The pharmaceutical industry is undergoing a profound transformation. As new therapies such as biologics and Cell & Gene Therapy (CGT) gain traction, the need for a robust, reliable, and sustainable cold chain has never been more critical. These advanced treatments are highly temperature-sensitive and require stringent thermal assurance during transit. To meet these evolving demands, strong partnerships with providers of temperature-controlled solutions are emerging as an enabler that helps transform innovation in pharmaceuticals into tangible product launches.
The Shift Towards Temperature-Sensitive Medicines
Our internal analysis of trends in medicine suggest that, over the past five years, biologics and CGT have grown at a much faster rate than traditional medicine types. There were more biologics currently in development in 2024 than any type of medicine in 1996.
This shift puts a greater emphasis on the pharmaceutical cold chain, as more complex modalities require more precise temperature control to maintain their efficacy. Unlike conventional pharmaceuticals, these therapies are not only susceptible to temperature fluctuations but are also significantly higher in value. This makes their protection during transportation crucial, both for brand owners and for the patients who rely on these life-changing treatments.
This isn’t to say that temperature control is confined to niche medicines. Even the highest-grossing drugs in the market require stringent cold chain management. Our analysis indicates that 14 of the top 20 best-selling drugs by revenue must be stored at temperatures between 2-8°C. This trend underscores the growing necessity for a reliable, global cold chain infrastructure capable of ensuring the safe and timely delivery of these products.
The Need for Robust Cold Chain Solutions
The success of advanced therapies hinges on the ability to transport them under tightly controlled conditions, all year round, across the globe. This is where strategic partnerships become essential. Pharmaceutical manufacturers must collaborate with vendors who specialise in sub-zero transportation and provide scalable, sustainable, and dependable solutions. From passive and active temperature-controlled packaging to advanced monitoring systems, logistics providers must offer end-to-end solutions that align with the industry's evolving needs.
Beyond maintaining product integrity, these collaborations drive efficiency, reduce waste and enhance sustainability. By working together, manufacturers, logistics providers, and packaging experts can develop innovative solutions that address both regulatory requirements and environmental concerns.
CCT’s Commitment to Cold Chain Excellence
Recognising the need for a comprehensive and seamless cold chain solution, CCT has taken proactive steps to bolster its already proven capabilities. To support this exciting period of growth and innovation, CCT acquired Tower Cold Chain (in 2024) and Global Cold Chain Solutions (in 2025). These strategic acquisitions ensure that CCT offers a robust portfolio of solutions tailored to the unique challenges of pharmaceutical transportation, globally.
By integrating these industry-leading cold chain specialists, CCT is better positioned to provide customers with cutting-edge, reliable and sustainable logistics solutions. This move reinforces CCT’s commitment to supporting pharmaceutical manufacturers in their mission to deliver life-saving therapies to patients worldwide. Beyond the acquisitions, CCT has invested heavily in bolstering its digital capabilities, that are providing customers with advanced visibility, monitoring and actionable insights leading to reduced risks and costs.
Conclusion
The future of pharmaceutical logistics is being shaped by collaboration. As biologics and CGT continue to revolutionise medicine, the demand for precise, reliable cold chain solutions will only grow. Manufacturers must partner with expert vendors who can navigate the complexities of global cold chain logistics while ensuring product integrity, compliance, and sustainability.
Through strategic acquisitions and a commitment to innovation, CCT is helping to build the infrastructure needed to support this new era of medicine. By working together, we can ensure that life-changing treatments reach the patients who need them – safely, efficiently, and without compromise.
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