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Radiopharmaceuticals are emerging as a transformative force in cancer treatment, offering targeted therapies to precisely attack tumors while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.
9 April 2025

The Power of Precision Logistics: Accelerating the Delivery of Radiopharmaceuticals

Radiopharmaceuticals are emerging as a transformative force in cancer treatment, offering targeted therapies to precisely attack tumors while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.

The overwhelming potential for these therapies is fueling rapid market growth, expected to reach an estimated $ 26.5 billion within the next six years. Delivering these groundbreaking medicines presents unique challenges that require specialized expertise and infrastructure. MNX, which is now Marken, UPS Healthcare Precision Logistics is at the forefront of addressing these complex logistical demands.

Our proven precision logistics network enables seamless patient access to radiopharmaceuticals by leveraging extensive expertise of radioisotope shipments and pharmaceutical development of advanced therapies. Marken’s Advanced Therapy Logistics division brings together a global team of experts and resources designed with redundancy, reliability and scalability, to ensure the safe and timely delivery of these critical treatments. Recognizing the complex needs of nuclear medicine, we’ve developed robust processes and invested significantly in cutting-edge technology, facilities, and equipment to maintain product integrity and efficacy throughout the supply chain.

The Unique Demands of Radiopharmaceutical Delivery

Radiopharmaceuticals are unlike conventional pharmaceuticals – their unique characteristics and requirements necessitate a specialized approach to logistics.

Marken’s advanced therapy precision logistics solutions focus on:

Preventing Radioactive Decay:

  • Radiopharmaceuticals have a specific half-life, demanding rapid and efficient transportation to ensure radioactivity remains within parameters for an effective therapy. Delayed delivery significantly diminishes the diagnostic or therapeutic value, potentially requiring the procedure to be rescheduled.

Radiation Safety:

  • Radiopharmaceuticals emit ionizing radiation at various energy levels. Proper handling, equipment and training are required to minimize radiation exposure. Radiation safety practices, like ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable), are paramount to minimize hand-offs during the distribution of radioactive materials and ensure the safety of personnel and the environment.

Chain of Custody:

  • Accurate documentation of the entire delivery process is essential for regulatory compliance, quality assurance, and patient safety. A clear chain of custody helps ensure the integrity and authenticity of the radiopharmaceutical, while providing valuable data for tracking and investigating potential issues.

Temperature Control:

  • Certain radiopharmaceuticals require precise temperature ranges throughout the supply chain for stability and product efficacy. Qualified packaging and customized transportation solutions are essential to maintain the appropriate temperature during transportation and storage. Temperature fluctuations degrade the radiopharmaceutical, potentially rendering it ineffective or even harmful.

Regulatory Compliance:

  • The manufacture and distribution of radiopharmaceuticals are subject to stringent regulatory oversight, requiring meticulous adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and other regulations, laws and requirements.

Strengthening a Robust & Reliable Delivery Network

Our commitment to patients drives the development of our comprehensive delivery network. Marken’s advanced therapy network features state-of-the-art facilities equipped with cutting-edge technology, precision-driven temperature-controlled storage and transportation units – as well leading-edge radiation shielding and detection systems to preserve radiopharmaceutical stability and ensure safety at every stage.

Our team of experts is comprised of highly skilled precision logistics specialists with expertise in radiopharmaceutical preparation, quality control and in-depth knowledge of regulations and best practices. Radiation safety officers are in place to ensure compliance adherence to all safety protocols. Our network is designed with layers of contingency planning built-in to ensure uninterrupted supply, even in unforeseen circumstances. We also possess the capacity to scale distribution and an unparalleled ready-now network designed to meet the growing demand of these vital therapies.

Overcoming Logistics Challenges Through Innovation

Recognizing the unique challenges of radiopharmaceutical logistics, we are continuously exploring and investing in emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and automated solutions, to enhance our portfolio of industry leading tracking and real-time monitoring solutions. For every radioactive shipment, we confer closely with all key stakeholders ─ healthcare providers, researchers, and regulatory agencies ─ to optimize the delivery process, boost efficiency and improve patient access.

The Future of Radiopharmaceutical Delivery

The future of cancer therapy depends on the continued development and distribution of innovative radiopharmaceuticals, and Marken is dedicated to ensuring their seamless and reliable delivery to patients worldwide. Leveraging our extensive expertise, strategic partnerships, and precision logistics network, we expertly navigate transportation complexities, providing specialized knowledge and personalized solutions with a patient-driven approach. Committed to providing access to transformative, life-changing treatments – we always make it happen.

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