SANOFI & MARKEN
“ In clinical trials , we are acutely aware of the absolute necessity to guarantee supplies ”
ARNAUD DOURLENS HEAD OF CLINICAL SUPPLY CHAIN OPERATIONS , SANOFI
of the absolute necessity to guarantee supplies , and we explore key supply chain strategies to be ready before the crisis and ensure robustness and resilience ,” Dourlens explains .
He adds that “ the usual supply forecasting systems are suitable for dealing with the disruption ”, and says the company ’ s strengths are its ability to quickly leverage its logistic network and inventory , to build new what-if scenarios and to quickly reset its supply flow if required .
“ This is infinitely more challenging than it seems ,” he says . “ It means that we need to precisely know the quantity of each raw material or medicinal product in the supply chain and where it is at any given moment .” Examples of Sanofi ’ s ability to support real time decision-making include :
• On-demand access to clinical supply information and self-service analytics , which helps Sanofi ’ s clinical supply managers address the complexity of large , geographically distributed trials , react quickly and accurately to change , and meet the evolving needs of new trial designs .
• Giving supply chain managers access
to worldwide , real-time data using cloud-based technology .
• Real-time production and distribution monitoring systems – combined with integrated planning and scheduling tools – that combine not only to deliver supply agility , but also to manage costs on expensive production equipment and resources . For two years now , Sanofi has leveraged
Marken to implement a reimagined clinical supply distribution network . It ’ s a hybrid model that leverages a unique centre of excellence based in Montpellier , France , managing operations all the way from initial design to drug-delivery .
“ It is able to initiate our entire clinical trial portfolio supply ,” says Dourlens . “ This hybrid model allows us to be highly agile , offering different models combining internal core activities and partners ’ expertise to answer each clinical trial supply needed .”
112 July 2023