a strong case for rethinking your cold chain strategy
An optimAl cold chAin strAtegy requires A fit for purpose SingLE-USE
REUSABLE
Affordable one-way shipments
Wide range of reusable shippers
Chronos™ Advance
Credo Cube™
Reusable and single-use cold chain shipping containers each offer compelling value propositions. For most companies, an optimized supply chain requires strategic use of both options. Pelican BioThermal offers the most comprehensive range of both single-use and reusable temperature-controlled shippers from 2L to 96L
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:
(pallet shipper). Just as important, our cold chain consultants can help you develop an optimized strategy that results in the lowest total cost of ownership — and the best product quality outcomes. We’ve got every cold chain challenge covered.
To learn more about our newest products and services, call 877.537.9800 to speak with one of our knowledgeable Sales Team Members, or go to: www.pelicanbiothermal.com
The Global Name in Cold Chain
Mar
Delivering solutions industry w
Supporting over 49,000 investigator sites in more than 15 temperature-sensitive and life-saving pharmaceutic
Written by: Stephanie C. Ocano
rken
for the life sciences worldwide
150 countries, Marken globally transports and distributes cals, clinical trial supplies, and specimen collections
o
Produced by: Jason Wright 3
MARKEN
Marken
T
o remain a world leader in supply chain logistics for 35 years, it takes determination, experience, the right team, and continuous innovation, all of which Marken has no shortage. By integrating depot and logistics services into solutions that extend the reach of clinical trials to even the most remote regions of the world, Marken has bridged the distance between the patient and the essential resources of life science companies. “Over the last four years, we have continually remained ahead of our competition,� said Wes Wheeler, 4
October 2015
CEO of Marken, citing technology, investments and personalized services as the driving factors during a recent interview. Having been in the business of operating facilities and companies for over 35 years, Wheeler knows more than just a thing or two about successfully running an organization. With GlaxoSmithKline and Exxon Mobile on his impressive resume, Wheeler was initially attracted to join Marken because of its positive reputation, global positioning and efforts for expansion. These were also influencing factors for Ariette van Strien to join
S U P P LY C H A I N D I G I TA L / H E A LT H C A R E G L O B A L
Bio System Boxes
Marken, CCO, and Dan Bell, VP for Regulatory Compliance and Technical Affairs. “The initial attraction was the potential, and the continued attraction is the success that we have,” said van Strien, whose primary responsibility is to drive Marken forward with the right clients. “Marken is the best company around for specialized logistics, and I wanted to work for the company at the top of the list and apply my own knowledge,” said Bell. All three executives take pride in working for a specialized logistics and supply chain provider that is solely dedicated to pharma and the life sciences industry. Identifying themselves as a vital link to transport pharmaceuticals to patients, Marken as an organization plays an important role within the clinical research industry for supply
“We don’t just speak logistics, we speak pharma; we are not just transportation people, we are pharma people” – Wes Wheeler, CEO
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Global Temperature-Controlled Packaging Solutions
imperium
™
pallet Shipper solutions Imperium™ Elite ● 144 hour 2-8˚C universal design ● Advanced phase change materials for robust thermal protection ● Vacuum-Insulated panels for maximum performance duration
Imperium™ Plus ● 120 hour 2-8˚C universal design ● Advanced phase change materials for robust thermal protection ● Economical EPS insulation
Imperium™
● 96 hour 2-8˚C seasonal design
Patent Pending
● 120 hour 2-25˚C universal design ● Economical water-based refrigerants ● Economical EPS insulation
FORTIS
PCm six Shipper solutions
● Universal pack-outs for 2º to 8ºC shipments ● Designed with PCM6 refrigerant brick cassettes ● Domestic and international solutions ● Multiple payload sizes ● Pre-qualified to ISTA 7D ● All refrigerants are pre-conditioned at a single temperature ● Neopor® coolers for added insulation and stability ● Global availability
Inmark Headquarters 675 Hartman Road Suite 100 Austell, Georgia 30168, USA Tel: +1 770 373 3300 Sales@InmarkPackaging.com
Europe Office Inmark Europe BV Lissenveld 49 4941 VL Raamsdonksveer Netherlands Tel: +31 (0)162 748 100 InmarkEU@InmarkPackaging.com
For more information, visit www.InmarkPackaging.com
Asia Office Inmark SG Pte. Ltd. 17 Tuas Avenue 9 Singapore 639197 Tel: +65 6861 7108 InmarkAP@InmarkPackaging.com @InmarkPackaging Company/InmarkPackaging InmarkPackaging
MARKEN
S U P P LY C H A I N D I G I TA L / H E A LT H C A R E G L O B A L
chain services related to drug development and disease control. With over 50,000 temperaturecontrolled shipments each month, and a staff of 600+ individuals across the globe, how does one company answer the needs of a global population while consistently advancing amidst a hypercompetitive market? Step 1: Pursue innovation Marken constantly reviews technology and new services to ensure they are meeting the needs of clients and the industry trends.. Marken consistently and
SUPPLIER PROFILE
constantly evaluates the technology of the market’s packaging solutions. As a global provider, entering geographic locations with high or inconsistent temperature ranges can pose a threat to the quality and efficacy of materials being shipped. It’s important to seek out packaging solutions that offer longer duration of temperature stability as well as higher payload capacity. In order to maintain the stability of drugs, blood samples and other biologic materials, thermo-isolating materials are integrated into specialty outer packaging so that clients can rest assured knowing
INMARK PACKAGING
Inmark Packaging was incorporated in 1975 with a focus in the distribution of glass, plastic and metal containers for various industries, including: food, beverage, cosmetic, chemical and coatings. In the ensuing four decades, while our original focus remains a core aspect of our business, we have expanded greatly to meet evolving needs in the marketplace. Currently operating out of six (6) locations in the United States, one (1) location in Singapore and one (1) location in the United Kingdom, Inmark has distribution across North America, Asia, United Kingdom and South America. Website: www.inmarkpackaging.com
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We’re more than a cool box. We’re your partner. our packaging experts are ready to solve your most urgent cool chain needs
Advanced insulation & PCM
temp
Frozen | 2-8°c | crt
Prequalified protection
Modular design
Universal pack-out Optimized size & weight
With your specific payload and shipment requirements in mind, we offer custom and off-the-shelf packaging solutions utilizing advanced technologies. - Reliable package performance – works every time - Designed to be simple – easy to use - Efficient – optimized size and weight - Low total cost of ownership – AeroLoop reuse program www.americanaerogel.com | +1 585 328 2140 | info@americanaerogel.com
MARKEN
S U P P LY C H A I N D I G I TA L / H E A LT H C A R E G L O B A L
their materials will sustain their temperatures for longer periods of time without interruption. “More efficient insulating materials used in thermal packaging also allows for a higher payload by placing more product in less boxes. This can maintain or reduce shipping costs,” said Bell. Significant investments have also been made to internal IT systems. With two main software platforms— Marken Solo and Marken Maestro— managing the inventory of drugs and tracking shipments is truly state of the art. “Managing shipments from start
SUPPLIER PROFILE
to finish is critical, not just to us but to our clients as well,” added Bell. “Today’s technology includes integration of remote GPS devices into the IT systems.” Bell explains that Marken incorporates GPS tracking systems to remotely monitor not just the location of a shipment, but the environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, pressure, shock, and vibration as well. “We are constantly looking for what’s going to make our clients’ lives easier, giving them the assurance that their shipments are being handled in an appropriate
AMERICAN AEROGEL
More Than a Cool Box. A Partner. American Aerogel provides life science companies with high quality insulated packaging solutions for the protection of temperature sensitive payloads. Since the beginning, we set out to revolutionize temperature sensitive shipping with our high performance products. In addition to a standard product range, we have a team of dedicated engineers ready to solve your most difficult shipping challenges by designing, building and qualifying custom solutions for your specific needs. Our customers have been consistently amazed at how well our products protect their contents from unpredictable, harsh, and seasonal ambient conditions – a track record we are proud of. Website: www.americanaerogel.com w w w. m a r k e n . c o m
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C O M PA N Y N A M E
Marken’s kit production service is a turnkey solution allowing your biological samples to be processed with the speed, service and quality your clinical trial demands.
“[Finding a solution] has become a part of our DNA” – Ariette van Strien, CCO
10
October 2015
manner,” said Bell. “In the case of software, Marken and our clients have complete visibility both in real time and in terms of metrics,” he added. “Both of our systems allow us to extract data and make quicker, more meaningful decisions about our operations.” While the pharmaceutical industry in general is behind in integrating the latest technology trends, Marken separates itself from competition by maintaining the leadership role in driving the
SECTOR
industry forward to offer the best services possible. “We want to make sure that Marken remains ahead of the curve, and using technology allows us to make smart decisions and deliver the best value,� concluded Bell. Marken is a leader in direct to patient shipments for the pharmaceutical industry so that shipments can be handled without compromising a clinical trial protocol. Patient recruitment and retention are two of the biggest challenges, but bringing the
Ariette Van Strien
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Reusable thermal packaging solutions protecting your products and patients Next Generation VIP Thermal Packaging •
Product line: from small modular boxes to double pallet containers • Suprior thermal performance without any external energy supply • Passive temperature control for ranges from less than -50C to CRT • Qualified performance from 24 to 230 hours
va-Q-tec USA Inc . 1 Meadowlands Plaza . Suite 200 . East Rutherford . New Jersey Tel. 201-340-2727 . Fax 201-340-2601 . www.va-Q-tec.com . usa@va-Q-tec.com
MARKEN
S U P P LY C H A I N D I G I TA L / H E A LT H C A R E G L O B A L
trial to the patient’s home increases willingness to participate and may provide better retention and compliance. “Marken will continue to grow, adapt, and evolve our Direct to Patient services for the industry. Client feedback indicates that the patient-centric focus is on a fast pace of growth. In fact, Marken was recently granted permission by the government to deliver the first direct to patient shipment of clinical drug product in Korea. This precedent-setting shipment has allowed several patients in South Korea to continue receiving their clinical trial drugs during the outbreak of Middle East Respiratory System (MERS),” Van Strien said
Dan Bell
Step 2: Operate with excellence
SUPPLIER PROFILE
VA-Q-TEC AG
va-Q-tec AG is a global high-tech company operating in the field of thermal insulation. The company’s mission is “Creating energy efficiency for a clean environment”. Located in Germany, UK, USA, Korea and Latin America they serve global customers in the pharmaceutical, logistics, construction, automotive and home appliance industries. For 15 years, va-Q-tec has been the global leader in providing innovative next generation insulating solutions. The company focuses on energy efficiency, space reduction, and environmentally friendly vacuum insulation panels solutions. va-Q-tec also manufacturers high-performance thermal packaging, passive airfreight containers, sophisticated phase change materials. Website: www.va-q-tec.com w w w. m a r k e n . c o m
13
a strong case for rethinking your cold chain strategy
An optimAl cold chAin strAtegy requires A fit for purpose SingLE-USE
REUSABLE
Affordable one-way shipments
Wide range of reusable shippers
Chronos™ Advance
Credo Cube™
Reusable and single-use cold chain shipping containers each offer compelling value propositions. For most companies, an optimized supply chain requires strategic use of both options. Pelican BioThermal offers the most comprehensive range of both single-use and reusable temperature-controlled shippers from 2L to 96L (pallet shipper). Just as important, our cold chain consultants can help you develop an optimized strategy that results in the lowest total cost of ownership — and the best product quality outcomes. We’ve got every cold chain challenge covered.
To learn more about our newest products and services, call 877.537.9800 to speak with one of our knowledgeable Sales Team Members, or go to: www.pelicanbiothermal.com
The Global Name in Cold Chain
MARKEN
S U P P LY C H A I N D I G I TA L / H E A LT H C A R E G L O B A L
Marken has its own operational excellence program that is based on LEAN and Six Sigma principles. Towards the end of 2014, key charters, quality control issues and interactions between global functions were evaluated to determine what could be improved. The result was the creation of a welldefined program that could monitor and measure targeted areas on specific accounts. “I believe in the principles of applying very stringent tools on how you measure your business, how you can streamline activities by leaning them out and reducing the number of steps,” Wheeler said. “We are applying that in a very rigorous way here that extends all the way into new IT systems and how we can reduce certain staff and steps by integrating systems across the company. There are multiple projects and Dan [Bell] is at the center of that, measuring them every month.” “The industry itself has done a very good job of identifying what key performance indicators should be,” explained Bell, “but I believe we lead in developing those.”
In addition to looking internally, Marken has also developed a key account management program to build client satisfaction. “We meet with [our clients] on a very regular basis in order to understand the strategy they need, align our goals and develop services,” said Van Strien. “We make it easy for our clients to work with us.” Maintaining the quality of staff and recruiting fast enough to support the company’s growth has been a challenge for Marken—but not one that couldn’t be overcome. After almost doubling their staff from 375 employees four years ago to 600 employees now, Marken realized there are key valuable attributes shared amongst their employees. “We realized that there was a willingness to create and a drive to take ownership,” explained van Strien. “Those are the kind of people we are attracting and who are very successful within our company. When it comes down to it, we are the ones who will be called for any of the complicated supply chain challenges that happen every day w w w. m a r k e n . c o m
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MARKEN
throughout the world, so we need to attract a very specific mindset of strong, creative employees worldwide, and I think we do it really well.”
despite airline closures, Marken has always found a solution for success. “We remember that there’s always a patient behind each shipment, and you become very creative not to give up and to find the best solution,” van Step 3: Continue to Surpass and Strien said. Improve “It’s become a part of our DNA,” Marken ensures the delivery of she added. “We have always been shipments on time thanks to the extremely good at that and it’s our company’s knowledge of life passion to make sure everything is science, regulatory experience, a done on time.” global depot network, and at times, just sheer determination of its Step 4: Plan for future growth employees. Wheeler, van Strien, Bell and the From traversing through an entire team at Marken have spent earthquake in Chile to delivering the past four years building a medicine to a sick child in Australia strong foundation for success. 16
October 2015
S U P P LY C H A I N D I G I TA L / H E A LT H C A R E G L O B A L
Company Information INDUSTRY
Logistics and Supply Chain HEADQUARTERS
4307 Emperor Blvd, Suite 210 Durham, NC United States 27703
Now, as Wheeler puts it, the company is ready to “make a lot of noise.” As the supply chain industry continues to evolve, becoming more direct-to-patient, Marken will be there to set the standards of excellence. With 10 established depots worldwide and plans to expand portfolio services, is there really anything this company can’t do? “We have the edge on technology, the knowhow, the service and have global and regional agreements with almost all of the key players on the clinical side,” said Wheeler. “We don’t just speak logistics, we speak pharma; we are not just transportation people, we are pharma people. We are 100 percent dedicated to this industry.” “We’ll continue to make a lot of progress over the next 12 months,” he concluded.
FOUNDED
1980 EMPLOYEES
600
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LOGO
4307 Emperor Blvd, Suite 210 Durham, NC, United States, 27703 www.marken.com