Rebuilding resilience in America’s pharmaceutical supply chain

The pharmaceutical industry faces a critical need to transition from cost-driven, globalized supply chains to resilient, redundant networks following the vulnerabilities exposed by COVID-19. While 85% of generic drug volume remains sourced outside the United States, addressing this dependency requires a multifaceted approach involving strategic stockpiling, international collaboration with allies, and domestic manufacturing investment. Artificial intelligence is set to transform drug discovery by synthesizing vast datasets to identify compounds in months rather than years, though its full impact depends on overcoming regulatory and economic friction. Former Johnson & Johnson CEO Alex Gorsky emphasizes that long-term industry success hinges on maintaining a patient-centric focus and fostering a culture of relentless innovation. Leaders must navigate these structural shifts by balancing efficiency with the necessity of securing the healthcare infrastructure against future disruptions.