Pharmaceutical laboratories are the epicentre of healthcare innovation across the globe. However, these laboratories are also prime targets for various security threats, ranging from the stealing of life-saving formulas to the threat of physical intrusions into these laboratories. Therefore, the security needs of these laboratories are quite distinct from those of an ordinary office space.
Protection of Intellectual Properties
Information is the key currency in any Research and Development (R&D) facility. You are high-value targets. Local criminals see you this way. So do international competitors. Your proprietary formulas are at risk. Experiment-based drug info is also vulnerable. Years of knowledge could vanish through theft or leaks. Internal risks are just as great as the external ones. Threats from research scientists can harm your R&D facility. Staff and third-party contractors can also present challenges. They can cause serious damage.
To counter this threat, you need to set up access control systems within your facility. This way, you can check the exact individuals who entered the area and at what time they entered. It is also very important to note that the threats are not always from human adversaries. A fire can destroy years of accumulated knowledge and physical evidence within minutes.
If your R&D facility handles novelty vaccines or unique treatment drugs, you need the right intruder alarm system. Access control is also crucial.
Physical Security and Drug Theft
Pharmaceutical companies are considered by thieves to be a treasure chest. Most likely to be stolen are the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API). These are extremely valuable as they can be sold on the black market at premium prices.
Other than the APIs, the sensitive patient information also stored in the facility can also be a target for identity theft. Medicines can also be stolen and then used for counterfeiting purposes. Here, the thieves use substandard or inferior products to make fake versions of your products, which can harm the reputation of your brand.
By installing high-end CCTV cameras and alarm systems, the issues faced by the pharmaceutical companies can be overcome.
Cyber-Physical Security Threats
Smart labs are mixing digital and physical security. The line between them is unclear now. Today, most equipment in factories and labs connects to the internet. This is a big plus. However, it also brings security risks for operational technology.
Ransomware attacks are a big threat. They can shut down your operations at any time. You won’t get any warning. Picture this: a hacker gets into your network. They change the temperature of the smart cooler. This could destroy all the temperature-sensitive drugs.
AI, robotics, and automation are common in the UK pharmaceutical industry. If they aren’t secure, cyberattacks can happen. This could risk the safety of operations.
Regulatory Compliance Challenge
In the UK, it is not only an option. It is a requirement. The MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) is very keen on data integrity. To pass an audit, laboratories have to comply with the ALCOA+ requirements.Â
ALCOA+ is an acronym that stands for:
- Attributable: Who created the record?
- Legible: Is it easily readable?
- Contemporaneous: Was it created at the time of occurrence?
- Original: Is it an original record?
- Accurate: Is it accurate and contains no errors?
The + stands for Complete, Consistent, Enduring, and Available.Â
You must note that failure to comply with the requirements will result in failure in an audit and the consequent loss of your licence.
Safety Redefined with Controlled Ltd
To get the best security system in the UK, contact us at Controlled Ltd today! Our security products protect against fire and intruders. They make sure your lab is a safe place for innovation.
We offer many security products. This includes fire security items. Advanced fire detection, smoke detectors, and fire suppression systems are available. We also have HD-quality CCTV, advanced alarm systems, and disabled refuge systems. This provides a full security solution for you in the pharma industry. You get everything you need in one place.
We’ve helped many businesses in the pharmaceutical industry. It’s been a great success! If you want to see what we have done, check out our case studies and find out for yourself!
Controlled Ltd, your partner in fire and security solutions in the UK.
