| As trials become increasingly globalised, Chris Wilson of Keats Healthcare tells PMPS how bespoke supply solutions can bring down costs
Where do you see Keats Healthcare in five years’ time?
Although the clinical trials landscape is constantly evolving to meet the challenges of both pharma and regulatory authorities, I’m confident that Keats will be at the forefront of clinical trials comparator supply. As supply chains become ever more complex and critical, Keats will continue to service the needs of the global industry by adding value to clinical trial operations. There has been a lot of talk about escalating clinical trial costs, with the cost of bringing a product to market regularly put at over $US 1 billion. Most people know that this figure is manipulated, but it should be remembered that the adjustments are made to include not only the cost of molecules that fail in the early stages of testing, but also the huge cost to the industry of trials that collapse because of poor supplies – comparator availability is a huge part of that. What is certain is that with the increased prevalence of biologics and cold chain products in trials, companies need to have confidence in their comparator supply. The industry wants full pipelines, and is rightly looking to cut trial costs and durations, but we must be careful not to cut costs in the wrong places. |
