Cold Chain Management in Pharmaceutical Industry: Logistics Perspective

Purpose - This paper aims to review cold chain management, especially in the pharmaceutical industry, to explore the cold chain process of delivering temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products, and to identify areas for further development. Research design, data, and methodology - The paper, based on literature review and corporate analysis, reviews the development and status of the cold supply chain system, including its important role in the pharmaceutical industry. Results - Logistics in this field requires more stages than are typically needed. Due to the unique characteristics of the market, few companies can provide the services; currently, only few global companies with large networks and high technologies can afford to do so. Expanding pharmaceutical markets to meet global demand will require cold chain development, especially in "pharmerging" markets. Conclusions - Cold chain is a highly sensitive market in terms of products being carried within the chain that itself is a complex system. However, at the same time, it is a niche market with new opportunities. Hence, a sound cold chain infrastructure is needed to satisfy companies, governments, and customers for both commercial and public reasons.