Clinical trial supply delays can disrupt study timelines, affect patient treatment schedules, and create additional logistical challenges. These may include running out of product at your site, issues with customs, and incorrect documentation on arrival.

According to a 2026 report by Visiongain, the global clinical trial supply and logistics market is projected to grow from US7.92billionin2026toUS18.22 billion by 2036, at a CAGR of 8.7%.

Planning ahead, having a reliable sourcing and logistics plan will help to avoid any supply delays.

How Can Clinical Trial Logistics Help Prevent Supply Delays? 

Clinical trial supply chain issues can often be caused by a variety of factors.

1. Patient enrolment changes

Forecasting how much product you’ll need depends on how quickly patients enrol. If they enrol faster than expected, there may be a shortage of product. If they enrol slower, there may be an overstock of product close to expiry.

2. Comparator shortages

Sometimes comparator drugs can be hard to source in certain countries. This can be due to needing certain batches, quantities, and extended expiry dates.

3. Customs and regulatory issues

When shipping internationally, there will be documentation and regulations to comply with. If there is incorrect documentation or missing product details, this can cause delays.

4. Storage requirements

Products that have temperature requirements will need to be stored in the correct conditions. If there has been a temperature deviation, this may cause quality checks to be performed.

If you are not planning your supplies early on, these risks can increase.

How early should you plan your clinical trial supplies?

It is important to plan your clinical trial supplies early on in your protocol development.

Consider:

• How much product will be needed at each site?
• Are you able to source enough comparator drug with the right batches, quantities and expiry dates?
• What lead times will you need?

How can we help you source early?

We can provide clinical trial supply and comparator sourcing solutions.

We can source comparator drugs from specific countries, single or multiple batches, specific batch numbers, different quantities and extended expiry dates.

We can also source Reference Listed Drug (RLD).

By discussing your requirements with us early, we can help you understand what options are available and how long it will take to source.

Why is having a back-up comparator important?

If your main comparator cannot be sourced:

You may run into shortages, changes in availability and increased enrolment.

By having the right back-up stock, looking at your forecasts and understanding what alternative sources are available, you can reduce your reliance on one supplier. Any alternative product will need to meet the approved specification of your study and meet any regulations.

We can help you understand what options are available for sourcing comparator drugs internationally. We can source specific batches, quantities, countries and expiry dates.

This can give extra options for you to source.

How can clinical trial logistics help avoid delays?

Once you’ve sourced your comparator, it’s important to ensure it gets sent to the right place with the correct documentation and storage.

Incorrect import documentation, missing batch information and temperature deviations can all cause delays.

By ensuring you have documentation in place early, the product is stored correctly, and logistics are in place, you can reduce any avoidable delays.

Global distribution

We can provide global pharmaceutical distribution solutions.

We have a EU GDP-certified warehouse in the Netherlands and a licensed distribution centre in New Jersey, USA.

Our verified storage facilities have over 20,000 pallet spaces for ambient, refrigerated and frozen storage.

We also work with logistics partners who can provide temperature-controlled transport.

Why is visibility important?

If your shipment is delayed, it can be harder to manage.

Having clear communication between your sponsor, sourcing partners, logistics partners and study sites means you can identify any issues early.

Having regular updates and clear escalation processes means you have more time to manage the issue.

We provide our clients with a tracking system for their orders. With our sourcing and distribution solutions, this can help with coordination.

Plan ahead

Whilst you may not be able to completely avoid any supply delays, there are ways to reduce any avoidable issues. Changes in patient enrolment, comparator shortages, customs and international logistics can all cause unexpected issues.

By planning, having back-up options, accurate documentation and reliable distribution, you can reduce any avoidable issues.

We can provide a full solution for your complex clinical supply requirements. From comparator sourcing, RLD purchasing, pharmaceutical storage, global distribution and order tracking.

Whether you need a hard-to-source comparator, specific batch or temperature-controlled distribution, we can help you understand what options are available.