Think getting that Tylenol from the lab to your medicine cabinet was easy? Think again!

Worldwide medical discoveries and life-saving innovation has made the pharmaceutical industry one of the most compelling sectors to watch over the past decade. Just in 2011 alone, the U.S Food and Drug Administration gave approval for the use and distribution of 35 new medicines, according to an official FDA press release. 

To some, 35 new medicines may not seem like a lot, but those who are not directly involved in the industry may not realize what an extensive process it is to get a drug approved for mass consumption. Because of the strong health implications, the pharmaceutical industry is intensely regulated, requiring strict documentation. Where this gets more complex is when working toward market approval in global markets. 

To launch a product in a foreign market, all of the detailed documentation needs to be translated and submitted in the local language. The process is extensive, and can involve thousands of pages of content, but it must be done on a short timeline. Even the smallest of updates must be tracked and submitted. 

Once a new product has market approval, the pharmaceutical company is also requested to provide the medical information that industry professionals can consult. Too often, this critical information is provided only in English. However, more recently, medical organizations have started making the shift towards translating the information for local language needs to allow doctors, pharmacy technicians and hospital staff to provide better care with confidence. 

Though there are many opportunities to expand important pharmaceutical work to help a global market, it is certainly not without challenge. Though innovative technologies and new options for streamlined processes, pharma companies have more options to refine the go-to-market process. 

SDL is proud to be a part of this process and contribute to the industry’s success!

To read how our solutions are assisting the pharmaceutical industry, check out the latest solution brief here.