UPS expands clinical trial logistics capabilities

UPS is expanding its global healthcare-specific capabilities to support clinical trials. The company has said that its investments in a range of specialized solutions will help pharmaceutical companies and clinical investigators move sensitive materials and specimens globally, particularly in and out of complex geographies.

UPS added that it has made improvements specifically targeted to meet strict clinical trial logistics requirements. The enhancements include: development of a shipping system for clinical investigator sites; an expansion of the healthcare control tower network, package intercept and re-icing capabilities; and upgraded operations to move temperature-sensitive biological specimens in and out of more than 60 countries more efficiently.

“As innovation in the biopharma industry evolves — and with the emergence of personalized therapies and growing direct-to-patient trends — research and development activity will only increase around the world. Our cost-effective portfolio streamlines logistics for clinical trials into one global network across sometimes remote, hard-to-reach locations,” said Habib N’Konou, UPS senior operations director for clinical trials.

“With drug research taking years at a cost in the billions, a product loss or damage, including falling out of temperature range, could mean a costly setback. Our recent improvements to our network will reduce product loss or damage.”