The life sciences landscape is moving fast. From gene therapies to global clinical trials, the supply chain serves as the backbone of modern patient care. This sector summary examines the challenges facing the sector and the specialized logistics solutions keeping these innovations moving. Here, we’ll look at some of the evolving trends in life science and healthcare logistics impacting every Biotech Supply Chain Director, Clin Ops Manager and CGT Program Lead.
Understanding Logistics for the Healthcare & Life Sciences Sector
The Life Sciences and Healthcare sector is going through a period of rapid advance and innovation, and Healthcare logistics are central to every new clinical trial, innovative biopharma solution and revolutionary gene therapy. Success requires more than just transport.
Logistics for life sciences demand unparalleled levels of excellence, stringent regulations, and risk management. Product integrity is paramount. Whether it’s small-scale lab samples or large-volume pharma distribution, the end-to-end supply chain must deliver continuity, visibility and 100% control.
An overview of the healthcare, life sciences, and medical supplies sector
The life sciences market is growing rapidly. Projections suggest the industry will reach US$269.56 billion by 2035. This growth stems from new technology such as AI diagnostics and wearable health trackers, which are growing in popularity by 15-20% each year. However, the most significant shift is in the lab. Researchers use genetically engineered organisms to create personalized drugs. Medical tools are also evolving. New materials like graphene and chip-sized lasers make devices smaller and smarter.
Key challenges in medical logistics
Rapid growth brings complexity. Organizations must navigate global regulations while managing costs. Data security is also vital. In the US, HIPAA compliance is a requirement. Above all, the industry requires a supply chain that remains unbroken under pressure.
Specialized logistics for the life sciences & healthcare industry
Standard shipping does not meet the requirements for medicines and medical devices. These shipments require real-time compliance and safe handling from start to finish.
- Smart Warehousing: Advanced systems track stock and optimize picking.
- Bespoke Environments: Facilities are designed for ambient, chilled, or frozen products.
- Collaborative Design: Logistics partners work with manufacturers to build resilient chains for biologics and radiopharmaceuticals.
Temperature-controlled logistics
Controlled environments are the foundation of successful LSH logistics. These need to be developed to transport time- and temperature-sensitive shipments. Whether it's delivering vaccines and medical supplies or returning clinical supplies, supply chain environmental integrity ensures consistent temperatures throughout the entire process.
To achieve this, a modular, agile approach strategy for each customer works best. For instance, the nature of specialty pharma treatments means that temperature regimes must be rigorously maintained to ensure their integrity and efficacy. Whether it’s controlled-ambient, chilled or deep-frozen, environments must be carefully calibrated and continually monitored across a global GMP network. But maintaining consistent temperatures from +25°C to -196°C requires more than specialist environments. Temperature-controlled packaging and data loggers linked to a network of Control Towers and Active Shipment Monitoring technology that immediately responds to any change in location, condition or temperature is the only way to ensure every pharmaceutical, sample or device arrives in pristine condition. On a planet whose climate range moves from +134°F to - 128°F (at sea level), maintaining a constant ambient temperature globally takes dedicated, specialist logistics.
Case Study: Casgevy Gene therapies like Casgevy require cryogenic temperatures. Stem cells are collected at a treatment center and moved to a factory at -196°C using liquid nitrogen. Once the new cells are ready, they are frozen again for the trip back to the patient. Speed and temperature are non-negotiable.
Clinical trial logistics & direct-to-patient models
As novel treatments are developed and the industry shifts towards biopharma and advanced therapies, Clinical Trials are moving out of the clinic and into the patient’s home. These decentralized models make things easier for participants, but increase logistics complexity. Logistics providers manage thousands of connections between researchers and patients. Direct-to-patient services must be fast and flexible. They use pre-conditioned packaging and "blinded shipping" to keep patient data private. This focus on the participant helps sponsors maintain trial retention and secure results faster.
Active vs. Passive Packaging Systems
Selecting the right packaging is a balance of risk, cost, and transit duration. Life sciences logistics typically utilize two primary categories of thermal protection: active and passive systems.
Active Systems
Active packaging functions like a mobile refrigerator. These systems utilize mechanical or electric cooling and heating components powered by internal batteries or an aircraft’s electrical supply.
Best for: High-value biologics (e.g., cell and gene therapies), intercontinental routes with potential customs delays, and products requiring ultra-precise temperature maintenance.
Key Advantage: These units actively respond to external environment changes and often include real-time telemetry to report location, temperature, and battery life.
Passive Systems
Passive systems rely on advanced insulation and "Phase Change Materials" (PCMs) such as gel packs, dry ice, or thermal blankets. They do not require an external power source to function.
Best for: Regional distribution, last-mile delivery to hospitals or clinics, and shorter transit times (typically 24 to 96 hours).
Key Advantage: Passive shippers are more cost-effective, offer greater flexibility in payload size, and are often easier to manage in areas with limited power infrastructure.
Regulatory trade and compliance expertise
Compliance solutions must meet all international and in-country standards. GXP certification for all LSH locations ensures a level of knowledge that matches regulatory rigor. Mature quality management systems should be embedded within the logistics culture to form a baseline for quality processes.
For shipments of biological materials and medical devices, proactive compliance should be integrated via end-to-end handling protocols. Strong cultures of reporting and auditing ensure processes remain defined. Industry-leading e-QMS systems manage records, training, and auditing. These processes are backed by in-house regulatory experts who provide guidance at every clinical stage.
Digitally enabled visibility
Visibility is a core component that ensures peace of mind. Digitally enabled, end-to-end shipment visibility through a combination of dedicated monitoring teams and digital platforms, ensures sensitive medical items are tracked throughout their journey. From pickup to delivery, around the clock and in real time, Quality Control Centers staffed by dedicated life science personnel need a constant ‘eyes-on’ approach.
IoT solutions and high-quality smart sensors such as SenseAware have been introduced to provide continuous GPS tracking and feedback of temperature, humidity, and light exposure - and to trigger proactive intervention when any deviation is registered. But as the customer, you also need to access real-time shipment information, with status updates via web-based tracking tools and automated notifications when specific shipment events occur.
Digitally enabled visibility isn’t only about shipment security. This technology also helps to manage regulatory compliance and optimize inventory levels - driving further efficiency in the supply chain.
Secure and validated transportation networks
Hermetically-sealed, safeguarded networks with dedicated GDP/GXP certified warehousing, transportation, and specialist staff indicate an organisation where global LSH logistics are operating at the highest standards. Within these networks, shipments will only be handled by certified specialists.
Expert guidance on customs procedures prevents delays, while pre-clearance and "best flight out" options provide priority movement. Packaging and processes are validated to ensure compliance with local, regional, IATA, and GDP regulations.
DHL Life Sciences & Healthcare sector-dedicated teams. The trusted partner for Life Science, Health, & Medical Supply businesses
For more than 30 years, DHL has been the trusted partner of the Life Science, Healthcare and Medical Supply industry. Dedicated to taking great care of every detail of healthcare logistics and committed to delivering industry-leading efficiency through their World Medical Express services.
The DHL LSH team is formed of over 11,000 certified specialists, including pharmacists trained in GDP (Good Distribution Practice) standards. They operate 588 LSH sites worldwide incorporating 250 GDP/GXP-certified warehouses in 43 countries, 106 life sciences certified air freight stations and over 30 clinical trials depots - altogether, nearly 3 million square meters of temperature-controlled environment. This industry leading scale means that DHL World Medical Express services can be offered in more than 180 countries worldwide. It is typically available to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and research companies with an approved DHL account.
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Put your healthcare logistics in the safest hands, and contact DHL Express today.
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