In the world of pharmaceutical packaging, the implementation of the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) has become a focal point for industry professionals. Aladin Alkhawam, a seasoned expert with a career spanning various roles in pharmaceutical packaging operations, offers a unique perspective on the challenges and intricacies of this regulatory landscape. Alkhawam, who now runs his own consulting service, has dedicated recent years to focusing on the DSCSA regulation, which is set to take full effect soon.
HCP: How did you get into the industry… Did you always know you wanted to work in pharma?
Alkhawam: Interestingly enough, not at all. My focus when I went to college was actually electrical engineering—that’s what I wanted to do. But I met someone who worked at a pharmaceutical company and was leaving his role. I jokingly said I might apply for his job, and he encouraged me to do so. He was in the planning department, and sure enough, I applied and got the job as a planner. From there, I moved into the packaging department—all while still in college and not yet graduated. I really enjoyed the fast-paced environment, working with people, and the operational side of packaging. That led me to switch gears—I completed a two-year associate degree in electrical engineering, then shifted to business management. I’ve been in pharmaceutical and packaging since then, which has been my entire career.
