Accelerating pharmacovigilance translation delivery through a dedicated global model
Case study
Overview
For a top five ICON sponsor, ICON Language Services redesigned its pharmacovigilance safety studies (PVSS) translation model to improve speed, consistency and cost efficiency. By creating a dedicated PVSS team, implementing a follow-the-sun operating model and strengthening the use of Translation Memories, ICON delivered a more streamlined service designed around the specific demands of pharmacovigilance.
-
99.7%
on-time delivery -
58%
cost reduction -
nearly 1M
translated words -
32
language pairs supported
Challenge
The sponsor required a more efficient and scalable approach to pharmacovigilance translations while maintaining quality and meeting strict regulatory deadlines. Key challenges included:
– Managing high volumes of safety-related content across multiple markets
– Meeting tight reporting and submission timelines
– Coordinating translations across numerous languages and regions
– Maximising reuse of existing translation assets to improve efficiency and reduce costs
Solution
Dedicated PVSS team
ICON established a dedicated team of project managers and linguistic specialists to provide continuity, streamline communication and support faster decision-making.
Global follow-the-sun delivery model
Projects were managed across regions, enabling continuous progress and helping accelerate turnaround times while supporting critical reporting deadlines.
Optimised translation technology and assets
Translation memories, glossaries and automated quality processes improved consistency, increased reuse of approved content and reduced translation costs.
Outcome
Through a dedicated pharmacovigilance translation delivery model, ICON improved operational efficiency, increased scalability and reduced costs while maintaining the high levels of quality required for safety reporting and regulatory submissions.
99.7% on-time delivery
The dedicated PVSS team and follow-the-sun delivery approach improved responsiveness and delivery performance, helping the sponsor consistently meet critical reporting timelines and submission requirements.
58% cost reduction
Greater reuse of approved translation assets, combined with streamlined delivery processes, reduced translation costs while maintaining quality, consistency and regulatory compliance.
Nearly 1M translated words
The operating model successfully supported high translation volumes, demonstrating the ability to scale efficiently without compromising delivery performance or language quality.
32 language pairs supported
Centralised project management and dedicated linguistic resources enabled efficient delivery across global markets while supporting consistency across regions and languages.
Broader business impact
Faster turnaround times
Projects were frequently delivered one to three days ahead of requested deadlines, helping support time-sensitive pharmacovigilance activities.
Greater scalability
The model successfully accommodated increasing translation volumes while maintaining service levels and delivery performance.
Improved consistency
Dedicated resources, structured workflows and optimised language assets enhanced continuity and consistency across projects.
Better cost control
Improved Translation Memory utilisation and increased content reuse delivered measurable cost savings while maintaining quality standards.