Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in LM’s sister publication, Supply Chain 247.
Life sciences shipments often contain high-value medicines and materials that can be damaged by even a small temperature change. In this interview, Brian Bralynski, Senior Director, Life Sciences Healthcare Americas at DHL Express, explains how sensors, real-time tracking, and around-the-clock monitoring help spot problems early and protect shipments from pickup through delivery.
Supply Chain 24/7: What has changed about life sciences shipments that makes tracking location alone no longer enough?
Brian Bralynski: The primary change has been the development of new therapies, such as complex biological drugs, cell and gene therapies, and personalized medicines. These treatments are developed for a much smaller patient population or, in some cases, an individual patient. Their composition and characteristics require transportation at variable cold temperatures, ranging from chilled to deep frozen, and they can be highly sensitive to minor temperature fluctuations that may cause complex molecules to break down.
SC247: Where during a shipment are temperature changes or other problems most likely to occur?
Bralynski: The highest risk typically occurs when temperature-controlled packaging is approaching the end of its validated duration. In other words, the packaging is validated to maintain the product within an indicated temperature range for a certain number of hours (e.g., 72, 96, or 120 hours).
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