Session Recap: The Future of Supply Chain in the Era of Advanced and Specialty Therapies: Key Takeaways from LogiPharma 2025
At LogiPharma 2025, the session “The Future of Supply Chain in the Era of Advanced and Specialty Therapies” brought together industry leaders Ammie McAsey (McKesson), Jeff Davis (AstraZeneca), and Dr. Leslie Busby (US Oncology Network) for a fireside chat moderated by Nico Saraceno (Pharmaceutical Commerce). The panel addressed how the rapid rise of advanced and specialty therapies is transforming supply chain strategies, emphasizing the urgency of collaboration, technology, and resilience for healthcare stakeholders.
Key Takeaways
1. Collaboration is the Cornerstone of Modern Supply Chains
The panelists agreed that cross-sector collaboration is now essential for delivering advanced therapies. Unlike traditional models, today’s supply chains require seamless integration across manufacturers, distributors, providers, and technology partners to ensure therapies reach patients safely and efficiently. This shift reflects a broader industry move toward shared responsibility and patient-centered care.
2. Technology Drives Visibility and Efficiency
Investments in real-time tracking and digital platforms are enabling stakeholders to monitor therapies from manufacturing to administration. Advanced tools such as AI, data analytics, and IoT devices help anticipate disruptions, optimize logistics, and enhance communication, supporting both operational agility and patient safety.
3. Precision and Agility Are Non-Negotiable
As therapies become more specialized, supply chains must adapt with precise logistics and infrastructure. This includes temperature-controlled storage, specialized handling, and scalable solutions that can accommodate both blockbuster and highly personalized treatments. Agility is critical to respond to evolving therapy pipelines and patient needs.
4. Drug Shortages Demand Proactive, Flexible Solutions
The growing complexity of therapies increases the risk of drug shortages. Panelists emphasized the need for proactive inventory management, transparent communication, and flexible regulatory approaches to address shortages. They highlighted that panic buying and rigid systems can exacerbate shortages, while flexibility and collaboration help maintain continuity of care.
5. Patient Experience Remains Central
Ultimately, the goal of supply chain innovation is to enhance patient outcomes. By aligning technology, infrastructure, and partnerships, stakeholders can ensure therapies are delivered on time and in optimal condition, supporting providers in delivering quality care with minimal disruption.
Why It Matters
The rapid evolution of advanced and specialty therapies is redefining what it means to build a resilient, responsive pharmaceutical supply chain. As therapies become more targeted and high-value, the stakes for timely, safe delivery rise accordingly. Industry leaders must navigate unprecedented complexity, regulatory hurdles, and patient expectations.
The insights from LogiPharma’s session underscore that success hinges on collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and a willingness to rethink traditional models. Those who embrace these principles will be best positioned to deliver life-changing therapies to patients no matter the challenges ahead.
Actionable Insights
- Invest in end-to-end visibility: Deploy digital tools to track therapies from production to patient delivery.
- Foster cross-functional partnerships: Build strong relationships across manufacturers, distributors, providers, and technology vendors.
- Prioritize supply chain agility: Develop scalable logistics and infrastructure to adapt to evolving therapy needs.
- Enhance inventory management: Use predictive analytics and transparent communication to minimize shortages and disruptions.