What is clinical trial logistics?

Clinical trial logistics is the end-to-end process of planning, transporting, and managing the supplies and materials required to run a clinical study. This includes investigational medicinal products (IMPs), comparator drugs, ancillary supplies, laboratory kits, biological samples, and study documentation. A reliable clinical trial logistics provider ensures that every shipment reaches the correct site, at the right temperature, on time, and in full regulatory compliance – from first-in-human studies to multi-country Phase III trials.

How is temperature control maintained during clinical trial shipments?

Temperature control is maintained through validated packaging, real-time monitoring, and predefined intervention protocols. Shipments are prepared in qualified passive or active solutions matched to the required range: from controlled ambient (+15°C to +25°C) and refrigerated (+2°C to +8°C) to frozen (−20°C), ultra-low (−80°C), and cryogenic (−196°C) conditions. Data loggers track temperature throughout transit, and any deviation triggers immediate action by the COREX team to protect product integrity. For detailed cold chain capabilities, see our GxP-Compliant Cold Chain Transport & Storage page.

How do you handle customs clearance and regulatory requirements in clinical trial logistics?

COREX manages customs clearance and regulatory documentation as an integrated part of the shipment process, not as a separate handoff. Before dispatch, each country is assessed individually for import permits, licensing requirements, classification codes, and documentation specifics. In markets where required, COREX can act as your Importer of Record (IoR) , assuming legal responsibility for the import without requiring you to register a local entity. With 15+ years of operating across complex jurisdictions – including the CIS, MENA, and APAC – our regional teams resolve customs issues before they become trial delays.

What is the difference between clinical trial logistics and clinical trial supply?

Clinical trial logistics and clinical trial supply are closely related but distinct. Clinical trial supply covers the broader process of producing, packaging, labelling, and managing inventory of investigational products and ancillaries for a study. Clinical trial logistics is the transport and distribution layer within that process – moving those supplies from manufacturers and depots to clinical sites, patients, and laboratories worldwide. COREX provides both functions as integrated services. Learn more about our Clinical Trial Supply capabilities.

Global logistics for clinical trials

Challenge

Clinical trial supply chains are complex, often involving multiple geographies and regulatory checkpoints, with any disruption potentially delaying studies and compromising patient safety.

Solution

COREX manages end-to-end clinical trial logistics with speed, compliance, and precision to ensure uninterrupted study supply, from first-in-human studies to large Phase III trials across multiple countries.

What We Offer:

Our clinical trial logistics services encompass the complete supply chain lifecycle for clinical research:

IMP & Comparator Distribution

Temperature-controlled delivery of investigational products and active comparators to sites worldwide.

Ancillary Supply Management

Sourcing, storage, and distribution of medical devices, consumables, and trial-specific materials.

Site-Specific Kitting & Packaging

Custom packaging solutions tailored to protocol requirements and patient randomisation.

Returns Management

Sorting, identification, verification, and documentation of returned goods.

Emergency & Unblinded Supplies

Rapid response logistics for urgent trial needs and emergency unblinding scenarios.

Contact Clinical Project Team

COREX Global Network

Ensuring seamless clinical supply solutions with local expertise and global reach.

Explore our network

Why choose COREX
for Cold Chain Transport & Storage?

Global Reach with Local Expertise

Our established network spans the CIS, EU, UK, and beyond, with in-country partnerships ensuring smooth customs clearance and local regulatory compliance in each market.

Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance

Every aspect of our clinical logistics operations follows GxP guidelines, with full documentation, audit trails, and quality management systems designed for regulatory inspection readiness.

Dedicated Clinical Project Management

Each clinical trial is assigned a dedicated Project Manager who serves as your single point of contact, coordinating all logistics activities from protocol review to study close-out.

Advanced Cold Chain Capabilities

From +2°C to -196°C, our validated cold chain infrastructure ensures product integrity throughout the supply chain, with real-time monitoring and deviation management.

Flexible & Scalable Solutions

Our distribution solutions scale from small-batch speciality deliveries to large-scale commercial launches, adapting to your specific volume, timing, and geographic requirements.

Risk Mitigation & Contingency Planning

We proactively identify supply chain risks and implement robust contingency plans, including backup supply routes and emergency response protocols to prevent trial delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Hidden Risks in Pharma Logistics-And How to Solve Them

Beyond Boxes