Returns

Returns in clinical trials are the cyclic return of unused, expired, or damaged clinical trial supplies from study sites. These activities allow investigational product (IP) and related supplies to be appropriately accounted for, stored or discarded to regulatory requirements. Returns management ensures the integrity of the trial by minimizing unauthorized product usage and facilitating accurate inventory reconciliation. It also upholds ethical and environmental standards by facilitating responsible management of surplus supplies through reuse, destruction or safe disposal. A mature returns process reduces risk and improves transparency of operations. Inventory management systems, barcode scanning and other technologies can streamline the process of tracking and recording returned supplies, ensuring nothing gets lost in the shuffle.