Discover your next big idea for life sciences at PACK EXPO Las Vegas
Experience a breakthrough in life sciences packaging—explore solutions from 2,300 suppliers spanning all industries, all in one place this September

Assessing trends in temperature-sensitive biologic shipments

Mike Rice, President & CEO, BioLife Solutions, Inc., discusses the role of a smart shipping container and a related cloud-hosted ‘cold chain’ management app.

Healthcare Packaging: What are some of the key current issues in temperature-sensitive packaging/logistics/shipping?

Mike Rice: The market today comprises dozens of companies supplying active and passive shipping containers of various payload capacities, data loggers, and GPS trackers, and offering white glove courier services for high-value shipments. Rather than complete monitoring of 100% of shipments, there is widespread use of a “validate then assume” approach, where minimal assessment of true post-delivery viability and functional performance of biologics is completed, taking into account seasonal changes in ambient temperature and the need for cell-based products to recover from cold storage before use.

Innovation has been incremental over the last few decades and opportunities exist for disruptive technologies to displace traditional suppliers. We believe this is being driven by the convergence of innovation in mobile electronics, increased quality and regulatory scrutiny of drug development and administration, and massive amounts of funding in the regenerative medicine market, along with the acceptance of cloud computing.

What does BioLife do? What is its relationship with SAVSU Technologies’ evo™ Smart Shipping Container, which recently won a 2015 Medical Design Excellence Award?

Mike Rice: BioLife makes biopreservation media products used to preserve biologic material such as cells, tissues, and organs once removed from the body. Without the use of effective preservation technologies and shipping containers, these biologic materials will degrade and eventually die. So, cold temperatures are utilized to reduce metabolism and the need for oxygen and nutrients. Hypothermic (refrigerated) and frozen (cryogenic) temperatures can enable an extended out-of-body/culture-conditions time interval, but the exposure to cold temperatures itself can damage biologic materials.

Pharmaceutical Innovations Report
Discover the latest breakthrough packaging technologies shaping the pharmaceutical sector. This report dives into cutting-edge innovations, from smart containers that enhance patient safety to eco-friendly materials poised to transform the industry’s sustainability practices. All from PACK EXPO. Learn how forward-thinking strategies are driving efficiency and redefining what’s possible in pharma packaging.
Learn More
Pharmaceutical Innovations Report
FDA warning letters surge - is your team prepared?
New guide reveals expert strategies to prevent regulatory issues and respond effectively to FDA enforcement actions in pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing.
Read More
FDA warning letters surge - is your team prepared?