Exel, in collaboration with its global sister organization, DHL Supply Chain, has expanded its capabilities as a North American clinical trials logistics provider by adding depots in the United States and Canada. As part of its expansion, DHL Supply Chain has increased the number of global depots from 8 to 16 to also include India, China, Panama, Chile, Argentina and Lebanon. The company now offers its clinical trials logistics (CTL) service across 64 countries worldwide.
This expansion of expertise enables the company to service additional key research sites around the world, to integrate emerging markets into global supply chains and to strengthen customers’ global research efforts in the fight against major illnesses, such as cancer, heart disease, Parkinson’s disease and arthritis.
When developing a supply strategy for a global clinical study, the company balances supply needs with the budget limitations that customers must deal with—reinforced by the current economic climate. Key benefits of the CTL solutions, such as depot rationalization, tax efficiency and dedicated project management, help customers to improve return on clinical investment.
By doubling the number of clinical trial depots, the company has increased its capacity to support global clinical research projects, including so-called “mega-trials” in the pharmaceutical and vaccine industries. It allows customers to scale down customers’ distribution networks into fewer supply points, which can deliver into an increasing number of geographically diverse delivery end points.
Further depots, such as a Middle East multi-market hub, may be added to the network if demand arises.
