Singapore plays key role in clinical trial logistics

WHEN a new drug is discovered, cheers are often heard from patients who are in need of a cure, or at least a treatment, to the diseases and illnesses which have compromised their health.

But the benefits are even more far reaching. The drug discovery process is supported by many other industries related to biomedical research including law, finance, logistics, information technology, sales and marketing. Without the support of all parties along the supply chain, pharma and biotech companies would find it difficult to run trials in far reaching emerging regions, making the road from trial to market a long and arduous one.

The logistics industry is one that has had to evolve at a fast pace over recent years. Logistics firms have had to invest heavily in cold chain capabilities, which enables the transportation of goods at a given temperature range. This allows for the distribution of biologics - genetically-engineered proteins derived from human genes that need proper cold chain management - across continents. As the clinical research industry has grown significantly in Asia over recent years, so too has its supporting network. There has been a notable increase in demand for clinical supplies services and logistics support across the region, and this trend is projected to continue.