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Supply Chain or Distribution Failure
Supply chain risk is broadening and becoming more complex, extending well beyond keeping shipping vessels moving or suppliers’ manufacturing facilities intact.
Industry Overview
Life Sciences
Accelerating Innovation in an Increasingly Volatile Sector
From early-stage biotechnology start-ups to large multinational pharmaceuticals, the life sciences industry relies on innovation to meet shifting demands in health and improve treatment outcomes around the globe. However, emerging and established risks force organisations to operate in a volatile environment. While navigating research and development challenges, supply chain impacts and barriers to commercial sales, businesses also find themselves swept up in the fight for talent.
Finding new ways to cost-effectively manage risk and attract and retain a digitally-savvy workforce will accelerate innovation to create greater efficiencies, develop personalised medical treatments and access new markets. But with ever-evolving regulation, governance and production interruptions impacting the pace of progress, businesses across this sector must be resilient, investing in end-to-end solutions for their risk and human capital, as well as workforce health and wellbeing to protect vital talent.
Top 5 Current Risks
According to our latest Global Risk Management Survey, the biggest risks facing the Life Sciences industry include:
Report
Better Decisions on Risk Capital and Human Capital for Life Sciences
From the global powerhouses of big pharma to the niche start-ups and technology giants venturing into the healthtech space, technology has transformed the opportunities and risks for life sciences businesses. Both innovation and digitalisation have been fundamental for the research, production and distribution of medicine and medical devices.
More Insights
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Article
Navigating Risk in Life Sciences: Building Resilience to Support Growth
Faced with fragile supply chains, regulatory upheaval and rising competition, life sciences firms are reframing risk as a strategic enabler – using analytics and alternative capital to protect innovation and unlock growth.
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Article
Geopolitical Volatility: Preparing for the Unpredictable
Geopolitical volatility ranks ninth globally in 2025 — and is forecast to rise to fifth by 2028. With conflict, trade disruption and political instability on the rise, organisations must monitor global developments, regularly assess operational exposure and conduct scenario planning.
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Article 12 mins
Life Sciences at the Crossroads: Innovation, Access and Rising Healthcare Costs
Innovation has always driven growth in life sciences. Yet today, it’s not enough to keep organisations relevant and resilient. As global healthcare changes rapidly, the future of care depends on how well leaders align their breakthroughs with real-world healthcare delivery, affordability and trust.
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Article
Cyber Risk: Turning Uncertainty into Opportunity
Cyber risk tops the global risk agenda in 2025 — and is forecast to retain the number one position through to 2028. As digital threats evolve, organisations should strengthen resilience, quantify exposure and adapt their risk strategy.
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Article 6 mins
Delivering Critical Cargo: Why Stock Throughput Insurance Matters to Life Sciences Leaders
Patient access to critical life sciences products is at risk when supply chains are disrupted. In a dynamic risk landscape, organisations are leveraging stock throughput insurance along with advanced risk strategies to ensure continuity, compliance and reputation.
