw material sourcing relies on leading chemical suppliers like Sigma-Aldrich, while biologic components are sourced from specialized cell culture providers, ensuring quality and compliance.
  • The supply chain’s complexity necessitates robust logistics partnerships with cold chain capacity, regional distributors, and real-time tracking systems to safeguard timely delivery.
  • Diversification of manufacturing sources and raw material suppliers reduces risk, especially amid geopolitical and pandemic-related disruptions.
  • The entrance of biosimilars is poised to reshape supplier dynamics and market competition, potentially affecting Velcade’s manufacturing and pricing strategies.

FAQs

1. Who are the main manufacturers of Velcade?
Takeda Pharmaceuticals, through its facilities and contracted CMOs, manufactures Velcade globally, supported by raw material suppliers and logistics providers.

2. Where are Velcade's raw materials sourced from?
Chemical intermediates are primarily supplied by global leaders like Sigma-Aldrich, while biologic components are sourced from specialized biotech suppliers such as Thermo Fisher and GroPep.

3. What are the critical challenges in Velcade’s supply chain?
Key challenges include raw material shortages, manufacturing delays, regulatory compliance, geopolitical tensions, and pandemic-related disruptions.

4. How are biosimilars affecting Velcade’s supply landscape?
Biosimilars from companies like Sandoz and Celltrion increase competition, diversify supply sources, and could impact pricing and market share in the future.

5. What role do logistics providers play in Velcade's distribution?
They ensure cold chain integrity, rapid delivery, and regional distribution, critical for maintaining drug efficacy and availability.


References

[1] Takeda Pharmaceuticals. Velcade (Bortezomib) drug profile.
[2] U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). BioPharmaceutics Manufacturing Standards.
[3] Sigma-Aldrich. Pharmaceutical chemical supply chain insights.
[4] McKesson Corporation. Pharmaceutical distribution network.
[5] Biosimilar market reports.


Disclaimer: This overview synthesizes publicly available data and industry insights. Exact details of supplier agreements and confidential logistics arrangements are proprietary and subject to change.

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