Clinical Trial Supply And Logistics Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Service (Logistics & Distribution, Storage & Retention), By Phase, By Therapeutic Area, By End-use, By Region- Global Industry Analysis, Share, Growth, Regional Outlook and Forecasts, 2024-2033

The global clinical trial supply and logistics market size was exhibited at USD 3.80 billion in 2023 and is projected to hit around USD 7.98 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 7.7% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2033.

Key Takeaways:

• The logistics & distribution segment held the largest share of over 48.0% in 2023.
• The phase III segment accounted for the largest revenue share in 2023.
• The cardiovascular diseases segment dominated the market in 2023.
• North America dominated the market with a share of 39.0% in 2023.

Clinical Trial Supply & Logistics Market Report Scope

Major drivers include the rising number of clinical trials and harmonization of regulations, increasing R&D expenditure by pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms, and technological advancements in the supply chain. Also, there is a rise in outsourcing of these services due to a rise in the cost of clinical trials.

Clinical trial market logistical hurdles were brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, and sponsors faced many difficulties during the pandemic. The quick and broad adoption of the remote trial strategy has resulted in major modifications to the traditional supply chain. The different logistical challenges of distant studies were handled using direct-to-patient strategies. Decentralized trials make it simpler for sponsors to reach a worldwide audience. Although the pandemic has increased the acceptance of such trials, there will still be a considerable need for them long after COVID-19.

Developing digital technologies has led to overcoming the trial challenges that were encountered during the pandemic, and we will be required to overcome these challenges for future trials. Some of the digital services, such as cloud-enabled digital cores, blockchain-based product tracking, usage of the internet of things, etc., is likely to transform biopharmaceutical companies’ approaches to medical supply management by incorporating valuable insights from multiple sources of data, improving patient experience, enhancing trial productivity, and improving the quality of data collected in trials. For instance, in June 2020, Almac Clinical Technologies, a part of the Almac Group, introduced Simplify, a next-generation IRT solution. It is enabled with a standard array of configurable functionality designed to accelerate the study startup process.

Also, there is a rise in R&D investment and expansion in facilities by pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms for approval and launch of new drugs in the market. High investments in R&D and adequate supply and logistical facilities are likely to increase the possibility of successful drug/medicine. For instance, in July 2022, DHL Freight expanded its network in Germany with the purchase of a new terminal in Mettmann, close to Düsseldorf, Germany. This initiative was undertaken after a new facility was recently opened in Erlensee, close to Frankfurt, Germany, and a site was acquired from the logistics firm Leupold in Gochsheim, close to Würzburg, Germany.

However, the complex regulations in the trial process from application to approval of new drugs are acting as major barriers for biopharmaceuticals to invest in the new drug development phase. Biopharmaceutical companies file applications in different countries for the approval of specific drugs including authorization for supply chain, storage, and logistics.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

• The market experienced, notable innovations include advanced technologies like blockchain for enhanced traceability artificial intelligence for predictive forecasting, and decentralized trial models which improves overall efficiency in managing and distributing clinical trial supplies.
• Several market players such as Catalent Inc, Parexel International (MA) Corporation, and DHL, are involved in merger and acquisition activities. Through M&A activity, these companies can expand their geographic reach and enter new territories.
• Regulations significantly impact the market by ensuring stringent compliance standards for product safety, quality, and documentation. While promoting patient welfare, these regulations also necessitate rigorous tracking, reporting, and adherence to good clinical practice (GCP)
• Potential substitutes in the market include digital platforms for virtual trials, automated systems for inventory management, and alternative logistics providers.
• Regional expansion involves establishing strategic distribution hubs and partnerships to efficiently navigate diverse regulatory landscapes. This expansion allows companies to optimize supply chain logistics, adhere to local regulations, and cater to the specific needs of clinical trials in different geographic regions.

Service Insights

The logistics & distribution segment held the largest share of over 48.0% in 2023. The services segment is segmented into logistics & distribution, storage & retention, packaging, labeling, and blinding, manufacturing, comparator sourcing, and others. This is due to the rise in the global biologics pipeline, highly regulated structure of the market, and an increase in the usage of temperature-sensitive drugs are driving the market growth.

The manufacturing segment is expected to show lucrative growth during the forecast period. This is due to the increasing demand for biologics and complex molecules, expansion in manufacturing facilities, rise in medical trials has resulted in rise in material supply, and rise in demand for quality manufacturing of drugs. For instance, in May  2020, Catalent acquired a clinical packaging facility in Minakuchi, located in the Shiga prefecture of Japan, from Teva-Takeda Pharmaceuticals. This purchase was expected to help establish a new clinical GMP manufacturing and distribution hub to support clinical studies.

Phase Insights

The phase III segment accounted for the largest revenue share in 2023. Based on phase market is segmented into Phase I, Phase II, Phase III, Phase IV. This is due to the rise in number of patients, high complexity and cost associated with this phase, and a high failure rate in this phase that leads to loss in terms of both financial as well as human life. The major reason for this failure is the non-compliance of the product with the safety and efficacy guidelines.

The phase II segment is estimated to register the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.This rise is anticipated due to the rise in outsourcing activity in this phase, increasing investments by industry and non-industry sponsors. The increasing number of drugs in phase II is expected to generate higher complexities in logistics and supply chain, which is further expected to boost the demand for effective logistics and supply chain, thereby contributing to the growth of the industry.

Therapeutics Area Insights

The cardiovascular diseases segment dominated the market in 2023. The therapeutic area market is segmented into oncology, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, CNS and mental disorders, and others. The rise in disease burden, a large number of companies focus on bringing novel and innovative medicines to treat heart diseases, and strategies to reduce the prevalence of heart attacks and stroke. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, in the U.S., 695,000 people died due to heart disease in 2021 And 805,000 people encounter heart attacks every year in the U.S.

The oncology segment has been anticipated to show lucrative growth over the forecast period. This is due to the highly complex clinical techniques, trials & the need for supportive services which are always changing. Oncology trials are designed to diagnose, manage, and treat cancer & associated symptoms. Clinical trial supplies in oncology include primary and secondary packaging. The primary objective of packaging is to improve patient compliance.

End-use Insights

The pharmaceutical segment dominated the market in 2023. Based on end-users, the market is segmented into pharmaceuticals, biologicals, and medical devices. The globalization of clinical trials, increased R&D by pharmaceutical companies, and a large number of trial studies conducted by them are the driving factors that drive segment growth. For instance, according to ClinicalTrials.gov, as of December 18, 2023, about 38,891 studies were registered during 2023.

The biologicals segment has been anticipated to show lucrative growth over the forecast period. The main driver of the market is the rising demand for biologic products such as vaccines and cell and gene therapies and an increase in investment for product manufacturing and development. Also, there is a rise in demand for global vaccination to prevent the COVID-19 pandemic.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the market with a share of 39.0% in 2023. The regional market accounts for the highest number of clinical trials conducted among all regions, which is a major driver for the growth of the clinical trial supply and logistics market. The significant increase in investments in clinical trials and the rise in the number of players in the clinical trial supply and logistics market are expected to contribute to growth.

The U.S. accounted for the largest share of the market in North American region in 2023. The U.S. is the hub for the operations of major players in supply and logistics markets, such as Labcorp Drug Development, PAREXEL International Cooperation, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., and Marken. Moreover, it has a strong infrastructure, the availability of necessary funds, and the ability to adapt to advanced technology. In the past few years, a trend has been observed of shifting clinical trial site outside the U.S., which significantly reduces the cost.

The Asia-Pacific region is expected to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period.Significant growth in clinical research is expected to drive growth of the market in the region, thereby contributing to growth of global clinical trial supply and logistics market. According to a survey by Pharma IQ, 60.0% of the respondents consider China and India as potential regions for clinical research in the next five years. The entry of Almac Group, a global clinical research and manufacturing organization, in Asia-Pacific region is a clear indication of the growth of clinical trial supply and logistics market in this region.

China will account for the largest share of the clinical trial supply & logistics market in the Asia-Pacific region in 2023. China is one of the most lucrative markets for clinical trial supply players owing to its diverse pool of patients and growing pharmaceutical market. Logistics and supply chain management are major challenges in the country, which is discouraging major biopharmaceutical companies from conducting trials in China. The country accounted for 27.7% of global clinical trials conducted as of 2022 and exhibited lucrative growth in the past 3 years. The trend is driving the entry of major players such as Catalent Pharma Solutions in China, which is expected to contribute to market growth in the country.

Recent Developments

• In January 2023, Cryoport disclosed a collaboration with Syneos Health to propel the progress of cell and gene therapies. This partnership aims to deliver an integrated solution for the cell and gene industry, incorporating Cryoport's IntegriCell platform and supply chain services provided by Syneos Health.
• In June 2023, SkyCell, a pioneering manufacturer of temperature-controlled hybrid containers for the pharmaceutical sector, joined forces with Marken to deliver advanced shipping solutions for pharmaceutical products in clinical trials. This partnership entails Marken utilizing SkyCell containers to transport critical and temperature-sensitive drugs.
• In October 2023, Parexel International (MA) Corporation and Partex established a preferred strategic alliance to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate global drug discovery and development. This collaboration addresses challenges in investigational therapies by prioritizing assets with the greatest probability of clinical success. This enables biopharmaceutical customers to optimize their focus and resources on areas that bring the most benefit to patients.
• In June 2022, Catalent, Inc. announced that it would expand its primary packaging abilities by installing an elevated blister packaging line to enhance its already automated bottling line at its clinical supply facility in Shiga, Japan.
• In July 2021, the company announced that it would open a new clinical trial supply depot in China to support prompt access to medications and supplies for patients and clinical sites.

Some of the prominent players in the clinical trial supply and logistics market include:

• Thermo Fisher Scientific (Patheon)
• Catalent, Inc.
• Parexel International (MA) Corporation
• Almac Group
• Marken
• Piramal Pharma Solutions
• UDG Healthcare
• DHL
• FedEx
• Movianto
• Packaging Coordinators Inc

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2021 to 2033. For this study, Nova one advisor, Inc. has segmented the global clinical trial supply & logistics market.

Service

• Logistics & Distribution
• Storage & Retention
• Packaging, Labeling, And Blinding
• Manufacturing
• Comparator Sourcing
• Other Services

Phase

• Phase I
• Phase II
• Phase III
• Phase IV

Therapeutic Area

• Oncology
• Cardiovascular Diseases
• Respiratory Diseases
• CNS And Mental Disorders
• Others

End-use

• Pharmaceuticals
• Biologicals
• Medical Devices

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa (MEA)