FUTURE SUPPLY MODELS W


ith the COVID-19 pandemic underscoring the importance of robust supply chains in clinical


trials, a way to future-proof these channels may be so obvious that it is easy to overlook. Better co-operation among all partners, including trial sponsors and contract research organisations (CROs), is critical to preventing future disruptions in the supply chain, says Paula Pulsoni, vice president of services at World Courier, a global specialty logistics provider. Disruptions should be seen as opportunities, according to Pulsoni. “But for us to see opportunities in the disruptions, we need to be ready,” she says.


There are tested approaches to future-  partnerships are used to their full potential. Using data, supply chains can be monitored and information passed along the supply chain. At the same time, proactively driving change  solutions to address issues. Finally, it’s critical to establish clear


governance among all partners in order to maximise collaboration, develop clear communication channels, and gain alignment on strategic goals and success metrics.


The supply chain crisis as an opportunity Climate change is expected to increase the frequency of environment-related disruptions. There is opportunity to integrate sustainability into solutions, Pulsoni adds. By thinking in a greener way and incorporating this approach appropriately in the supply chain,  by not only reducing waste and cost, but also working against climate change, she notes. The environmental, social and governance (ESG) framework is one of the key themes the pharma sector is becoming increasingly cognisant of.


 (AI) can also help with logistics decisions. By investing in data solutions, sponsors can enhance the tracking of supply chains, and forecast future trends.


“In these times we are lucky that we have


access to data that helps us see and share visibility and improves such relationships for common goals,” Pulsoni adds.


“There are tested approaches to future-  supply chains when partnerships are used to their full potential”


Pandemic underscored opportunities in supply chains The COVID-19 pandemic has caused mass disruptions in the supply chain. There are instances where investigational drugs were sent to different locations altogether, and clinical trials were put on hold or cancelled. Sponsors need to adapt trial designs to maintain continuity amid overloaded hospitals and stay-at-home orders. There was the jump in uptake of remote drug delivery in clinical trials seen during the pandemic, but this rise caused many regulatory, logistical and operational challenges, Pulsoni notes. However, she adds that the industry found this an opportunity to learn about scenario planning. Previous reports show that while 2020 and  to-patient drug delivery in clinical trials, its use is still sluggish compared with other decentralised approaches.


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