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Case Study
SCALABLE COLD CHAIN OPTIMIZATION FOR ONCOLOGY PHARMA DISTRIBUTION
A leading cancer treatment and research institution with an extensive network of clinical sites throughout a major metropolitan region faced logistical challenges at their primary pharmaceutical distribution hub. This facility is responsible for delivering life-saving therapies—often under strict temperature controls—to a broad network of outpatient and satellite clinics.
Overview
This facility is responsible for delivering life-saving therapies—often under strict temperature controls—to a broad network of outpatient and satellite clinics. The client’s pharmaceutical distribution process involved receiving bulk shipments of chemotherapy drugs, repackaging them across a range of temperature requirements: ambient, refrigerated, frozen, and deep-frozen.
Client Challenge
Complex Packaging, Constrained Space, and Inefficient Workflow
Their in-house packaging operation encountered several key issues:
- Cumbersome Assembly: Greenbox containers required 12 to 20 components per box, making the assembly process labor-intensive and slow.
- Heavy Packaging: Large boxes weighed up to 45.8 lbs, necessitating two staff members for safe handling.
- Space Constraints: Limited facility space restricted throughput and reduced refrigerated storage capacity.
- Limited Technology: The existing packaging lacked integrated sensors for tracking and monitoring.
- Scalability Concerns: Future expansion depended heavily on increased reliance on third-party logistics providers.
The client required a durable, easy-to handle, and technologically advanced cold chain solution that would:
- Reduce packaging complexity and save time
- Fit within existing space constraints
- Offer real-time temperature and geolocation visibility
- Be compliant with healthcare sterilization standards
- Scale with regional program growth
- Remain cost-effective
The BioTouch Solution
Tech-Enabled, Scalable, and Space-Saving
BioTouch introduced the va-Q-med packaging platform—a vacuum-insulated system designed for efficiency and technological advancement.
Key Enhancements:
- Simplified Packaging: Only 2 panels per box, significantly reducing assembly time and training needs.
- Lighter, Safer Transport: New boxes weigh 12 lbs (small) and 23.6 lbs (large).
- Integrated Sensors: Provide real-time geolocation and temperature monitoring with automated alerts.
- Improved Facility Efficiency: Freed up cold storage space by removing the need for panel preconditioning.
- Forward Stocking Locations (FSLs): Enabled faster replenishment and allowed clinical staff to be reallocated to higher value tasks.
Client Results
By implementing BioTouch’s va-Q-med platform, the client reengineered its pharmaceutical distribution model to be faster, smarter, and more scalable. A strong example of how cold chain innovation can deliver both clinical impact and operational excellence.