Trends in Healthcare Logistics: Essential Insights for Healthcare Practitioners

Key Trends Influencing Healthcare Delivery 

A number of rising trends are driving new supply chain requirements for the life sciences and healthcare sector, leading to new ways for healthcare companies,  patients and consumers to engage with treatments and services. 

The key trends, highlighted at the Asia Summit on Global Health, include:

1. Supply Chain Resilience

Recent uncertainties brought about by trade tensions, fluctuating tariffs, and supply chain adjustments have caused many countries to reevaluate their logistics processes. Building resilience during these challenging times is crucial. This can be achieved by adopting supply chain diversification and ensuring end-to-end orchestration, managing global operations as a single entity with visibility and control mechanisms for agile responses.

2. Advanced Therapies

The expansion of new therapeutic approaches, such as biopharmaceuticals and gene-based medicine, is significant, with the market projected to expand from US $5 billion in 2012 to nearly US $37 billion by 2027¹. These delicate and costly products require specialized handling, underscoring the importance of robust cold chain capabilities to ensure product quality during transport.

3. Patient-Centric Healthcare

The shift towards patient-centric models requires closer relationships between pharmaceutical manufacturers and consumers, as the way people look for and choose healthcare treatment is evolving. Many consumers, especially Generation Z, research healthcare options online before seeking treatment. This trend demands more responsive supply chains that can accommodate personalized healthcare solutions. 

4. Sustainability

As healthcare increasingly focuses on environmental impact, sustainability has become essential. Pharmaceutical companies are working to reduce their carbon footprints, with an emphasis on sustainable logistics practices. This includes addressing Scope 3 emissions, which account for 83% of the industry's climate impact².

5. Digital Technology

The integration of digital technologies and AI, such as telemedicine, predictive algorithms, and robotics, is transforming patient engagement, drug discovery and care delivery. Companies must adapt their supply chains to support decentralized clinical trials and digital health solutions, enhancing accessibility and efficiency.

6. New Industry Ecosystems

Global expansion in healthcare facilitates access to localized expertise, regulatory compliance, and market credibility, fostering collaborations that enhance navigation through the complex landscape. The development of revolutionary therapies further drives the emergence of new business ecosystems, supporting the creation of next-level healthcare supply chains.

DHL’s Strategic Investments 

DHL remains committed to enhancing its health logistics capabilities and expanding its offerings to support the rapidly evolving life sciences and healthcare sector. The Group is making promising strides in its investment plans, having acquired CRYOPDP earlier this year, aligning with its “Strategy 2030”.

Acquisition of CRYOPDP

In March 2025, DHL announced that it has acquired 100% of CRYOPDP, a leading speciality courier focused on clinical trials, biopharma, and cell and gene therapies. This strategic acquisition enhances DHL's capabilities within specialty pharma logistics and supports the Group's vision to lead in the sector by 2030.

With operations in 15 countries and capabilities of handling over 600,000 shipments annually, CRYOPDP will strengthen the potential of DHL's Pharma Specialized Network solution, whilst leveraging the global air capabilities of DHL Express and DHL Global Forwarding. The acquisition and extended partnership with Cryoport, Inc. enhances their combined supply chain services and ability to deliver end-to-end solutions within the pharma sector.

Notably, the acquisition supports DHL’s “Strategy 2030”, which highlights the importance of temperature-controlled networks, first and last mile specialty courier coverage, and integrated solutions. The strategic move is also predicted to save costs and enhance overall service levels.