Clinical trial logistics has become far more complex—especially as decentralized models expand and biologics, cell and gene therapies, and global patient populations place new demands on supply chains. Ensuring the integrity of clinical trial materials, from kit building through sample return, is no longer just an operational concern—it’s central to trial success.

In this Q&A, Jose Ianez, Senior Director of Logistics Operations LATAM at Marken, shares his perspective on the challenges behind today’s clinical trial supply chains. With more than 25 years in healthcare logistics, he oversees operations across Latin America—from planning through final delivery to the patient.

Here, he discusses how Marken’s Laboratory Advantage service is helping sponsors streamline kit supply, protect sample integrity, and improve the speed and reliability of clinical trial logistics.

Contract Pharma: As part of Marken’s Laboratory Advantage, what are the most critical aspects of supplying kits and moving specimen samples, and how does it expedite the processing of clinical trial materials and specimens?

Jose Ianez: At the core, it comes down to three things: speed, sample integrity, and compliance. Everything we do is built around protecting those priorities.

A lot of it comes down to knowing the regulatory environment—especially in places like Latin America, where the rules can change from…