Marken is the clinical and advanced therapy subsidiary of UPS Healthcare offering a state-of-the-art GMP-compliant depot network and logistics hubs for clinical drug product storage and distribution. The single-source supply chain and logistics solutions provider stores enormous quantities of vaccines for distribution to destinations around the world. In addition, Marken maintains the leading position for cell and gene therapy services, direct-to-patient and home healthcare services, biological sample shipments and biological kit production. Additional services such as ancillary material sourcing, storage and distribution, shipment lane verification and qualifications, as well as GDP, regulatory and compliance consultancy add to Marken’s unique position in the pharma and logistics industry. In this Q&A, Mark Taylor, Senior Depot Manager at Marken, discusses current trends in drug storage and distribution and how Marken is meeting the challenges of maintaining healthy supply chains for its customers.

Contract Pharma: What are the current trends impacting the drug storage and distribution sector, and what challenges have these trends presented to pharmaceutical logistics service providers?

Mark Taylor: With the development and distribution of temperature sensitive drugs, including biologics and vaccines, the continued need for cold chain logistics and storage remains. The need for resilience also remains, often by diversifying sourcing and implementing risk management strategies to mitigate disruptions.

CP: How is Marken adapting its drug storage and distribution strategies to align with the latest pharma trends, particularly with the increase in personalized medicine and biologics?

Mark: Our President, Ariette Van Strien, had the incredible foresight to invest in ultra-low freezers (ULTs) and LN2 storage throughout our network back in 2019 and 2020. The full Marken clinical GMP network holds -20°C and -80°C storage capabilities. Our 268 x ULTs are adaptable and capable of accommodating temperature ranges from -40°C to -85°C. In addition, we continue to invest in LN2 storage, and this is available in 6 locations today.

CP: What technology is Marken leveraging to address these trends and challenges, especially in terms of ensuring the integrity and security of sensitive pharmaceutical shipments?

Mark: Marken has integrated, cutting-edge technology, in the form of packaging, software and infrastructure to achieve optimal cold chain management through meeting the specific temperature range for these products. Our capabilities include the Sentry 600 Cap LN2 solution and the Marken Monarch pallet solution. In addition, our portfolio features secure closed loop supply chain services, end-to-end visibility through data driven tracking solutions, and rapid lane mapping.

CP: Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in all sectors. What initiatives has Marken undertaken to minimize its environmental impact while maintaining or enhancing logistical efficiency?

Mark: At Marken, our global teams strive to implement policies and operational efficiencies to reduce our environmental impact and make us a socially responsible company. We design our services and packaging to reduce consumption of natural resources, minimize waste generated by our operations and encourage high rates of reuse and recycling. We are committed to greenhouse gas emissions reductions, optimizing renewable energy sourcing, utilizing electric vehicles and closed loop logistics solutions.

CP: What are the keys to providing (and maintaining) an effective and resilient supply chain for your customers?

Mark: Planning, planning and more planning. We use risk mitigation strategies that have been rigorously tested with layers of contingencies. Also, by maintaining Current Good Distribution Practices (cGDP) across our global network, Marken ensures operations maintain the same high-quality standards. This not only strengthens our supply chain but also streamlines regulatory compliance worldwide, allowing us to navigate diverse international requirements with greater efficiency.

Marken utilizes cutting-edge software for real-time transparency and leverages that data to inform on inventory levels, location, and temperature conditions. This ensures complete transparency throughout the supply chain, minimizing spoilage risk and facilitating proactive issue identification.

In addition, we prioritize the security and integrity of our products throughout the supply chain through robust security protocols encompassing access control measures, advanced monitoring systems, and rigorous transportation protocols to safeguard products against theft, contamination, or damage. Furthermore, we invest heavily in training all personnel involved in the logistics process on cGDP. This comprehensive training ensures a deep understanding of regulations and quality standards, fostering a culture of compliance across our global network. This unwavering commitment to security and compliance allows us to deliver products with confidence, knowing they meet the highest quality benchmarks.

CP: Looking towards the future, what emerging trends do you believe will significantly impact drug storage and distribution logistics, and how is Marken preparing to address these trends?

Mark: Marken continues focus on temperature sensitive shipments, last mile delivery optimization, regulatory compliance and traceability, personalized medicine and decentralized clinical trials, sustainability, globalization and emerging markets.

Optimized stakeholder communication is also key. Marken knows seamless communication is essential for success and bridging gaps to outside organizations, their departmental matrix, and partners is critical. This transparency ensures everyone stays informed about product updates, potential shortages, and recalls.

Marken’s agile, resilient supply chain is elevated through quality focused, cross-trained employees, who have insight on the big picture into how our supply chain works and the roles different employees play in accomplishing the most difficult projects. This allows us to swiftly share critical information and adapt to inevitable disruptions to maximize quality and customer service.

We leverage unified, streamlined technology platforms for clear, integrated communication across our network. This simplifies workflows, promotes efficient issue reporting and facilitates the timely sharing of information regarding product updates, recalls, and potential stock shortages.

Lastly, Marken implements standardized protocols for transparent communication to outside organizations to ensure consistent reporting of issues and foster trust with our stakeholders. We use a variety of processes and platforms to maintain proper communication across inter-organizational channels.