December 2024 Insights

Maintaining excellence: The cost and value of quality in pharma supply chains

In the intricate world of pharmaceutical logistics, the importance of quality cannot be overstated. Delayed shipments and temperature excursions can jeopardize patient safety, treatment efficacy and erode trust in the supply chain. The cost of delayed clinical trials due to failed shipments results in an average of $500,000 per day. 

High-quality service in pharmaceutical logistics goes beyond merely meeting regulatory requirements; it is about ensuring that safe and effective products arrive at their destination promptly. From a commercial standpoint, when clinical research is delayed, so is the therapy’s commercialization. This is particularly significant given the current challenges faced by the industry. IQVIA reports that clinical trial sites have experienced attrition rates climbing from 10% to 37% pre-pandemic to current rates of 35% to 61%, resulting in staffing budget increases of 30% to 50% to recruit and retain personnel. IQVIA's GrantPlan platform has also highlighted a 32% rise in the number of negotiated budgets since 2020, reflecting the growing cost pressures the industry faces in clinical trials.

To overcome these challenges and maximize outcomes for operational sustainability, drug companies need to rely on high-quality, premium services throughout the supply chain. Maintaining quality across all aspects of the supply chain ensures every therapy reaches patients in its intended state: safe and effective.

Paula Pulsoni , VP Sales and Services at World Courier stresses the need for effective logistical partnerships in achieving quality: 

“Pharmaceutical companies need to be confident their logistics partners can maintain the quality of their drug products as they negotiate international borders and navigate complex supply chains to reach the patients who need them. In many instances, proper execution requires the creation of a statement of work customized to that specific project.”

Maintaining quality standards as a premium courier requires a vast network governed by standard operating procedures (SOPs) and specialized expertise. The infrastructure necessary to ensure optimum quality incurs costs; failing to recognize this during logistics partner selection could result in a sub-optimal supply chain experience and higher excursion rates.

The value of reliability

While budgets are important, choosing a logistics partner based solely on price can have consequences. Potential disruptions, delays, and temperature excursions can lead to significant financial losses and reputational damage. 

Choosing premium logistics services, like those offered by World Courier, prioritizes reliability and minimizes risks. As Mads Skovvang , Europe Product Manager, Commercial Supply Chain at World Courier, notes:

“Our commitment to quality is reflected in our industry-leading non-excursion rates and proactive risk mitigation approach. We understand that every shipment carries precious cargo — often, life-saving medicines destined for patients in need.” 

This commitment to quality is particularly crucial in today’s evolving pharmaceutical landscape, where any delay or disruption could have serious consequences, impacting clinical trials, commercial launches, and patient well-being. For instance, a delayed vaccine shipment could negatively impact public health, while a temperature excursion could render life-saving medications ineffective.

Quality control and performance

World Courier is committed to providing the highest quality logistics services in the industry and employs a multifaceted approach to maintain its industry-leading non-excursion rate. This commitment is backed by proven performance and a proactive approach to exceeding our clients' expectations and improving patient outcomes.

• We deliver 99.6%* of shipments on time and within range. Our non-excursion rate is a testament to the effectiveness of our approach, providing our clients with peace of mind that their products will reach their destination in optimal condition.
• Our robust quality management systems (QMS) ensure adherence to strict quality standards and continuous improvement efforts, underpinned by full compliance with GxP standards across all our operations, across the globe. World Courier is in 50+ countries with dedicated teams on the ground.
• We have local quality team members who proactively assist with any issue, ensuring consistent quality management across our global network.
• We are the first logistics provider to hold good distribution practice (GDP) certification against three major global standards — from EMA (Europe), USP (U.S.) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
• All our offices, agents, and colleagues adhere to the same SOPs and QMS — to deliver the same exact service across the globe.
• Our full compliance with ISO 9001:2015 for quality management and ISO 14001:2015 for environmental management ensures efficient, reliable service and a commitment to sustainability, benefiting our clients through consistent quality and reduced environmental impact.
• We are committed to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, ensuring sustainable and responsible operations.

“Our clients trust us with their most critical shipments because they know that World Courier’s vast network of company-owned offices, governed by internal quality assurance SOPs and aligned with GDP standards, is what separates our service from our competitors.” — Carina Plada , Director, Quality — CSS at World Courier.

Long-term benefits

World Courier is committed to continuous improvement and is investing heavily in new technologies and processes to further optimize non-excursion rates, enhance reliability, and prioritize patient safety. These investments include:

• New investments in real-time location monitoring: We are expanding our real-time location monitoring (RTLM) capabilities to provide even greater visibility into our shipments and enable more proactive decision-making. This includes deploying real-time location monitoring solutions on all our multi-use packages, allowing us to track shipments with increased precision and respond to potential disruptions more effectively. 
• Robust quality management systems investment: Ongoing improvements to our QMS ensure that it remains aligned with the latest industry standards and best practices. We have successfully transitioned to a new electronic quality management system (eQMS) to automate and simplify quality management processes, leading to increased efficiency and improved service delivery. 
• Investments in digital integration: We are investing in new digital platforms and technologies to further streamline our operations and improve communication across the supply chain. This includes utilizing digital twin technology to optimize packaging placement, depot operations, and overall supply chain efficiency. 
• Investing in scale and reach: World Courier operates 120+ company-owned facilities in 50+ countries, and recent additions to our network include new sites in Denver, Indianapolis, and San Diego and a new Container Freight Station capability. 

 Partner with World Courier for quality

The cost of quality in pharmaceutical logistics is an investment in reliability, patient safety and long-term success. World Courier's industry-leading performance and premium service delivery provide unparalleled value, ensuring our clients' products reach their destinations safely and efficiently.

Download our white paper to learn more about why quality matters when choosing a specialty logistics partner

“By choosing World Courier, you are investing in a logistics partner that prioritizes reliability, expertise and patient safety above all else. Together, we can ensure that life-saving medicines reach the patients who need them, safely and reliably, delivering on our promise to create healthier futures.” — Paula Pulsoni

*World Courier’s performance rate of 99.6% was calculated as the percentage of payload shipments without external CAPAs, excluding CAPAs caused by shipper/consignee or force majeure in 2023.

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