The Challenges Of A Supply Chain Manager In An Evolving Clinical Landscape

Effectively planning and executing a successful clinical supply chain is a complex task inundated with key decision points that have significant consequences for a clinical trial. Making ill judged decisions can make the supply chain an arduous and drawn out affair, consuming valuable time and resources and putting patients and sponsor companies at risk. The consequences of delayed trials due to clinical supplies being unavailable can be measured monetarily whereas the impact to patients and investigators of delayed or lack of medication is arguably a larger issue.

CHALLENGES
Today's supply chain manager faces numerous hurdles including, (but not limited to):

• A broader regional landscape
• Ever more complex clinical trials e.g. adaptive trials
• Limited budgets

In addition, a supply chain manager may be judged on the amount of ‘overage' or wastage of drug product that inevitably occurs during a trial. Although each individual trial has specific challenges to overcome, having the correct strategy and tools are crucial to ensure patients have a continuous supply of medication.