The Last Mile Challenge: Improving Patient Delivery in Direct-to-Patient Trial Models

In recent years, the landscape of clinical trials has experienced a profound transformation. As decentralised and hybrid trial models grow in popularity, Direct-to-Patient (DTP) delivery has become an essential component of modern clinical research.

Designed to improve patient accessibility, increase recruitment and retention rates, and minimise the burden of site visits, DTP models place immense logistical importance on what’s often the most unpredictable step of the supply chain: the last mile.

Getting investigational products, temperature-sensitive biologics, and other trial essentials to a patient’s doorstep may sound straightforward. In practice, it is one of the most complex, sensitive, and risk-prone aspects of clinical trial logistics.

At Arca BioLogistics, we’re tackling the last mile challenge head-on—combining sustainability, reliability, and efficiency in solutions that protect both patients and trial outcomes.

The Last Mile in Clinical Trials: Why It Matters

In a traditional trial model, investigational materials are delivered to clinical sites, where patients receive treatment under direct supervision. DTP models shift this process by sending materials straight to the patient’s home, empowering participants while reducing geographic barriers and clinic load. However, this shift also transfers the logistical responsibility to the sponsor and their chosen logistics partner.

The final step—the last mile—is where delays, temperature excursions, and missed deliveries can jeopardise trial success. It demands a level of coordination, packaging precision, and real-time visibility that few logistics providers can reliably offer.

At Arca BioLogistics, our approach to last mile delivery combines best-in-class technology, sustainable practices, and a people-first mindset. Here’s how we make it work.

Sustainability: Ethical Logistics for a Changing World

Sustainability is no longer a side concern for sponsors; it’s a regulatory and reputational imperative. Clinical trials produce vast amounts of logistical waste, particularly in packaging and consumables used for single shipments. At Arca, we combat this with:

• Reusable Packaging and Temperature Loggers: Designed for return and refurbishment, our multi-use systems significantly reduce material waste across all temperature ranges.

• Carbon Offset Programmes: We offer the ability to offset the carbon footprint of every delivery, helping clients meet ESG goals and contribute to climate commitments.

• Optimised Route Planning: Our route validation technology ensures we choose the most efficient paths, reducing emissions from repeat deliveries or extended transit.

Not only does this approach lower your environmental impact, it also reduces costs associated with waste, repurchasing, and administrative oversight.

Ready to reduce your carbon footprint without compromising on quality? Ask us about our sustainable logistics solutions.

Reliability: Building Confidence with Consistency

In clinical trials, reliability is paramount. Missed delivery windows or damaged goods aren’t just an inconvenience—they can affect patient safety, data integrity, and regulatory approval. That’s why we focus on building systems of trust and transparency:

• Arca Live Portal: Our proprietary tracking platform gives sponsors, sites, and patients access to live location and temperature data for every shipment.

• Validated Packaging: We use only industry-proven packaging that maintains product integrity across transit types and durations.

• Standardised Customs Procedures: We pre-approve and validate customs documentation and clearance processes, speeding up international delivery and reducing delays.

• Trained Couriers: Our drivers are trained in life sciences handling and patient interaction, adding a human layer of reassurance in the last mile.

By maintaining consistency in both cost and transit performance, Arca empowers clinical teams to focus on science—not shipment stress.

Time and Efficiency: Freeing Up Valuable Research Hours

Most professionals managing logistics in DTP trials are not logistics experts. They’re study coordinators, pharmacists, and clinical researchers wearing multiple hats. The time and frustration spent coordinating shipments, tracking delays, or resolving errors can lead to serious productivity losses.

Our solutions are built to make logistics frictionless:

• 84% Average Time Reduction in Pre-Shipment Processes: Thanks to our streamlined Arca Live portal and dedicated support team.

• Single-Point Coordination: Say goodbye to managing multiple carriers, warehouses, and vendors. Arca becomes your central logistics partner.

• Automation and Integration: Our systems are designed to integrate with your trial management software and reduce manual intervention.

Struggling with logistics management? Let Arca take the weight off your team’s shoulders.

Overcoming Last Mile Barriers

Temperature Excursions

One of the most common risks in last mile delivery is exposure to improper temperatures. Our validated, pre-conditioned packaging is tested to maintain stability across various environmental conditions. Combined with real-time alerts from our sensors, we proactively intervene before excursions occur.

Missed Deliveries

To mitigate the risk of missed delivery attempts, we offer flexible scheduling, pre-delivery contact with patients, and escalation protocols that ensure urgent deliveries receive priority handling.

Urban vs. Rural Accessibility

Whether your trial involves participants in city centres or remote locations, our national and international courier network ensures coverage without compromise.

Patient Engagement and Trust

Our drivers and delivery partners are trained to handle sensitive deliveries respectfully and confidentially. Where needed, we offer white-glove delivery services and patient helplines to answer delivery-related questions in real-time.

The Human Factor: Supporting Patients and Site Teams

The shift to DTP trials doesn’t remove the importance of human connection—it enhances it. Patients appreciate the convenience but also need reassurance that their treatments are in safe hands. By offering visibility, secure handling, and dependable scheduling, Arca helps improve the patient experience and ultimately supports retention.

Moreover, by taking logistical pressure off research sites, we enable clinical staff to dedicate more energy to patient care and data accuracy—where it truly belongs.

We’re not just delivering packages. We’re helping deliver confidence, care, and continuity in every trial.

Looking Ahead: The Evolution of Direct-to-Patient Models

As decentralised trials become standard, the role of logistics partners like Arca will only grow in importance. Technology will continue to evolve, but the fundamental need for trust, precision, and efficiency will remain.

We’re currently investing in:

• AI-driven predictive analytics to forecast delays and optimise delivery windows.

• Expanded reusable packaging programmes to reduce emissions further.

• Next-generation courier training to ensure our people are as advanced as our technology.

Arca BioLogistics is committed to being more than a service provider—we are a strategic partner in the future of clinical trial delivery.

Solving the Last Mile with Arca

Improving the last mile in Direct-to-Patient trial models isn’t just a logistical challenge—it’s a responsibility. One that affects patient wellbeing, research accuracy, and trial success.

At Arca BioLogistics, we combine the pillars of sustainability, reliability, and efficiency to help our clients meet this challenge head-on. Through reusable packaging, real-time monitoring, and a human-first approach, we enable research teams to focus on delivering science—not parcels.

If your organisation is navigating the complexities of DTP models and struggling with last mile delivery, we’re here to help.

Get in touch with Arca BioLogistics today to discover how we can support your next clinical trial with confidence and care.