Advancing Clinical Trial Supplies Through Innovation and Collaboration

Looking back at N-SIDE Connect: Innovation in Clinical Supplies

Anticipation and expectations were high as the N-SIDE community gathered for N-SIDE Connect: Innovation in Clinical Supplies both in Brussels, Belgium, and Boston, MA, U.S.A. This event celebrated collaboration, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of advancing clinical trial supplies. The discussions were focused on the future of the industry: digitalization and AI, performance, collaboration between departments, and other trends such as lot pooling or digital labelling. In this article, we recap the highlights of both events, shining a spotlight on the invaluable cross-continental contributions of our customers and the innovative discussions that unfolded throughout the day.

Reconnecting and Building Partnerships

Five years after our last face-to-face event, the reunion with our customers exceeded our expectations. The event provided a platform for passionate individuals, who are true N-SIDE ambassadors, to come together, reconnect, and share best practices and success stories. Our growing community reflects the dedication and commitment of individuals who are driving positive change in the industry. Martina Marauli, Director of Clinical Supply Innovation at MSD Switzerland explains:

"It's amazing to hear from other companies, from other people, how they optimize the clinical supply chain, and how the innovative approaches look like and to learn from that."

Take a look at the recap of the Brussels event below to hear Martina's full comment, as well as the feedback of a couple of other participants.

Record-Breaking Success

These two meetings set new records for N-SIDE, gathering a varied group of over 60 clients from very different companies to exchange knowledge and foster collaboration. Twelve client speakers provided valuable insights into current trends and challenges in clinical trial supplies, showcasing the diversity and breadth of expertise within the N-SIDE community. Linda Nichols, Director of Study Start Up and Optimization at GSK who participated to the US edition highlights:

"The conference has been fantastic. I'm getting ideas from some of the other participants and sending them back as quick messages and texts to the folks back home."

Exploring Cutting-Edge Topics

The event presented the perfect opportunity to explore a myriad of cutting-edge topics focused on advancing clinical supply chain management through digitalization and strategic collaboration. Presentations highlighted the integration of digital technologies in clinical supplies, emphasizing architecture, process optimization, and the role of planners in reducing waste. Business cases explored cost-saving initiatives from the implementation of lot pooling strategies for enhanced efficiency, to managing flexibility in production planning. Participants engaged in thought-provoking discussions aimed at driving innovation and improving patient outcomes.

Additionally, the focus on sustainability underscored the importance of adopting eco-friendly practices in drug development, aligning with our collective goal of creating a more sustainable future. Overall, the event highlighted the industry's evolution towards more efficient, sustainable, and integrated clinical supply chain solutions. If you are curious to know more about what was discussed during the events, you can take a look at the summary of our agendas here.

A Commitment to Innovation

During the events, innovation was not just a buzzword. It was a shared commitment that permeated every aspect of the conversation. Through collaborative sessions, workshops, and interactive discussions, participants demonstrated their unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in clinical trial supplies. By leveraging technology, data analytics, and cross-industry partnerships, we are poised to revolutionize the way investigational drugs are delivered to patients around the world.

"The N-SIDE tools have brought a whole new kind of dimensions to our digital transformation, being able to manage our whole portfolio in one set of tools" - Isaac Greenslade, Head of Demand and Supply Innovation and Transformation at Sanofi

Take a look at the highlights of the US edition of the event to get a deeper understanding of the powerful sense of community and commitment that surrounded the event.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on the success of this year's events, we are filled with excitement for the future. Together, we will continue to shape the future of clinical trial supplies, making drug development faster, safer, and more sustainable for generations to come. N-SIDE Connect: Innovation in Clinical Supplies 2024 was more than just an event, it was a celebration of collaboration, innovation, and the power of community.

From reconnecting with customers to exploring cutting-edge topics, the event exemplified our shared commitment to advancing clinical trial supplies. As we look ahead to the future, we are filled with optimism and excitement for the transformative impact we will continue to have on the industry. With collaboration at the core of everything we do, we are confident that together, we will redefine the future of drug development and improve the lives of patients worldwide.