OUTSOURCING NEWS

Parexel International Corp. (Waltham, MA) is aiding its clients in managing global clinical trial requirements with a clinical logistics service. The service helps medical device companies and supports their clinical studies through centralized coordination of clinical study supplies, lab services, and ancillary supplies.

“Specialized knowledge and significant resources are required to effectively manage global clinical logistics,” says Joe Avellone, corporate vice president of operations and clinical research services at Parexel. “In this regard, companies can avoid developing their own internal systems and having to manage multiple vendors by outsourcing clinical logistics to Parexel, taking advantage of our global team of experts and our distribution infrastructure to reduce costs, improve compliance, and increase efficiencies.”

The clinical logistics services include the following:

• Clinical trial supply management: Managing import and export requirements, labeling, distribution, and inventory control.
• Lab services: Organizing a centralized lab system, overseeing transportation logistics for lab samples, and managing data.
• Ancillary supply management: Distribution testing and diagnostic equipment, lab supply maintenance, and providing proper documentation.

The company has supported the supply of stents and catheters to participating clinical sites for a coronary stent study. It also works with device and diagnostic companies to develop custom services based on specific study requirements and the clinical supply chain.