Clinical Trials

The conduct of clinical trials is one of the most expensive aspects of the development of new medicinal products. It is important, therefore, that the studies should produce high-quality data in the shortest possible time. More companies are trying to use single, larger, complicated trials in an attempt to gain the greatest amount of information about a product and thus reduce the lead time to market. A key element in ensuring this goal is the close cooperation between those responsible for the provision of the clinical trial supplies. The provision of clinical trial supplies is usually organized by a special group, often within the product development department, and it is prudent to discuss a proposed trial with this group at an early stage so that any potential difficulties can be identified and resolved. The major steps in clinical trial supplies are 1)Placing an order for clinical trial supplies, 2) Manufacturing of clinical trial supplies, 3) Blinding of clinical trial supplies, 4) Obtaining comparators, 5) Packaging, 6) Labelling, 7) Documentation, 8) Expiry dating, 9) Dispatch of supplies, 10) Disposal of clinical trial supplies.

 

The value of some study drugs can reach tens of millions of dollars, making it essential to avoid overproduction, oversupply, and inventory expiration.  With the high costs and strict handling requirements for many biopharmaceutical products entering clinical development, the logistics of clinical trial supplies are more critical than ever.

 

Clinical Trial Supplies Market by Products & Services (Logistics & Distribution, Manufacturing, Packaging and Labeling), Phases (Phase I, Phase II, Phase III) & Therapeutic Areas (CNS & Mental Disorders, Cardiovascular, Oncology) - Global Forecast to 2020. The clinical trial supplies market is expected to reach USD 1,274.3 million by 2020 from USD 904.3 million in 2015, at a CAGR of 7.1%. The global clinical trial supplies market is segmented based on products and services, phases, therapeutic areas, and regions. The logistics and distribution services segment is expected to register the highest growth rate in the clinical trial supplies market, by products and services, during the forecast period. The high growth in this segment is attributed to the globalization of clinical trials and increasing outsourcing services.

The major factors contributing to the growth of the clinical trial supplies market include globalization of clinical trial activities, increasing R&D investments and government support, and rising incidences of various diseases. Furthermore, increasing expansion activities by CROs is another major factor driving the growth of this market.