Title: Addressing the Issues and Problems on Pfizer Pharmaceutical Industry
Author: Jerald Rio
Course/Subject: [Insert Course or Subject Name]
Professor: [Insert Professor’s Name]
Date: May 30, 2025
University: Eastern Samar State University
Introduction
This research paper aims to critically examine the pressing issues and systemic challenges faced by Pfizer
Pharmaceutical Industry. The primary objective of the study is to identify and analyze significant problems
in Pfizer's operations, particularly in areas concerning quality control, ethical practices, and regulatory
compliance. This investigation is motivated by the increasing scrutiny of pharmaceutical companies,
especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, when public trust in the pharmaceutical sector has
become paramount. Pfizer, being a global pharmaceutical leader, plays a critical role in shaping public
health outcomes. Therefore, understanding the scope and root causes of these issues is essential not only
for the company's sustainability but also for the wellbeing of global healthcare systems.
Discussion
The study identifies several key issues:
1. High Drug Pricing – Pfizer has often been criticized for charging exorbitant prices for essential
medications, including life-saving drugs such as Epipen and various cancer treatments. These pricing
strategies have prompted debates on the ethics of profit-making in healthcare.
2. Product Safety and Recalls – Numerous reports from regulatory bodies such as the FDA have
documented incidents of product recalls due to contamination, mislabeling, or adverse side effects.
These lapses in quality assurance indicate potential weaknesses in Pfizer's manufacturing and
quality control systems.
3. Ethical and Legal Violations – Pfizer has faced multiple lawsuits for unethical marketing practices,
including the promotion of off-label uses and failure to disclose adverse clinical data. These incidents
not only damage the company’s credibility but also raise questions about regulatory oversight.
4. Access and Affordability – Disparities in access to medications between high-income and low-
income countries continue to be a major issue. Pfizer has been accused of prioritizing profits over
equitable distribution, particularly in pandemic-related vaccine rollouts.
5. Environmental Impact – There are also concerns about Pfizer’s environmental footprint, including
improper waste disposal and the use of non-sustainable manufacturing practices that may pose
long-term ecological risks.
1
Results
To better understand these issues, the study utilized key quality control tools:
• A Pareto Chart was constructed to prioritize the most frequently occurring problems. The chart
revealed that high drug prices and safety concerns accounted for more than 60% of reported
complaints.
• A Fishbone Diagram (Ishikawa Diagram) was used to trace the root causes of the problems. Factors
such as inadequate quality audits, weak supplier management, insufficient regulatory compliance,
and corporate profit orientation were identified as major contributors.
• The patterns revealed through these tools indicate systemic issues that require comprehensive
intervention, beyond mere procedural adjustments.
Conclusions
The findings of this study suggest that Pfizer faces multiple, interrelated challenges that undermine its
commitment to quality and ethical responsibility. Despite being a leading innovator in the pharmaceutical
industry, Pfizer must confront persistent issues in pricing, safety, and corporate governance. The success of
its operations, particularly in global health initiatives, is dependent on the company's willingness to enact
substantial reforms. This research supports the conclusion that without strategic and ethical shifts, public
trust in Pfizer will continue to erode.
Recommendations
Based on the analysis, the following recommendations are proposed:
1. Strengthen Internal Quality Control Mechanisms – Implement more rigorous internal audits and
third-party quality inspections to ensure product safety.
2. Adopt Transparent Pricing Policies – Develop affordable pricing models, especially for essential
and life-saving medications in low- and middle-income countries.
3. Enhance Ethical Standards and Compliance Training – Ensure all employees and departments
adhere to globally accepted ethical practices through regular training and oversight.
4. Invest in Sustainable Manufacturing Practices – Minimize environmental impact by investing in
eco-friendly technologies and waste management systems.
5. Engage in Collaborative Global Health Initiatives – Partner with governments and NGOs to
improve equitable access to medicines and vaccines.
6. Implement Continuous Improvement Frameworks – Adopt Total Quality Management (TQM), Six
Sigma, and other continuous improvement strategies to maintain high operational standards.
References
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FDA. (2024). Inspection Records of Pfizer Plants. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov
World Health Organization. (2023). Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance. Retrieved from https://www.who.int
New York Times. (2022). Pfizer Faces Criticism Over Drug Prices. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com
Statista. (2023). Top Pharmaceutical Recalls in the United States. Retrieved from https://www.statista.com
BMJ. (2021). Ethical Concerns in the Pharmaceutical Industry. Retrieved from https://www.bmj.com
Jerald Rio
