Supporting good manufacturing practice compliance with temperature-controlled logistics during the COVID-19 vaccine race
The situation
Timing and temperature control are critical in vaccine transport
Timing and temperature control are critical in vaccine transport, particularly during the manufacturing process. Delays or temperature excursions can disrupt the supply chain and compromise GMP compliance. In early 2020, as the COVID-19 outbreak unfolded, one pharmaceutical company turned to World Courier to mitigate logistical risks during the accelerated development of a vaccine.
The customer required daily transport of vaccine batch samples from their manufacturing site in Europe to testing laboratories in the U.S. and across the EU. These shipments needed to arrive within tight timeframes and under strict temperature controls to ensure the samples remained viable for testing and quality assurance.
The solution
A bespoke approach to overcome complex transit challenges
World Courier’s expertise in time- and temperature-sensitive logistics was critical in supporting the customer’s GMP compliance and vaccine manufacturing timelines. To meet the unique demands of this project, we developed a bespoke solution that included:
- Adapted dry ice packaging to maintain strict temperature control,
- A robust monitoring system for real-time visibility and compliance assurance, and
- A dedicated, centralized team managing all shipments 24/7 to ensure seamless coordination and communication.
These measures provided the customer with end-to-end visibility and confidence that their vaccine samples would arrive on time and in perfect condition, enabling uninterrupted progress in the manufacturing process.
The outcome
Delivering mission-critical, reliable support
World Courier successfully transported between 15 and 200 vaccine samples daily, completing 10 to 15 shipments per week with a 100% on-time and in-temperature performance rate. Our reliable and precise logistics solutions enabled the customer to meet stringent GMP quality control requirements, ensuring that each vaccine batch met the highest standards of safety, potency, and purity.
By eliminating logistical delays, we supported the customer in advancing their manufacturing process, ultimately enabling the timely production and global distribution of life-saving COVID-19 vaccines.