Effective Sourcing of Semaglutide for a Global Phase III Clinical Trial
- Clinical Services International (CSI)
- Mar 26
- 2 min read
Updated: May 6
A Global Pharmaceutical Sponsor’s Challenge

A global pharmaceutical sponsor conducting a Phase III clinical trial needed Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, as a comparator drug. The study spanned multiple regions, including North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. This required a consistent and compliant supply of the drug across various regulatory landscapes. The sponsor needed a reliable partner to source Semaglutide efficiently while ensuring batch consistency, Certificates of Analysis (CoA) availability, and regulatory compliance for each region.
The Challenges of Sourcing Semaglutide
Sourcing Semaglutide for a global clinical trial presented several notable challenges:
Limited Market Availability: Semaglutide is a high-demand medication, with strict allocation policies from manufacturers. This made it difficult to secure enough supply.
Regulatory Complexities: Different countries have unique regulatory requirements, including import/export restrictions and various regional documentation needs. Navigating these complexities can be daunting.
Supply Constraints: Ensuring batch consistency across all study sites while managing complex logistics and potential delays was crucial.
Stringent Quality Standards: The need for CoAs, shelf-life requirements, and temperature-controlled handling was essential for the drug’s stability and effectiveness.
An Innovative Solution from Clinical Services International (CSI)
To overcome these challenges, Clinical Services International (CSI) leveraged its expertise and established relationships with manufacturers. They successfully sourced and delivered Semaglutide for the trial through a multi-faceted approach:
Direct Sourcing
CSI’s established accounts with major pharmaceutical manufacturers enabled a streamlined procurement process. This ensured that Semaglutide was secured with batch consistency across all sites.
Regulatory and Quality Assurance
CSI took responsibility for regulatory compliance by carefully managing import/export documentation. They obtained region-specific approvals and provided CoAs for every batch of Semaglutide. This attention to detail ensured that the medication met all requirements in each region.
Global Logistics Management
CSI’s expertise in supply chain logistics played a critical role. They enabled temperature-controlled shipments with end-to-end tracking, ensuring that deliveries arrived on time at study locations worldwide.
Risk Mitigation Strategy
A proactive risk management plan was implemented. This included backup supply strategies and contingency logistics to minimize the risk of supply interruptions. Such foresight was essential in ensuring the uninterrupted supply of Semaglutide.
Achieving Successful Outcomes
Thanks to CSI's dedicated efforts, the organization successfully delivered Semaglutide to all global sites, ensuring the clinical trial progressed without interruptions. The pharmaceutical sponsor reaped numerous benefits from this strategic partnership:
Reduced lead times and minimized regulatory delays.
A consistent and high-quality supply of the comparator drug.
Significantly diminished risks associated with sourcing challenges.
Conclusion: Seamless Supply Chain Solutions
By partnering with Clinical Services International, the sponsor ensured a seamless supply chain for Semaglutide. This arrangement enabled the Phase III clinical trial to progress on schedule while maintaining compliance across all regions. The successful sourcing of Semaglutide highlights the importance of collaboration and expertise in the complex landscape of global clinical trials.
In summary, effective sourcing can greatly impact the success of a clinical trial. For sponsors looking to navigate similar challenges, working with a reliable partner is key. Ensure that you collaborate with experts who can handle rigorous regulatory requirements and guarantee a steady supply of essential medications, making your clinical trial journey smoother and more efficient.
If you have any specific questions or need assistance with sourcing Semaglutide, feel free to reach out for more information.
Comments