DHL launches Japan’s first 3PL-operated clinical trial logistics hub
DHL announced the launch of Tokyo-based Clinical Trial Logistics Hub following the successful implementation of its first customer, a leading global pharmaceutical company. DHL’s Clinical Trial Logistics Hub is located in Yashio, Shinagawa-ku and has been providing services since May 2007. This hub is the first of its kind in Japan to be operated by a Third Party Logistics (3PL) provider and specifically designed to meet the logistical needs of pharmaceutical companies conducting clinical trials in Japan.
In this logistics hub, DHL Exel Supply Chain offers pharmaceutical companies a clinical trial materials supply chain solution, including warehousing and transport, to streamline track and trace capabilities, enhance quality performance management, and improve operational processes strictly managed under the policies and procedures dictated by the pharmaceutical industry’s Good Clinical Practices (GCP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and Good Distribution Practices (GDP) standards. The DHL-managed operations can handle clinical trial materials in two temperature zones (temperature: 2-8°C and 15-25°C) with strict controls for adherence to tolerances and automatic alarms and backup procedures and equipment. DHL also offers customized cold-chain packaging to maintain strict temperature tolerances during material dispatch to the investigator.
DHL aims to provide its pharmaceutical customers with improved visibility, control, and quality assurance of its clinical trial materials storage and shipping by leveraging DHL’s global pharmaceutical industry expertise, global distribution network, customs brokerage expertise, local logistics know-how, and information technology (IT) solutions.
DHL Exel Supply Chain is one of the business units in logistics in DPWN Group, operated under DHL Supply Chain Ltd. in Japan. The company currently meets a diverse range of logistics needs using leading-edge design, IT and project management methodologies. Its services enable reduction of cost, inventory and lead time and improvements in customer service through warehouse management, including Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) and service logistics, as well as domestic distribution and transport, reverse logistics, packaging design, disposal, and recycling.
