Biocair’s pharma packagings

BOXING CLEVER

PACKAGING • MAINTAINING CONDITIONS IN THE PHARMA SUPPLY CHAIN – ESPECIALLY FOR CLINICAL TRIALS – BEGINS WITH GETTING THE PACKAGING RIGHT, AS BIOCAIR EXPLAINS

DESPITE EXTENSIVE PLANNING, issues can arise when managing the transport of delicate and dangerous pharmaceutical goods. Ultimately, if the quality of these goods is compromised, the results can be disastrous, particularly for cargo requiring specialised temperature-specific packaging. Even something as small as receiving incorrect measurements from clients can drastically affect the shipping process and reduce packaging effectiveness.

Biocair, a specialist in managing cold chain logistics and handling sensitive goods, is using its knowledge to improve logistics processes. Two examples of the extreme variations in pharmaceutical goods transported by Biocair include 480,000 cell samples and an API that had to remain specifically between -40°C and -70°C – outside the operating boundaries for conventional solutions.

Ensuring packaging for dangerous goods is correct in a developed region or a facility owned and operated by the logistics company is easy, but things become trickier further afield. “Receiving the wrong cargo dimensions seems minute, but it can cause big issues such as inefficient temperature-controlled packaging and having to split cargo, leading to underutilised space and increased costs,” says Don Riach, UK operations director at Biocair.

PREPARATION IS KEY Riach explains some locations simply “do not have the facilities for cold storage, the capacity to store a large range of packaging solutions or even have access to a local dry ice manufacturer”. In these circumstances, Riach says solutions can include double-walling the shipment or even sending a separate container of replacement dry ice alongside. Biocair uses detailed packaging procedures, such as how to condition PCM’s, maintain equipment monitoring and alarm processes to ensure the units used are performing as desired, and to maintain excellent GDP.

To combat potential problems, precise documentation is needed to plan the optimum solution for the task, particularly when working internationally. Brian Padgett, US compliance manager at Biocair, explains how safeguarding a smooth process covering customs clearance for clinical trials to transport begins with “ensuring all required documentation and licensing is included”. Preparing documentation in a manner that accurately describes the material being shipped, such as HTS codes, FDA codes and clinical trial authorisation documents, provides the foundation for planning the best course of action.

Furthermore, tracking cargo is essential in monitoring goods during transport. Biocair’s MyCair track and trace system improves customer visibility of shipments by speaking to different airlines through their own tracking websites and then providing customers with notifications at key shipment stages.

The close tracking of all shipments serves to offset delays during transport. Should a delay strike, or the temperature is compromised, problems can be swiftly rectified. Being able to act quickly to preserve the quality and efficacy of pharmaceuticals ensures that the odds of losing a shipment are drastically reduced. Monitors are installed to check temperatures and GPS tracking is a recent addition to the services provided.

“If a client asks for the delivery to arrive 24 to 48 hours later, we will find a way to make that happen, even if the cargo is highly specialised,” says Riach. “We aren’t able to guess every customer’s needs, so we have to remain flexible and work diligently to provide the exact service needed.” Highlighting the need for accuracy when it comes to packaging, Riach points out that “losing or damaging even a single shipment through poor management can cost hundreds of thousands of pounds and can set clinical trials back months”. HCB www.biocair.com