CCALS Partner Initiatives
Pharmaceutical Supply Chain
Summary
- Problem: The United States’ drug supply chain carries high risk, having become dangerously dependent upon foreign suppliers for our most essential medicines
- Interest: Companies interested in relocating pharmaceutical manufacturing and storage and distribution centers in VA
- Benefit: Location, workforce, supply chain and AI expertise, and state support benefit companies like Phlow Co, AMPAC, McKesson, Owens & Minor
Partners
- Thomas Roper (VCU) and Hannan Naeeni (Longwood)
- Lessie Oliver-Clark (VSU)
- Mike Robinson (ODU)
- Jim Lambert (UVA)
Technical Objectives/Approach
- Novel AI approaches to supply chain development, maintenance and security with US based suppliers
- Work with companies to ensure distribution channels via existing VA-based companies
- Determine site location based on quality and safety needs. Access to industry leaders in design and construction of facilities
- Collaboratively develop methodologies that improve data analytics algorithms to drive real-time data for management decisions
Project Impact/Takeaway
- Provide direct access to five universities with problem solving capabilities and supply chain expertise
- Provide well-trained students for industry
- Partner for AI-based company-specific problems and minimize supply chain disruptions
Articles
Phlow, VCU Engineering, and Partners Reimagine Prescription Drug Manufacturing in the US
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted urgent problems with pharmaceutical sourcing and manufacturing. With drugs and medical supplies in short supply during spikes, logistics and supply chain have become familiar terms. … It’s not surprising, then, that the Richmond Technology Council awarded the Outstanding Collaboration in Tech Award to Phlow USA & VCU Engineering’s Medicines for All (M4ALL) Institute last month.
GO Virginia grants to help local economy deal with COVID-19 crisis
Two projects to support job creation programs in the Richmond and Petersburg region were awarded to CCALS partner VCU.
VCU creates Center for Pharmaceutical Engineering and Sciences
Virginia Commonwealth University has opened a Center for Pharmaceutical Engineering and Sciences.
Innovative CIT Awards Projects Moving Forward
Two VCU/CCALS collaborative projects that earned a CIT grant this year are progressing to improve medical logistics.
Innovative Projects Earn CCALS Two CRCF Awards
A project to address medical reconciliation in emergency settings, and one to develop secure refrigerated medical storage, have received funding from a prestigious Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) acceleration program.

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CCALS offers its partners a unique economic and workforce advantage: A world class university ecosystem of advanced logistics innovation and excellence.