UPS expands healthcare logistics services

The Atlanta, Ga.-based shipping and logistics provider said it is expanding its healthcare logistics services to better support clinical trials of drugs and vaccines.    UPS is expanding its healthcare logistics services to better support clinical trials of drugs and vaccines, the Atlanta-based company said Tuesday.
   Among the investments are a simple shipping system for clinical investigator sites, an expansion of the healthcare control tower network that can constantly monitor and manage the movement of sensitive materials and specimens, 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. UPS said it uses a network of specialty couriers to help make critical deliveries.
   Biopharma innovation, including the emergence of personalized therapies and growing direct-to-patient trends, are expected to increase research and development needs.
   “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 can help reduce product loss or damage,” Habib N’Konou, senior operations director for clinical trials, said in a statement.
   UPS uses air freight and ground parcel delivery to transport specimen kits, investigational medicines, related supplies and medical devices to and from investigation sites, research organizations and diagnostic centers.
   UPS offers a basket of services for healthcare and life science companies. It’s network includes temperature-sensitive storage and transportation (from ambient and controlled-room temperature, to frozen and cryogenics), 24-7 monitoring and security, and a single global IT order management platform. The company has more than 50 healthcare-dedicated facilities around the world.