SUPPLY & LOGISTICS


time, all while navigating the complex regulations and unpredictable obstacles that are involved in clinical trials. One of the key lessons I’ve learned is the importance of maintaining a ‘top-down view’. When you take a moment to step back and look at the big picture, it becomes easier to appreciate the significance of what we do. By maintaining a top-down view, we can better understand how each role, including supply and logistics, fits into the overall mission of delivering life-saving drugs to patients.


Collaboration between moving parts What I find truly fascinating about the clinical trial supply chain is the coordination and collaboration between the various number of moving parts. The clinical trial supply chain involves numerous steps, from the initial concept of a drug to its development, testing, packaging, labelling, quality release, and delivery to patients. Each stage of this process requires careful planning, execution, and seamless collaboration between various teams and departments, which must align perfectly to ensure the success of a clinical trial. It’s a process that requires accurate attention to detail, as even the smallest error can have significant consequences. Each day presents new challenges, which


make it easy for individuals and teams to become siloed, focusing only on their specific roles. Yet, despite these challenges, adopting the top-down view will allow us to be reminded of the importance of our work and that each task, no matter how small, plays a critical part in the successful delivery of a drug to a patient. This perspective will help us stay focused and motivated, even on the most difficult days.


Teamwork is the basis of the supply chain Supply and logistics are often seen as just one part of the clinical trial process, but they are, in fact, a critical piece of the puzzle. The scope of supply and logistics in clinical trials includes everything from procurement and production to quality control and distribution. It requires a high level of collaboration and teamwork, as multiple functional areas must work together to ensure that everything runs smoothly. When all parts of the supply chain work together, the result is an executed trial that moves closer to


Francesco Santo, Director Clinical Supply Chain, Orano Med


delivering a new treatment to patients. This teamwork is what makes supply and logistics such a critical component of the clinical trial process. The importance of supply and logistics cannot be overlooked. Without a well- functioning supply chain, a clinical trial can face delays, increased costs, or even failure. This could mean delays in getting a potentially life-saving drug to a patient or even the failure of a trial altogether. Supply and logistics ensure that the right products are available at the right time, which is essential for maintaining the integrity of the trial and protecting patient safety. This requires not only technical expertise but also the ability to anticipate and respond to challenges quickly and effectively. While the work is challenging, it is also incredibly fulfilling. Knowing that our efforts contribute to the development of life-saving treatments provides a sense of purpose and motivation. As we continue to navigate the complexities of clinical trials, it’s essential to keep the bigger picture in mind and remember that, at the end of the day, our work is about more than just managing supplies: it’s about making a difference in the lives of patients. In conclusion, supply and logistics are the backbone of clinical trials, playing a vital role in their success. My 17 years in this field have taught me the importance of maintaining a top-down view, appreciating the intricacies of the supply chain, and recognising the critical role that supply and logistics play in bringing new treatments to patients.


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