In today’s global clinical trial environment, comparator sourcing is one of the most critical — and often underestimated — drivers of study success. Whether you’re overseeing a Phase II or III program or managing a multinational portfolio, securing reliable, compliant supplies of comparator drugs directly influences timelines, regulatory approval, and patient safety.
For clinical trial managers and sourcing leaders running studies in Australia, New Zealand, APAC, Africa, or the Middle East, choosing the right sourcing partner isn’t just a box to tick — it’s a key strategic decision. And there’s one factor that consistently separates exceptional sourcing partners from the rest: local expertise.
Here’s why partnering with a local vendor is the smart choice in these regions.
1. Navigate Regional Regulations and Compliance with Confidence
Each of these regions has its own complex regulatory framework governing pharmaceutical imports, labeling, distribution, and clinical use.
Without local knowledge, sponsors and global CROs often face unexpected hurdles:
Import permits
QP release requirements
Country-specific labeling and documentation
Temperature and storage standards
Local vendors understand these intricacies and know how to:
Prepare the right documentation
Secure timely approvals
Coordinate with ministries of health and customs
Keep your supply chain audit-ready
This avoids costly delays, shipment rejections, or compliance missteps that can derail
timelines.
2. Ensure Authenticity Through Trusted Local Networks
Supply chains in regions like New Zealand, APAC, Africa, and the Middle East can be fragmented, making it challenging to source from authorized, reliable suppliers. Australia, while highly regulated, also places strict controls on pharmaceutical distribution.
Without in-country relationships, even experienced global vendors may struggle to:
Access licensed wholesalers
Verify product authenticity
Maintain steady supply for long-duration trials
Local partners have long-standing ties to:
Authorized distributors and manufacturers
Hospital and pharmacy networks
Certified importers
This gives you confidence that every comparator product is authentic, compliant, and
sourced from approved channels.
3. Control Costs and Avoid Unnecessary Mark-Ups
Sourcing comparators locally is on average 40% cheaper than the central source. Read this blog for further information.
Outside of simply the cost of the actual drug, working with a local vendor helps you sidestep many other hidden costs that often come with global procurement:
Extra handling fees
Import/export mark-ups
Inefficient shipping routes
Local experts can:
Tap into cost-effective domestic sourcing
Optimize logistics to reduce freight costs
Limit intermediaries to protect your margins
The result? Substantially lower total cost of ownership and better use of your clinical trial budget.
4. Reduce Supply Chain and Delivery Risks
Comparator shipments are complex — especially for temperature-sensitive products or trials with multiple international sites.
A local vendor provides:
In-country storage and warehousing
Proven cold chain management
Faster, more dependable last-mile delivery
This safeguards product integrity, reduces the risk of stockouts, and keeps your trial running
smoothly.
5. Gain a Strategic Partner, Not Just a Supplier
The best local vendors do more than deliver products. They offer:
Advance notice of market shifts or shortages
Proactive inventory planning
Solutions tailored to the specific needs of your trial
When running studies across Australia, New Zealand, APAC, Africa, or the Middle East,
local partners become an extension of your team — providing insight and support global
providers simply can’t match.
Bonus Advantage: Minimize VAT, GST, and Tax Costs. Tax and duties are often overlooked in trial budgeting — but they can significantly impact costs.
In these regions:
VAT or GST rates can range from 10–20%
Import duties can vary by product type and country
Tax recovery is often complicated without local expertise
Local vendors know how to:
Apply for VAT/GST exemptions
Facilitate tax recovery or refunds
Structure shipments to reduce duties
This delivers meaningful savings and improves budget predictability for sponsors.
Why It Matters for Clinical Trial Managers and Procurement Teams
Clinical teams are under constant pressure to deliver faster, leaner, and with full compliance. Comparator sourcing may seem tactical, but it’s a crucial operational and financial lever that
directly shapes trial outcomes.
By working with local experts, you:
Reduce risk
Control costs
Streamline timelines
Maximize study success
Choosing the Right Local Sourcing Partner
Look for partners with:
Good supplier lines and networks
Strong local tax and VAT knowledge
Robust logistics and cold chain capabilities
Strong sourcing policies and practices
The right partner won’t just supply comparators — they’ll help you run better, more resilient
trials.
Final Takeaway
If you’re planning trials in Australia, New Zealand, APAC, Africa, or the Middle East, local sourcing expertise isn’t just helpful — it’s a competitive advantage.
At VeruSource, we specialize in comparator sourcing across these critical regions, combining local insight with global quality standards to help keep your trials on track. Get in touch today to explore how we can support your next study.
