The clinical development landscape has fundamentally transformed, yet many supply chains have struggled to keep pace. As trials grow more complex and geopolitical pressures intensify, stakeholders must make strategic adaptations to ensure secure patient access, control costs, and maintain high performance across the clinical supply chain. The success of modern clinical trials now hinges on how effectively organisations respond to these evolving demands.
Why Modern Clinical Supply Chains Must Evolve
Today’s clinical trials involve increasingly sophisticated requirements — from cold storage management of biologics to the intricate handling of cell and gene therapies (CGT). These challenges demand robust technology platforms and advanced analytics capable of managing complexity at scale. Without the right infrastructure, supply chain disruptions can delay trials, compromise data integrity, and ultimately harm patients waiting for life-changing therapies.
Navigating these demands also requires a shift in mindset. The traditional, reactive model of clinical supply chain management is no longer viable in a world marked by geopolitical uncertainty, regulatory shifts, and rapid scientific advancement. Organisations must transition to proactive, data-driven strategies that build resilience from the ground up.
Strategic Partnerships: The Backbone of Supply Chain Resilience
Fostering strong relationships with Contract Manufacturing Organisations (CMOs) and Contract Research Organizations (CROs) has become a rising priority. Effective communication strategies, combined with judicious use of technology to streamline oversight and realise efficiencies, are essential constituents of R&D success.
Outsourcing presents its own set of challenges, particularly around global supply coordination. Implementing robust Importer of Record (IOR) and Exporter of Record (EOR) management frameworks can significantly streamline global clinical supplies. Collaborating with experts who understand the nuances of IOR/EOR strategy allows organisations to reduce risk and ensure regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
CTS Europe 2025: Exploring the Future of Clinical Supply
These critical topics will take centre stage at the 27th Annual Clinical Trial Supply (CTS) Europe conference, held in Barcelona, Spain, on 24–25 February. The event will run two parallel streams covering clinical supply logistics and operations, and clinical supply technology and innovation.
Day One Highlights: AI, IRT, and Supply Optimisation
Day one opens with a keynote from Arnaud Dourlens, Head of Clinical Supply Chain Operations at Sanofi, who will challenge the outdated supply chain development model and outline what transformations are necessary for success in today’s uncertain environment.
Following this, Marine Degand of Sanofi will discuss the company’s Interactive Response Technology (IRT) transformation — examining how leveraging IRT functionality has optimised drug supply, enhanced visibility, and driven operational efficiency across clinical programs.
Stream two kicks off mid-morning with a compelling case study on artificial intelligence from Landry Giardina, Global Head of Clinical Supply Chain Operations, Innovation & Technology at Sanofi. Giardina will demonstrate how AI is being applied beyond mere automation to generate insights that deliver measurable business outcomes across the clinical supply chain.
Afternoon sessions will explore hybrid sourcing methods for expensive rescue medications, adaptive supply forecasting to combat drug shortages, and how data analytics can accurately predict supply chain trends. The day closes with forward-looking discussions on clinical supply sustainability and the digital challenges expected to define the pharma industry over the next five years.
Day Two Highlights: CGT, Risk Management, and Drone Technology
Day two expands the conversation to include managing CMO vendor relationships, addressing the supply chain complexity inherent in CGT trials, and achieving enhanced trial efficiency through real-time monitoring.
A fireside chat with Kamal Amin, Head of Clinical Supplies Management at Galderma, will address best practices for securing the supply chain and managing risk amid geopolitical shifts — a topic of growing urgency across the global pharma sector.
Stream two on day two opens with an innovative session from Samantha Carmichael and Katriona Brooksbank of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, who will outline how drone technology is being deployed to overcome logistical barriers and improve healthcare access in remote areas — a development with significant implications for decentralised clinical trials.
Additional discussions will cover how ‘AI teammates’ are reshaping study insights, strategies for greener clinical trials, and approaches to keeping trials on track amid mounting operational pressures.
The Road Ahead for Clinical Supply Chains
CTS Europe 2025 reflects the industry’s urgent need to rethink how clinical supply chains are designed, managed, and optimised. From AI-driven analytics and IRT innovation to sustainable practices and drone-enabled logistics, the conference showcases the breadth of solutions available to today’s clinical supply professionals. As the industry accelerates toward more personalised and complex therapies, building adaptive, technology-enabled supply chains is no longer optional — it is imperative for trial success and patient outcomes.
