Featured Viewpoint on Clinical Logistics Services
In today’s competitive biopharmaceutical environment, no one can afford delays in critical trial milestones because of problems with clinical supplies and logistics. As trials become more global and complex, however, sponsors are finding it increasingly difficult to arrange reliable delivery of trial related supplies to multiple locations around the world. One recent survey reported that only 23 percent of sponsors rated their clinical supply chain as effective, and just 13 percent said their clinical supplies usually arrive on time and complete.
Industry Perspective:
What is driving the trend to outsource Clinical Logistics activities?
The major driving force in clinical logistics is the globalization of clinical studies. This trend has been fueled by several factors, including the need to access larger patient populations that will accommodate expanded trials and accelerate patient recruiting. Globalization is also driven by the pressure on biopharmaceutical companies to reduce trial costs, which can be accomplished by taking advantage of high-quality, lower-cost clinical resources available outside North America and Western Europe. More than 20 percent of all clinical trials are currently being conducted in emerging regions such as Latin America, Central and Eastern Europe, and Asia, and that percentage is increasing rapidly.
Best Practices: Clinical Logistics Services in Emerging Markets
One of the most significant trends in the biopharmaceutical industry in recent years is the globalization of clinical studies. While this trend has helped the industry accelerate drug development and reduce costs, it has created significant challenges for clinical logistics. As multinational trials become more common, managing clinical supplies and lab services for studies that can encompass hundreds of sites around the world is increasingly problematic.
