A local asset for missioncritical vaccine distribution

Playing its part in helping the world find solutions to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, Renergen has developed Cryo-Vacc. This is an innovative and validated cold storage solution for global logistics providers who are responsible for the safe transportation of biologics and vaccines to the last mile.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers have unique complex supply chain requirements, particularly in the delivery of biologics and vaccines. These temperature-sensitive products require a number of handoffs between the manufacturing site, storage depots and on various modes of transport to reach their ultimate destination.

To meet these needs, Cryo-Vacc was designed and patented by Renergen, a domestic natural gas and helium producer based in Johannesburg. It ensures the efficient transportation and safe storage of ultra-cold biologics for periods of up to 35 days or longer in transit, where there is no access to an external power source.

Cryo-Vacc has a range of temperature settings, including -70°C, -20 °C and 2°C to 8°C, making it highly versatile for distributing vaccines. It is fitted with a system for constant remote temperature monitoring with alarm functionality, notifying the customer on their mobile and desktop of any temperature excursions beyond the defined boundaries of a product. The system also provides GPS location updates on the whereabouts of a case.

Cryo-Vacc is suitable for air and road freight. Liquid nitrogen is used in the cases for road freight while helium is used for air freight. The helium offers additional benefits in that it is only a fraction of the weight of dry-ice, which significantly reduces air freight costs when used in Cryo-Vacc cases. Helium can also accommodate up to 12 times more vials per flight compared to other cryogens based on current flight safety regulations.

A LIFE-SAVING PARTNERSHIP

Renergen has teamed up with local express courier partner, DPD Laser in light of the tender recently released by the National Department of Health for the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines in South Africa.

DPD Laser is part of The Laser Group and is known for its last mile courier express capabilities and infrastructure throughout South Africa.

Did you know?

Cryo-Vacc validation in anticipated deployment situations has been completed. Renergen has also commenced discussions for the sale of Cryo-Vacc units to logistics companies operating outside of the SADC region.

KEY FEATURES AND BENEFITS OF CRYO-VACC

• patented design in application

• powered by helium or nitrogen

• constructed from aluminium

• durable and safe

• light enough to pick up and transport

• accommodates a minimum of 1 170 doses

• adjustable temperature from -70°C to 8°C

• reduces the number handoffs from the manufacturing stage to final delivery

• protects biologics and vaccines from light exposure

• lockable carrycase

• accommodates a 35-day transportation period for biologics and vaccines without any effect on temperature

Every Renergen team member is truly proud to be associated with such an innovative product

Anton Visagie, CEO of DPD Laser, comments: “DPD Laser has been proudly serving South Africa for over 30 years, and we are excited to bring our extensive coverage and best-in-breed, technologydriven delivery services to enable missioncritical vaccine distribution using Cryo-Vacc.”

Renergen CEO, Stefano Marani adds: “Precise temperature control combined with a formidable hold time in transit make Cryo-Vacc a compelling asset in the transportation of biologics, especially in the developing world. With a useful temperature range of over 150°C, CryoVacc is very versatile even when compared to standard refrigeration technology. Every Renergen team member is truly proud to be associated with such an innovative product and we hope that Cryo-Vacc helps to save many lives and to restore some normality as the world builds herd immunity.” •