Every stage of the pharmaceutical supply chain is critical if life-saving drugs are to make it to market – and the patients who need them – on time.
However, global challenges continue to frustrate sponsors and suppliers alike. Extreme weather events, geopolitical disruption, and changing regulations have all impacted the smooth functioning of logistics processes in recent years. Moreover, the rise of cell and gene therapies (CGTs) and other complex drugs requires reliable temperature control and specialised logistics, which further complicates transportation procedures.
All this comes at a time when demand for pharmaceutical products is only going up: according to the FDA Drugs Shortage Database, in the US, increased demand was the most common reason for supply chain challenges, closely followed by active ingredient shortages, manufacture discontinue, and shipping delays.
Investing in an end-to-end chain partner that can cover all stages of the supply chain provides significant strategic benefits within this complex, changeable ecosystem, including reduced costs and expedited timelines.
How end-to-end logistics support pharma development
Pandemics, armed conflict, natural disasters, trade wars, and regulatory uncertainty have all played their part in complicating pharmaceutical supply chains over the past decade. Such events have proven time and again the value of flexible, resilient supply chain partners who can adapt to changing circumstances and keep up with industry advancements, all while getting products to their destinations on time. Failure to meet the right regulations or deadlines can result in unforeseen expenses and damaged material, ultimately delaying the advancement of pharmaceutical treatment.
Delay at one stage of the logistics process can have significant knock-on effects. Through oversight of the complete supply chain, an end-to-end logistics provider can adopt a big-picture approach without losing sight of important details. From cold chain management to safety protocols and regulatory adherence, end-to-end providers provide the expertise that limits unnecessary delays and ensures agility in a fast-moving pharma landscape.
Moreover, as pharma pivots towards precision medicine, including CGTs and advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs), it is essential that logistics providers have the specialised knowledge that can protect delicate shipments throughout the supply chain cycle. GlobalData now predicts that the CGT market will be worth $79bn by 2030: unlocking this value will be much simpler with a logistics partner who can implement a holistic cold chain management strategy to ensure the integrity of these essential therapies.
Supporting effective logistics strategies
Specialising in temperature-controlled solutions, World Courier is a leading biopharma logistics company that can oversee pharma supply chains from discovery to delivery. With 4,000 team members spread across over 50 countries, it is well positioned to deliver essential therapies, clinical trial materials, and pharmaceutical ingredients to pharma teams worldwide.
At its Climate Optimisation and Research Engineering (CORE) Labs in Germany, World Courier leverages experienced-based data from its global network to create optimal supply chain plans that reduce cost and improve security. Additionally, dedicated customs brokerage team and proactive risk management planning ensures that flexibility and reliability is inbuilt into their service from the beginning.
Experts in temperature-controlled logistics, including at cryogenic temperatures, World Courier are enabling the growth of cell and gene therapies. The company’s comprehensive regulatory offering and strategic vision ensures these time-sensitive drugs reach their destination on time, even amid global disruption. For clinicians and healthcare providers, World Courier’s expert guiding eye could make all the difference when spoiled shipments frequently obstruct successful CGT scale-up.
A complete logistics service
Comprehensive logistics infrastructure is the backbone of the pharmaceutical industry: without expert providers such as World Courier, it would be impossible for materials and medicines to reach those who need them.
As the stability of supply chains continues to fluctuate, comprehensive logistics support is essential. World Courier’s end-to-end, data-driven solutions are helping clinicians and healthcare providers gain an advantage, thereby accelerating advancement in the pharmaceutical industry. To learn more about World Courier’s specialist services and how they help optimise supply chain capabilities, download the free whitepaper below.
