Streamlining Cold Chains: Benefiting patients and improving efficiencies

Pharmaceutical companies face tremendous challenges in managing cold supply chains in today’s complex, global market. Regulations are more stringent than ever. Distribution networks create logistical complications with multiple transport vehicles and transit points. Clinical trials are increasingly taking place in emerging markets and supplying vaccines to distant clinics in hot climates served by poorly developed transport networks can be a daunting and expensive proposition. Properly adhering to local rules, regulations, culture and Customs in different countries can be extremely difficult. To navigate these increasingly turbulent waters and address the needs of patients, pharmaceutical companies must work with trusted pharma logistics partners that understand the nuances of the global cold chain process and have local relationships and expertise in key countries. An unbroken cold chain of uninterrupted storage and distribution activities is critical to ensure the safety and efficacy of vaccines and drugs. Logistics providers must have the experience to build a sufficient data set that clearly demonstrates their processes are in compliance with various country regulations. All processes that might impact the safety or quality of the drug substance need to be validated, including storage and distribution. Distribution – especially to the end patient – can be difficult and complicated. Maintaining a continuous cold chain throughout all transit points requires in-depth expertise and supplier relationships across the world. Along with standard practices such as insulated boxes and dry ice, some logistics providers are using innovative, temperature-control monitors that are installed directly on shipping containers to guarantee temperature consistency throughout the supply chain. Aging warehouses across the world must be monitored to ensure airconditioning is constantly maintained at the same temperature. Temperatures are increasingly being controlled electronically through monitors from floor to ceiling in every part of the warehouse that trigger alarms when there are anomalies. Logistics providers must also develop and maintain meticulous internal documentation systems that serve as a central repository to track information across the supply chain. These systems – which should include many layers of quality control – monitor equipment status and product temperature history across the entire supply chain. Each step of the supply chain must follow established protocols and maintain proper records. Customs delays occur due to inaccurate or incomplete paperwork, so basic guidelines for creating a commercial invoice should be followed. By partnering with experienced logistics providers that understand the complexities of implementing sophisticated, effective supply chain strategies, pharmaceutical companies can not only ensure patient safety, but significantly streamline operations. An emerging trend is the adoption of centralised warehouse solutions by companies in Europe that require the distinctive competence of third party logistics providers to execute. For example, one of CEVA’s customers in Europe has been able to reduce its number of warehouses from 19 to four across the continent, creating greater efficiency through inventory control and cost savings due to reduction in space and facilities. Because, we, at CEVA, were able to secure cooperation between health ministries from various countries with myriad regulations, the pharmaceutical provider can now serve its customers in multiple markets from the same warehouse in the four regions. Pharmaceutical companies have an obligation to ensure their drugs are being safely and promptly delivered to patients. By working hand-in-hand with experienced pharma logistics providers, these companies can create efficient global supply chains that ensure patient safety and cost savings that can be used to research the next life-saving treatment.