Streamlining Vendor Management: Addressing the Challenges Faced by Clinical Trial CROs
Introduction
With multiple systems and vendors handling various aspects of data recording, inventory management, and study investigator coordination, clinical trial management can be time-consuming and complex. The added stress of national and international trial regulations complicates matters further.
Contract research organizations (CROs), contracted to manage clinical trials by pharmaceutical sponsors, are often required to manage this range of third-party vendors.
Vendor management is a particular concern for mid-size CROs, having the potential to cause logistical concerns and trial disruption. CROs therefore want vendors they can rely on, who limit disruption to clinical trial proceedings, and who can integrate seamlessly into the clinical trial process.
In this article, we consider the challenge of vendor management for CROs, and how this can be addressed by choosing consistent, reliable, and proactive third-party vendors.
The Challenge of Third-Party Vendors
While mid-size CROs are often contracted by pharmaceutical sponsors to manage clinical trials, they may also outsource specific activities to third-party vendors. Outsourcing allows CROs to focus on their specific areas of expertise rather than conducting all operations in-house, and some tasks are best performed by technology to which CROs may not have immediate access.
However, managing multiple systems from different third-party vendors can contribute to delays and logistical inefficiencies. Implementing an effective vendor management strategy, therefore, is essential if CROs are to meet predetermined quality compliance standards and adhere to clinical trial timelines. Vendor management can include selection and collaboration with expert vendors, enabling CROs to leverage specialized knowledge and services to produce high-quality results.
Vendor Management
Effective vendor management is a key determining factor of clinical trial success.
According to research published in Drug Discovery Today, “…as authorities become stricter on clinical vendor oversight, small pharmaceutical companies have found themselves out of compliance.”
Effective vendor management is a complex process, and getting it wrong can lead to significant delays, quality issues, communication gaps, and integration challenges, significantly impacting trial timelines and associated costs. Therefore, clinical trial technologies must include effective vendor oversight.
With this in mind, CROs are likely to favor eClinical vendors who supply multiple solutions, reducing the number of vendors they are required to deal with.
However, finding an eClinical supplier that integrates seamlessly with a range of systems can simplify the vendor management process, and, if chosen correctly, can benefit the clinical trial with expert guidance, enhanced efficiency, and optimized outcomes.
Effective Integration
Randomization and trial supply management (RTSM) solutions play a central role in clinical trials. Some third-party suppliers offer this as a standalone solution, often allowing them to prioritize seamless integration and provide dedicated project management throughout the trial
Perceptive eClinical, a leading global provider of technology-enabled services for clinical trials, explains how they effectively manage service integration.
“We take the burden of integration partner management from the CROs/sponsor, liaising directly with third-party vendors from requirements gathering and design to user acceptance testing,” explains Luke Francis, Senior Manager, Perceptive eClinical Software Engineering, who leads a team of integration specialists.
“RTSM is critical to the success of your trial. You need a vendor with reliable technology you can trust, the flexibility to adapt to inevitable challenges, and expert teams who can ensure you get the right advice and proactive support throughout the trial. We offer that, plus seamless integration with anyone, actively supporting your goals and acting as your ally.”
A Proactive, Solution-Driven Approach
Finding a third-party RTSM vendor who works as an ally to CROs, can reduce the burden on CROs to achieve their key targets.
With clear, proactive, and regular communication, vendors can not only become a champions for success, but through regular reviewing of trends and potential risks, they will continue to support CROs through inevitable trial challenges.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Perceptive eClinical managed around 750 trials, taking proactive steps to ensure no participant missed treatments despite hospital closures and ongoing logistical challenges.
To find out more, go to: https://www.perceptive.com/eclinical-perceptive/home/
Resources
Drug Discovery Today. Small pharma vendor management practices in clinical trials:
A case study within Faron Pharmaceuticals. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1359644623000697?via=ihub
