Pharma Logistics Network
A Global Network for Pharma Logistics

In the discussion about pharma logistics and supply chain, the possibilities to improve safety and efficiency in the distribution of medical products have consistently been of great importance. Despite the increasing global demand for drug transport, the sector has fallen behind. This is primarily due to a lack of standardization, accountability, and transparency along the supply chain of temperature-controlled products.

Due to this challenge, biopharma companies are increasingly interested in building partnerships with logistics companies for ensuring flexible and reliable transportation of pharmaceutical products. However, the identification of these partners is often connected with difficulties because many of them are not sufficiently qualified. For this reason, the CEOs of BPL (Biotech & Pharma Logistics) from Germany and US-based Cavalier Logistics came up with the idea of creating a “Gold Standard Network” that would help biopharmaceutical organizations to transport their products – i.e., material for clinical trials, vaccines, and medicines. In 2013 the vision became reality, and the Pharma Logistics Network was founded.

Today, PLN is a leading conglomerate of nearly 40 pre-qualified partners and service providers involved in the movement of pharmaceuticals, life sciences, and GMP products. “We are a non-profit organization of global logistics partners, where each member complies with the highest standards for GxP compliance,” mentions Nils Kraemer, a board member of PLN and CEO of BPL.

Each partner of PLN owns a well-developed pharmaceutical network in its area. The board members oversee a large team of experienced global operations, technical, quality, and marketing managers. This framework has allowed PLN to expand to over 80 percent of the pharmaceutical market and provide door-to-door transit of life sciences products.

If a company wants to join the PLN, it must pass through a strict review process. After identifying the market opportunities in the respective region in a first step, the employees of PLN send out a detailed GxP questionnaire to the potential member that evaluates the service offering. The aim is to figure out how they can contribute to PLN. The questionnaire includes specific information about partners’ facilities, accreditation license, local and domestic pharmaceutical contacts, and their unique differentiators.

Referring to the previous success of such proven partners of PLN, Kraemer highlights the performance of his company during a partnership with a German pharmaceutical firm. The client asked for a transport of healthcare from North Germany to South Italy at -50° and required skilled logistics partners with a global network.

We are a non-profit co-operative of global logistics partners, where each member maintains the highest standards for GxP compliance

As BPL that day had no suitable refrigerated vehicles available which maintain the low temperature, Kraemer contacted one of its PLN partner packaging companies in Poland that possessed large carriage shippers with cold packs of -50°. The monitoring of the planning, installation and customs documentation at the final transfer point was the responsibility of another PLN member from Italy. Knowing that transport is a high risk, as the slightest temperature deviation could damage the products, PLN decided to arrange a transport insurance. This reflects not only the strength and cohesion of a global network, but also the versatility of company´s supply chain services.

Kraemer further comments on the robustness of the company´s service portfolio: “Our pool of diligent partner companies, passionate team members, and the gold standard of compliance policy are responsible for most of our success and strength.” To this extent, the logistics conglomerate has built strong partnerships with buyers and drug companies globally, which has made the supply chain’s procedure very seamless and timely. “Every individual that takes part in the pharmaceutical shipment is a partner of PLN’s non-profit network.”

The current outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic requires high attention from PLN, as the market has witnessed a dramatic increase in demand for pharmaceutical equipment like personal protective equipment (PPE) and vaccines. PLN is working energetically to export them to concentrated regions such as the U.S., Africa, and many others. However, due to the nationwide lockdown, there is a shortage of airlines offering a high-level service of service. To combat this humanitarian crisis, PLN is using the local knowledge of its members to ensure that they only use validated airlines with the highest quality of pharmaceutical logistics service. In case of any transit delay, the product can also be stored at the GxP-licensed facility of each member.

To facilitate this, each partner of PLN has submitted operational contingency plans according to its location. “The documents were shared so that we all know of potential hotspots, disasters, and non-compliances in the supply chain, which allows us to inform our clients about upcoming challenges”, remarks Kraemer. Alongside, PLN partners also have joined hands in providing continual global support to the healthcare community for essential products like N95 masks, gloves, and medicines.

For instance, PLN recently chartered a flight from Vietnam to deliver protective gear to the frontline workers in the U.S. Kraemer notes, “We are not here to make money. We are a community passionate about delivering medicines to even the remotest part of the world: that’s something that we believe in and something we will continue to do.”