As Breast Cancer Awareness Month shines a spotlight on the critical need for accessible and effective therapies, the logistics behind delivering these life-saving treatments take on a new level of importance. The safe and efficient transportation of sensitive pharmaceuticals, particularly those used in breast cancer treatment, demands rigorous cold chain logistics, sustainability initiatives, and a network capable of reaching even the most remote and underserved regions.
“At Arca BioLogistics, we support the entire lifecycle of pharmaceutical products, from preclinical research to full-scale treatment distribution,” Paul Grindall, Commercial Director at Arca BioLogistics, said.
“We handle materials at every phase of development with a precision-focused approach, ensuring that critical research materials, such as sensitive biological samples, are transported under strict conditions to maintain their integrity.”
This commitment extends into the clinical trial phase, where cold chain logistics become indispensable.
“Once a drug moves into clinical trials, our advanced cold chain logistics solutions take over. We manage everything from temperature-controlled packaging to real-time monitoring, ensuring that all clinical trial materials, whether biologics, Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), or investigational drugs—reach their destination safely and on time,” Grindall stated.
“As the product progresses toward commercialisation, our global network allows us to scale operations while maintaining the same high standards of care. Whether we’re delivering treatments to urban hospitals or remote regions, our strong partnerships and cutting-edge technology ensure seamless delivery worldwide.
“We offer a unique blend of global logistics expertise with a personal touch, adapting our solutions to the needs of life sciences companies at every stage of their product’s development.”
Complex but critical
Arca BioLogistics’ role in the secure transportation of breast cancer therapies cannot be overstated, particularly given the complexity of cold chain logistics.
The UK ranks among the top five countries for cancer research and development, which means Arca BioLogistics handles a significant volume of delicate shipments
Each country has unique logistical requirements, and the company tailors its solutions to meet and exceed these demands.
“With the majority of shipments requiring some form of temperature management, it’s crucial that logistics solutions can flex to the demands of the product and environment,” Grindall highlighted.
“The majority of cold chain packaging has a 96-hour temperature validity, so speed of movement becomes vital as the clock counts down. Each element of the solution can meet temperature requirements, but without clear design and proactive management, risks remain.”
“No two shipments are the same,” he added. “We offer a range of packaging and transport solutions tailored to fit the product and journey ahead. Our role is simple: ensure this valuable product gets from point A to point B safely, giving peace of mind to all parties involved.”
Wider commitment
While speed and security are of upmost priority, Arca BioLogistics is steadfast in its mission to minimise its environmental impact.
The company has reduced its environmental footprint through sustainable transport options and focusing on reusable packaging. Recently, it rolled out dry ice reusable shippers, designed to maintain precise temperature control while minimising waste.
“We use reusable data loggers for real-time temperature and location monitoring,” he says,” Grindall outlined.
“This not only ensures the integrity of our shipments but also supports our sustainability goals by reducing electronic waste. Unlike many companies who have retrofitted sustainability into their operations, we’ve been able to incorporate it from the outset.”
“Our goal is to meet industry needs while reducing our carbon footprint, allowing our business and our clients to achieve their sustainability goals without compromising on efficiency or performance.”
Anywhere it’s needed
Delivering treatments to remote or underserved areas is one of the more challenging aspects of Arca BioLogistics’ work.
“Transporting preclinical material and treatments to these regions often requires us to navigate a lack of infrastructure. We partner with local experts to ensure smooth clearance and delivery, combining global logistics with local insights to extend our reach,” Grindall emphasised.
“Our mission is to bridge the gap between modern treatments and underserved areas, ensuring no patient is left behind.
“Our partnerships allow us to provide comprehensive customs support and use pre-conditioned packaging systems that maintain the necessary temperature throughout the journey. This approach ensures that any material shipped arrives safely, even in areas where healthcare infrastructure is limited.”
Grindall emphasises the importance of Arca BioLogistics’ network in expanding access to breast cancer treatments in developing regions.
By integrating the company’s expertise with advanced technology, it can deliver life-saving treatments in areas with limited healthcare infrastructure. Control towers actively monitor each shipment, allowing the company to take proactive steps if any issues arise.
“We’ve built a global network founded on collaboration with regional logistics partners who know the local landscape,” he explained.
“This enables us to ensure that patients in developing countries receive the breast cancer treatments they need, even in the most challenging logistical environments.”
