5 trends unfolding in the pharmaceutical supply chain

Expect gene-based therapies, ocean shipments and cost issues to have an impact on temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals and biologics in 2018.

Logistics companies, forwarders, and airlines will most likely begin to develop turnkey solutions that bundle packaging, pack/ship services, and all transport requirements into a single offering.
Logistics companies, forwarders, and airlines will most likely begin to develop turnkey solutions that bundle packaging, pack/ship services, and all transport requirements into a single offering.

1. In 2018, expect a more patient-centric approach to temperature-sensitive transportation, focusing on delivering gene-based therapies, a movement toward ocean shipments, and a scramble to serve growing markets in Russia, India and China.

“Because we now have the ability to use DNA and gene-based therapy, treatments can be customized to a specific patient’s needs. The scientific capability of utilizing DNA as raw material has been evolving over the last two to three years and that will continue,” predicts Kevin Lawler, VP of Worldwide Sales at Pelican BioThermal.

2. A second trend to watch for in the new year, Lawler asserts, is that while air freight remains a first choice for time-sensitive shipments, “expect to see continued movement in bulk freight from air to ocean in an effort to reduce costs.” Determining such costs can be challenging, but Lawler recommends companies understand all the components involved in the process. “Consider transport cost, packaging, risk, inventory carrying costs, environmental costs, possible regulations and, keep in mind, these components will vary by lane whether traveling globally or locally.”

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