As the clinical trial landscape evolves with a growing demand for efficiency, flexibility, and innovation in 2025, experts will gather to discuss how to address these challenges head-on in less than a month.
Experts from across the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors will gather at the 2025 Clinical Trial Supply (CTS) New England conference, which will be held in Boston, US, from8–9 April to discuss strategies for optimising clinical supply chains and ensuring smooth operations. With a focus on regulatory compliance, technological advancements, and effective communication, the event will explore pivotal topics on ways to streamline the clinical supply process.
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Regulatory insights and risk mitigation
A key session on day one will delve into the complexities of navigating multiple regulatory agencies to expedite supply chain times. Experts from US Customs and Border Protection, including Sean Smith and Baljeet Kaur, will offer insights into the requirements for declaring biological materials and avoiding non-compliant shipments. The session will also review key US regulatory authorities such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), providing attendees with essential knowledge for mitigating risks in the clinical supply chain.
Later in the day, a panel discussion on flexible clinical trial supply manufacturing will examine strategies for sourcing and managing contract manufacturing organisations (CMOs), cost-effectiveness of batch vs continuous manufacturing, and the importance of aligning manufacturing strategies with trial size and product type.
Technology and digitalisation in clinical supply
With digitalisation becoming a driving force in clinical trials, day two will feature a panel discussion on leveraging existing and emerging technologies to optimise supply chains. Moderated by Amanda Murphy of GlobalData, this session will explore how technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) can assist with forecasting, inventory management, and reducing supply waste. The session will highlight real-world applications and offer insight into the evolving landscape of clinical supply chain management.
Among several roundtable discussions being held on day two, one will focus on the role of technology in enhancing end-to-end supply chain visibility, a critical aspect of managing complex clinical trials. As stakeholders demand more streamlined and transparent processes, attendees will learn how digital tools can facilitate better communication, risk assessment, and overall supply chain efficiency.
Vendor management and strategic partnerships
One of the conference’s highlights will be a session dedicated to selecting, managing, and overseeing clinical supply vendors. Deirdre Casale, former senior director of supply chain at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, will share her expertise on establishing solid vendor relationships, agreeing on timelines, and ensuring clear communication. This session will offer actionable advice on choosing the right vendors and building partnerships that are key to the successful delivery of clinical trials.
Additionally, a case study by a representative from Takeda Pharmaceutical on leveraging scorecard tools to drive vendor performance improvements will explore how clinical supply teams can turn stakeholder feedback into actionable metrics, thereby driving more efficient and impactful performance discussions.
Cold chain integrity and supply in emerging markets
Ensuring cold chain integrity will be another major talking point at the conference. Scott Sutton of MorphoSys will lead a session on maintaining cold chain compliance, focusing on tracking, monitoring, and mitigating risks associated with temperature-sensitive products. This session will be essential for supply chain professionals managing biologics and other temperature-controlled products.
The conference will also examine the challenges and opportunities in implementing clinical trial supply in emerging markets outside of Europe and the US. Panellists from Orano Med and Biogen will discuss the benefits of expanding into less saturated markets, including logistical considerations, regulatory challenges, and how to adapt supply models to meet the unique needs of these regions.
The Clinical Trial Supply New England conference is hosted by Arena International Events Group, a B2B events company owned by GlobalData, the parent company of Clinical Trials Arena and Pharmaceutical Technology. A detailed agenda for the CTS New England Conference can be found here.
