FUTURE SUPPLY MODELS
The future of clinical supply chain models: leading the transformation
ARNAUD DOURLENS, GLOBAL HEAD CLINICAL SUPPLY CHAIN OPERATIONS, SANOFI T
he landscape of clinical trials is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by advances in technology,
patient-centric approaches, and an increasing emphasis on efficiency and sustainability. As the complexity and scope of clinical trials expand, clinical supply chain professionals are faced with the critical challenge of rethinking traditional models to ensure they remain flexible, responsive, and capable of supporting the diverse needs of modern research. The future of clinical supply chains lies in adapting to these changes by embracing emerging trends and innovative solutions that will shape the industry in the years to come.
Speed and cost: critical drivers in clinical development In clinical development, the ability to bring new medicines to market quickly and cost- effectively is paramount to achieving commercial success. However, the pharmaceutical industry has been grappling with a declining return on investment in research and development (R&D). This has led to a renewed focus on making more structured decisions regarding whether to in-source or outsource various aspects of clinical trials. Clear triggers for stopping unpromising trials, which are rare today, will become essential as companies seek to optimise resources and streamline their R&D processes. One of the significant challenges in this
context is the growing trend toward personalised, AI-enabled treatments. As patient populations become increasingly targeted and specific, the complexity of managing clinical trials rises. Personalised medicine demands more precise supply chain management, where smaller patient cohorts necessitate tailored supply strategies. This shift requires clinical supply professionals to adapt
Arnaud Dourlens, Global Head Clinical Supply Chain Operations, Sanofi
quickly, ensuring that the supply chain remains agile enough to meet the needs of these specialized treatments.
The rise of global, decentralised, diverse, and patient-centric trials The clinical trial landscape is becoming more global, decentralised, and patient-centric than ever before. As trials expand across multiple regions, managing logistics becomes increasingly complex. Decentralised clinical trials (DCTs) represent a significant departure from traditional models, as they allow patients to participate from various locations rather than requiring them to visit centralised sites. This approach not only increases patient accessibility but also requires the supply chain to be more flexible and responsive. Patient-centricity is at the heart of these
changes. Modern clinical supply models must be designed to enhance the patient experience by ensuring that supplies are delivered in a way that is convenient, reliable, and supportive of patient adherence. For example, the expansion of direct-to-patient (DTP) delivery models is a
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