Comparator sourcing

Moving medicine forward

What is comparator sourcing?

At ICS, we understand the complexities and challenges involved in clinical trials, particularly when it comes to sourcing comparator drugs. Global comparator sourcing provides a comprehensive solution that ensures secure, efficient, and reliable access to the products you need.

With our expertise, extensive network, and dedicated support, we help you navigate the intricacies of international regulations and logistics, reducing the time and cost associated with drug development.

How our tailored comparator sourcing works

Service

In a landscape where precision and efficiency are paramount, Cencora's team of over 20 sourcing experts stands out. With access to more than 50,000 products and partnerships with over 60 vendors, they are equipped to locate and deliver essential comparator drugs. With the ability to source in 30+ countries, our team minimizes the steps between manufacturer and destination, utilizing 18 depots and a network of 10 country-wide warehouses.

Integrity

Our commitment to integrity is unwavering. The company ensures a secure, uninterrupted supply chain with full product documentation, specialized shipping, and stringent traceability measures. This meticulous attention to detail guarantees that every product maintains its integrity from source to final delivery.

Leadership

Leading the charge in pharmaceutical solutions, ICS leverages its established global partnerships and deep industry insights. This leadership positions the company as a trusted partner in the complex world of comparator sourcing, ensuring that clients receive unparalleled service and expertise.

Trust

Trust is a foundational principle. By streamlining the supply chain and fostering direct relationships with manufacturers, we ensure reliable global delivery. Partners can rest assured that their products will be delivered safely and efficiently, every time.

Fair price

In a market where cost control is critical, Cencora’s large-scale buying power and direct manufacturer relationships allow the company to offer competitively priced branded and generic products. This cost-effectiveness is a significant advantage for clients looking to optimize their clinical trial budgets.

Flexibility

Clinical trials are not a one-size-fits-all endeavor, and Cencora understands this better than anyone. The company offers bespoke sourcing strategies tailored to the unique needs of each clinical trial. This includes services like storage, distribution, repackaging, and more, ensuring that every client receives a customized solution that fits their specific requirements.

ICS approach ensures that you receive genuine, high-quality products

We buy direct to ensure product integrity

Our approach ensures that you receive genuine, high-quality products, backed by comprehensive documentation and stringent traceability measures. By buying direct, we offer you peace of mind, knowing that the integrity of your clinical trial materials is upheld at every step of the supply chain.

Why choose ICS?

ICS endures superior supply chain performance

Commitment to excellence

Logistics experience and best practices combined with our patient–centric culture to endure superior supply chain performance.

Expert account management model

Single point of access to strategic guidance, program design, enhanced 3PL, and performance analytics across your supply chain.

ICS logistics experts and account managers understand your commercialization goals

Commercialization solutions

Strategic guidance and diligent execution by logistics experts and committed account managers, who share a holistic understanding of your commercialization goals.

Partnership-driven approach

ICS shares your commitment to getting products into the hands of those who need it most.

Proven, innovative solutions

ICS is on the forefront of thinking beyond distribution to deliver logistics solutions and scalable capabilities that drive value throughout the product life cycle and across the current and emerging healthcare continuum.

ICS delivers exceptional reliability with a 99.9+% SLA for inventory and distribution accuracy

Proven performance

ICS consistently delivers exceptional results and reliability with a 99.9+% SLA for inventory and distribution accuracy.

Delivering products safely and efficiently through a best-in-class supply chain

“We’ve collaborated for several years and have been consistently impressed. Their facility is well-organized and compliant with industry standards, ensuring our pharmaceutical products are handled safely. Their attention to detail and commitment to quality assurance have greatly benefited our operations. They’re a valuable partner in our supply chain.”

Global CRO

Wherever and whenever you need them

“You are always open with high professionalism to help us with solutions, you are prompt and respect the timelines which are sometimes very tight.”

Top 25 pharmaceutical company

Start a conversation about our comparator drug sourcing

We recognize that every clinical trial has its unique requirements. Partner with us to create a bespoke comparator sourcing solution designed specifically for your project. Reach out to our logistics experts to discuss your sourcing needs.

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ICS recognizes that every clinical trial has its unique requirements

Comparator sourcing capabilities

ICS demonstrates a robust range of sourcing capabilities, tapping into direct, open market, and local channels. Comprehensive services cover:

Storage and distribution
Repackaging
Extended hold times

Forecasting and planning
Reverse logistics

What types of comparator products are sourced?

ICS excels in sourcing a diverse array of comparator products, which include:

Branded and generic drugs
Specialty medications

Biologics
Over-the-counter medications

What exactly is a comparator study?

In clinical trials, a comparator study is a method where existing treatments, known as comparator drugs, are used to gauge the effectiveness and safety of a new investigational product. By comparing the new drug to a treatment already in use, researchers can better understand its relative benefits and risks.

Comparing the new drug to a treatment already in use

Understanding comparator controls

A comparator control plays a crucial role in clinical trials. It acts as a benchmark, either through a standard treatment or a placebo, against which the performance of a new investigational drug is measured. This control helps in validating the trial results by providing a point of reference.

Comparator control helps in validating the trial results

Why use comparators in clinical trials?

The use of comparators in clinical trials is pivotal for establishing the new drug's efficacy and safety. By measuring the investigational drug against an existing standard, researchers can provide a more comprehensive evaluation of its potential benefits and risks. This comparative approach lays the groundwork for rigorous and reliable clinical assessments.

To establish the new drug's efficacy and safety ICS uses comparators in clinical trials

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Comparator sourcing: FAQs

What is a comparator drug?

A comparator drug is an investigational or marketed product or a placebo used as a reference in a comparator clinical trial. Investigational products can be comparator drugs when they are intended to be used outside of their registered indications.

What is an example of a comparator in research?

Comparator drugs in clinical research are often branded or generic products currently on the market. These can provide a reference to compare the performance of the drug being trialed to existing treatments. Placebos can also be used as comparators. They show how the treatment performs compared to no treatment.

What is comparator sourcing?

Comparator sourcing refers to procuring a marketed drug, or another investigational drug, for use as a reference in a comparator clinical trial. However, our services extend beyond just comparator sourcing. In the context of clinical trials, we also source co-medications, ancillaries, specialty drugs and other necessary supplies.

A strong supply chain is needed as well as forecasting and logistics expertise to ensure reliable delivery and clinical trial success.