UPS Healthcare Expands Global Cold Chain Logistics Network
Marken, the clinical trial logistics operation with UPS Healthcare, has expanded its global network to support increased demand for its clinical drug supply chain services, particularly for cell and gene clinical trials. Plans for the remainder of 2021 and 2022 will support accelerated demand for mRNA therapies, cell and gene therapies, early access and managed access programs. Expansion plans include new locations, expanded cold chain services and packaging solutions.
Marken's ongoing and planned investments include:
- The addition of over 100,000 square feet of GMP-compliant depot operations in Louisville, KY, Great Valley, PA, and Seoul, South Korea.
- A new GMP depot facility in Kiev, Ukraine
- A new GDP depot facility in Osaka, Japan
- New locations in Nairobi, Kenya and Accra, Ghana
- Expansion of its kit assembly facility in Shanghai, China
- New liquid nitrogen (LN2) filling stations within each of its global cell and gene centers of excellence
- Infrastructure expansion at its facilities in Belgium, France, South Africa, India, Taiwan, China, and Singapore
- Packaging and technology enhancements for real-time location tracking and temperature monitoring of cell and gene therapy shipments
This new control center, combined with the existing control center in Durham, NC, US, will support 24/7/365 global monitoring of all complex shipments, including cell and gene shipments.
Improving Relationships and Diversifying the Site Selection Process
April 17th 2025In this episode of the Applied Clinical Trials Podcast, Liz Beatty, co-founder and chief strategy officer, Inato, discusses a number of topics around site engagement including community-based sites, the role of technology in improving site/sponsor relationships, how increased operational costs are impacting the industry, and more.
Behind the Buzz: Why Clinical Research Leaders Flock to SCOPE Summit
February 7th 2025In this episode, we meet with Micah Lieberman, Executive Conference Director for SCOPE Summit (Summit for Clinical Ops Executives) at Cambridge Innovation Institute. We will dive deep into the critical role of collaboration within the clinical research ecosystem. How do we bring together diverse stakeholders—sponsors, CROs, clinical trial tech innovators, suppliers, patients, sites, advocacy organizations, investors, and non-profits—to share best practices in trial design, program planning, innovation, and clinical operations? We’ll explore why it’s vital for thought leaders to step beyond their own organizations and learn from others, exchanging ideas that drive advancements in clinical research. Additionally, we’ll discuss the pivotal role of scientific conferences like SCOPE Summit in fostering these essential connections and collaborations, helping shape the future of clinical trials. Join us as we uncover how collective wisdom and cross-industry partnerships are transforming the landscape of clinical research.
FDA-Approved Gene Therapy Beqvez Shows Sustained Efficacy, Safety in Long-Term Hemophilia B Trial
April 17th 2025Beqvez (fidanacogene elaparvovec), an FDA-approved one-time gene therapy for hemophilia B, demonstrated sustained factor IX expression, low bleeding rates, and a favorable safety profile over long-term follow-up.
