Marken has released the results of an independent market research study on market trends, challenges, and selection criteria for logistics providers in the pharma industry. The survey, conducted by an outside firm, included 250 decision makers of clinical trial logistics services from pharma companies, central labs, CROs, and manufacturing service providers in North America, Central & South America, Europe, and Asia.
 
According to the report, 64% of supply chain executives plan to increase their clinical trial logistics spend in the next two years. Respondents cited that the nature and complexity of new drugs and their protocols entering clinical development will increase their use of dedicated supply chain providers in the space.
 
The main reasons for the use of specialty providers include temperature control capabilities (57%) and guaranteed on time delivery within specifications (53%), as well as real time traceability of shipments (49%). Also, more than 50% reported that their company had moved their clinical trials logistics business to a dedicated supply chain provider within the previous 24 months.
 
Wes Wheeler, chief executive officer of Marken, said, “An increasing focus on rare diseases requires the industry to recruit patients from a larger pool of countries across the globe. The increased complexity of the drugs themselves, many of which are temperature sensitive and of high value, tells us the service provided by a specialty courier such as Marken satisfies a critical need in the supply chain and the successful completion of each clinical trial. We were very pleased to reaffirm that our strategy aligns well with what our clients and potential clients need most.”