Clinical Trials Logistics
DHL Supply Chain’s clinical trials service encompasses the key stages of the supply chain allowing the sponsor’s clinical teams to focus on their core functions: patient recruitment and manufacturing. Services include inbound receipt, storage, pick, pack, secondary packaging, distribution and management of returned medication. Distribution to investigator sites is through a global depot and carrier network optimised to meet trial needs. DHL manages clinical trials logistics through dedicated study managers and bespoke clinical trials information systems.
Supply Chain
- Drug Substance manufacture
- Primary dosage form
- Medication packaging
- Medication Storage
- Despatch to investigator
- Returns Management
- Certified destruction
Service Level Excellence
- Tax and duty efficiency through rationalised depot network
- Accurate supply chain cost forecasting
- Secondary packaging services to increase flexibility
- Global consistency of processes and facilities reduces supply chain effects on clinical data
- Key study management and clinical staff can concentrate on core activities and not logistics
- Reduction in wastage and overage through better planned inventory usage
Product Specifics
DHL’s clinical trials facilities are built within pharma grade GMP specialist facilities to meet the specific logistics requirements of clinical trial supplies with enhanced control to ensure quality is maintained.
- Set-up, Project & Materials Management
- Transport and Chain of Custody Planning
- Label Design & Regulatory Input
- Comparator Sourcing
- Secondary Packaging & QP Release
- Global Storage, distribution and controlled environmental monitoring (2-8c, 15-25c, Frozen)
- Order Processing, IVRS interaction
- Import / Export Documentation
- Returns Collection, Reconciliation & Destruction
Distribution Network
Benefits Summary
Visibility & Optimisation of Cost: Establish most cost efficient but effective distribution network – i.e. use of depots, balance of Time Critical couriers vs. Parcel Integrators.
Provide sponsor with indicative tax and duty costs upfront – work alongside Sponsor when creating Customs Invoices to assist tax efficiencies where possible.
Access Specialist Experience: Experience Project Management team; DHL Supply Chain can provide the learning from other trials/ Sponsors in similar geographies.
Remove Complexity: Focus on standard set up documents and driving Sponsor and Vendor review to ensure all elements of project set up are complete in line with FPI priorities.
Reviewing the IVRS Specification – taking a pragmatic approach with regards to trigger levels, shipping lead-time and depot strategy to ensure stock inventory is maximised.
Flex Capacity: Shared user access to GMP compliant global infrastructure assets, IT systems and competent Healthcare logistics professionals in all regions of the world.