Recess in the pharmaceutical industry: Ensure the continuity of your clinical projects

The end of the year has arrived and with it, the period of collective vacations and the reduction of activities in the pharmaceutical industry, can represent a challenge for the continuity of clinical projects. 

The pharmaceutical industry, in particular, has a pattern of slowing down its operations during this period, which can lead to interruptions in the supply of medicines and essential inputs for research.

Why worry about the recess?

The reduction in production during the vacation period can lead to shortages of some products and materials that are widely used in clinical studies and projects. On the other hand, the increase in demand in certain sectors, such as hospitals and oncology clinics, can have an impact on logistics and create challenges, such as a significant increase in deliveries, transportation restrictions, strikes and other unforeseen events that occur during the recess period, compromising the distribution and supply of products.

What impact can the recess have on clinical projects?

Delays in the logistics schedule, such as the lack of certain drugs and supplies, can significantly delay the progress of clinical studies. Increased costs, such as freight and emergency purchases, can have a significant impact on the budget of projects and clinical trials.

Data loss is a real risk, as interrupting studies can lead to the loss of relevant information, compromising the validity of the results and their continuity.

The difficulty in recruiting and retaining patients may be a factor to consider, given the lack of medication, which can discourage patients from taking part in studies.

Check out the 5 steps to ensure the continuity of your clinical projects

Planning ahead:

Make a detailed survey of all the medicines and supplies you need for your clinical projects during the recess period. Draw up a purchasing schedule in advance, taking into account the period and delivery times. Consider increasing safety stocks for the most critical products.

Choose a reliable logistics partner:

Choose a company with experience in clinical and pharmaceutical logistics. Check the company's ability to guarantee the delivery of products on time, even during the vacation period. Choose a company that offers customized solutions to meet your specific needs.

Communication with suppliers:

Keep in regular contact with your suppliers to monitor product availability and delivery times. Inform your partners of your purchasing plans in advance.

Stock monitoring:

Use a stock management system to keep track of the movement of your products. Establish replenishment levels to ensure that your stocks are never below the minimum.

Risk management:

Identify the possible risks that could affect the supply of your medicines and supplies. Draw up a contingency plan for each of the risks identified.

Prior planning is crucial to the success of the project

The continuity of the clinical projects throughout the year, and especially during recess, depends on advance planning to ensure that the studies take place uninterruptedly.

By planning, cost savings are mitigated and additional costs can be taken into account for exceptions, such as small emergency purchases and freight costs.

Improving data quality depends on the constant availability of medicines and supplies, which ensures greater transparency for research participants.

Well-designed planning optimizes the use of resources and increases the efficiency of processes, increasing the efficiency of studies.

A  FIC Company é especializada no fornecimento de medicamentos nacionais e internacionais, logística integrada para a indústria farmacêutica, CRO (Contract Research Organization) e Centros de Bioequivalência, unindo tecnologia e soluções em supply chain e networking global.

If your company needs to simplify the logistics of projects and research, get in touch and discuss your requirements with our experts.