Clinical supply & logistics
The pandemic has highlighted the broader issue of waste in the clinical supply chain.
biologicals, monoclonal antibodies and comparators have increased the cost massively. Those could cost millions of dollars over the course of a clinical trial, so you cannot afford waste.”
Brought to the top of the agenda by the pandemic, these issues were already a problem because of long- term concerns about sustainability in the supply chain. Worry over climate change and carbon emissions are already driving the industry to be greener and more efficient, but the past year has focused minds on how to achieve those goals through adaptability, redundancy and, inevitably, new technology.
“In terms of waste reduction and efficiency gains in the supply chain, we have made leaps and bounds in the last decade, but we need to keep improving.”
Steven Jacobs
“Improving sustainability in the clinical trials supply chain is not enough – we need to improve sustainability across all supply chains to reduce our impact on the environment,” believes Steinbrecher. “With the development of and investment in new technology, this is increasingly more achievable. At AbbVie, we are continuously monitoring and assessing risk, and identifying opportunities for improvement, innovation and efficiencies in supply chains.”
Action not words
Identifying opportunities for improvement is step one. Step two consists of practical measures to
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deliver tangible results. “AbbVie is committed to promoting a sustainable supply chain,” says Steinbrecher. “We are also committed to putting controls and programmes in place to reduce risk, minimise waste generation and use waste disposal alternatives, such as beneficial use and recycling. One way we do this is by using reusable shippers when appropriate for the shipment type, shipment location, and drug product. We also use returnable temperature-monitoring devices when applicable.” For Jacobs, it is all about data. AI, machine learning and, ultimately, deep learning – in which systems create their own algorithms – have great potential, but they require a lot of good data, which is not yet available. “People don’t like to share how they messed up,” says Jacobs. “The lack of data means it is hard to train an AI to optimise the clinical supply chain. We are moving in the right direction, but there is a long way to go to collect good data and feed the system.”
The response to the pandemic has, in many ways, paved the way to a more cost-efficient, less wasteful and more sustainable supply chain. Nevertheless, the industry must be careful not to backslide. “In the US, the FDA is happy with how the industry pivoted quickly to a direct-to-patient model,” notes Jacobs. “It is important that we don’t go back to the way we did things pre-pandemic. Decentralised trials, direct-to-patient delivery and telemedicine must all stay in place. In terms of waste reduction and efficiency gains in the supply chain, we have made leaps and bounds in the last decade, but we need to keep improving.” ●
Clinical Trials Insight /
www.worldpharmaceuticals.net
Anton Watman/
Shutterstock.com
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