Almac Group, the global pharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), is participating in the Global Clinical Supply BlockChain working group (GCSBWG).
 
Given how well-suited the BlockChain technology is for supply chains where numerous organizations must handle sensitive information, the multi-stakeholder group, spearheaded by Biogen and Pfizer, convened to explore whether technology could address the growing demands of clinical trials.
 
With Phase 1 of the GSCWG complete, the group has published a whitepaper entitled, “Transforming Pharmaceutical Clinical Supply Messaging with BlockChain,” which outlines the program’s highlights to date. A proof-of-concept iOS mobile application called “KitChain MVP” has also been built upon a hyperleger fabric permissioned BlockChain infrastructure which stimulates discussion amongst clinical supply chain participants. The ultimate aim of the working group is to envision a messaging and notification platform which can support the performance requirements of the whole clinical supply chain.
 
Almac’s Mark Hanly, strategic business analysis manager, and Mark McColgan, software development manager, will continue to work alongside a diverse group of global academia, pharmaceutical companies and other contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) through the next phases of the working group and contribute pertinent insight and debate. With this group there was significant potential to enhance the depth and breadth of knowledge on how BlockChain could potentially be applied in the industry.
 
“The rapid adoption of BlockChain technology, coupled with its clear applicability to the clinical supply chain, make this project extremely timely and relevant to meeting the future challenges of our industry,” said Andrew Hillis, vice president and group head of information services, Almac Group. “We’re privileged to contribute our experiences and perspectives as one of the world’s largest global clinical supply providers to this endeavor that if successful, will undoubtedly have a major impact on clinical sites and ultimately, patients.”