Case Study

Reducing costs and maximizing flexibility with drug pooling strategies

PUBLISHED ON JAN 1, 2025 BY JOHN DOE

In the complex and ever-evolving landscape of clinical trials, optimizing the supply chain is crucial to achieving success. One efficient clinical supplies management strategy that has been underutilized but holds significant potential is drug pooling. This approach can address several challenges faced by clinical supply chain managers, offering a more efficient, cost-effective and flexible way to manage clinical supplies.

The Challenges of Clinical Supply Chain

Clinical trials today are global endeavors, often conducted in diverse regions with varying regulatory requirements and logistical challenges. Operating in diverse markets introduces complexities like managing multiple languages, sourcing local comparators, and navigating import/export regulations. These factors can strain timelines and budgets, making it imperative to streamline trial supply chain processes. The implementation of innovative strategies can greatly mitigate those complexities and risks.

Understanding Drug Pooling

Implementing a pooling strategy offers numerous benefits. Reduced risk of stockouts ensures that supplies are available when and where they are needed, avoiding delays in patient enrollment and treatment. This leads to significant cost savings, as it decreases the overall amount of drug needed, reduces waste due to expiry, and simplifies logistics and shipping processes. Moreover, pooling enhances flexibility, allowing for quick adjustments to supply allocations based on changing trial dynamics, such as enrollment rates and dosing requirements. For instance, in a Phase III program with multiple trials and numerous sites, pooling supplies at the depot level can significantly reduce costs associated with manufacturing, labeling, and shipping. If site-level pooling is also implemented, the cost savings and logistical efficiencies can be even greater, as supplies can be dynamically allocated to meet real-time needs.

Key Elements For Implementing Drug Pooling

To successfully implement a drug pooling strategy, several critical components are required. First, having a common supply platform is essential. Standardizing dosage forms and packaging enables supplies to be used across multiple protocols. Additionally, effective label design is crucial, involving strategies like multi-protocol labels or just-in-time labeling to meet regulatory requirements and maintain flexibility.A robust Interactive Response Technology (IRT) system is also necessary for a successful pooling program. The IRT system must be capable of managing pooled supplies, tracking allocations, and ensuring regulatory compliance. It acts as the central hub for decision-making, determining when and where supplies should be allocated based on real-time needs.

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