Investigator-initiated trials (IITs) are clinical studies initiated and managed by independent investigators, often researchers from academic institutions, who test existing licensed drugs for different therapeutic indicators.

It is increasingly becoming a preferred tool to generate clinical data for doctors and key opinion leaders to explore alternative usage of a drug in other treatment procedures. These clinical studies continually push knowledge-based boundaries about a drug, which allows better evaluation and decision on effective treatment options for specific patient profiles.

IITs can run for a few months to a number of years, as patients go through stringent rounds of interviews and compatibility checks. Often held across different markets, these projects require high levels of logistics planning and precise study protocol design to ensure they meet regulatory requirements. As these trials become more popular in Asia Pacific, investigators are recognising the importance of identify the right partner to support them with the execution of these trials and deal with the challenges associated with drug product management e.g. packaging, labelling, cross-border distribution or temperature control management. With over 12 years of experience in the planning and execution of clinical trials, Zuellig Pharma has become a strategic partner of choice in providing network-wide standardized end-to-end supply chain solutions to investigators for IITs.

“Zuellig Pharma Specialty Solutions Group through its Clinical Reach division is one of the most experienced players in the field. We have supported over 1,800 clinical trials across the region and we are chosen by investigators and sponsors to be their trusted partner because of our integrated clinical supply chain solution to assist with local drug sourcing, and product and project management,” said Georg Schulz, Regional General Manager Clinical Reach.

For more information on our clinical reach services and investigator-initiated trials, please contact us at sgssgiitrials@zuelligpharma.com.