< PreviousTOWER COLD CHAIN Q&A 30 Pharma Business International www.pbiforum.net Tell us about Tower Cold Chain and what you do? Tower Cold Chain is a leading provider of passive temperature-controlled containers for a variety of industries, including pharmaceuticals, life sciences, 3PLs and airlines. Within the pharmaceutical industry, Tower plays a critical role in ensuring the integrity and safety of temperature- sensitive products during transportation and storage. What challenges does the pharma supply chain face that makes it so different from other industries, and how does Tower Cold Chain help to address them? The pharmaceutical supply chain faces several unique challenges that set it apart from other industries. One of the primary challenges is the need to maintain strict temperature control and quality assurance throughout the entire distribution process. Many pharmaceutical products such as vaccines, biologics, and certain medications, are highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations, therefore, ensuring product integrity is crucial in any supply chain, as the potential risks to the products are huge. However, this is particularly important within the pharmaceutical industry as such compromises are not only undesired but dangerous. Temperature excursions can affect the efficacy of the product or worse, could even result in an adverse reaction to the patient’s health. Tower Cold Chain addresses these challenges by offering reliable temperature-controlled containers that are designed to carefully maintain and monitor the required temperature range, ensuring that pharmaceutical products remain stable and safe during transit. Tower’s containers incorporate advanced insulation materials and cutting-edge phase change technology to provide consistency, even in extreme environments. At Tower, technology plays a very important part in quality control. The use of internal data loggers ensures the integrity of products by constantly monitoring the temperature of the containers. Bluetooth Low Energy Technology allows each logger to communicate wirelessly, sending accurate data to the cloud. The data is then automatically downloaded throughout transit when in range of an InTemp Gateway device. The use of this technology ensures door-to-door compliant payloads without the need for any human intervention during transit. By providing real-time regulation of the container’s internal and external temperature conditions, Tower ensure that in the rare case of any temperature deviations, the loggers are able to notify customers via text or email, optimising both quality and consistency. Extensive testing combined with customer-centric manufacturing is another way that Tower ensures reliability in their customer’s pharmaceutical supply chains. They achieve this with the use of tangible, extensive quality assurance programmes with findings directly influencing the development and design of the containers. The containers are carefully manufactured to be used in all climates, locations and at any time of year with 120-hour industry standard physical and temperature protection and 5 days’ worth of contingency for unexpected circumstances – this is particularly important when delivering pharmaceutical products to remote locations. With passive systems eradicating the need for manual intervention or an energy source, it is no surprise that these containers are quickly becoming a popular choice to eliminate risks in the industry. Q&A Tower Cold Chain This month we meet with Tower Cold Chain, specialists in temperature controlled containers and storage, to see how they’re dealing with the myriad challenges of working in the pharmaceuticals industry. Pharma Business International 31 www.pbiforum.net TOWER COLD CHAIN Q&A The pharmaceutical sector, like many others, is also taking steps towards more sustainable supply chain management – whilst facing the challenge of maintaining strict safety standards while continuously improving environmental credentials. The suppliers and users of temperature- controlled packaging systems are under increasing pressure to reduce the environmental impact of cold chain shipping. However, the re-usable nature of Tower’s containers actively addresses these challenges and the difficult exercise of balancing sterilisation and sustainability. By using washable containers with internal liners, Tower minimises any microbial risks and product integrity is always maximised. The washable, reusable passive containers also provide huge sustainability benefits compared to single-use, disposable containers that cannot be repurposed for several deliveries. Another main challenge in the pharmaceutical industry is the growing demand for the globalisation. It is important that remote locations and developing countries still have access to all-important advanced pharmaceutical products. Therefore, pharmaceutical manufacturers are increasingly leaning on their external packaging and distribution partners to operate efficient supply chains over extended distances so that products are shipped quickly and economically. Tower Cold Chain has taken huge steps in investing and expanding its global network of hubs in order to increase the accessibility and proximity of products and provide localised delivery, whilst complying with international regulatory policies. Can you tell us a little about your temperature-controlled containers and what makes them so special? Tower Cold Chain’s temperature- controlled containers possess several features that make them ideal for pharmaceutical applications. Firstly, the containers are equipped with highly accurate temperature monitoring which provides real-time data so that any deviations can be detected and rectified promptly. Additionally, the containers are designed to withstand external temperature variations and provide foam cushioning insulation to protect the contents from both thermal and physical shocks. Tower’s containers also prioritise reliability and durability, taking into consideration the critical nature of pharmaceutical shipments and the potential consequences of any temperature excursions. Therefore, the containers are engineered to protect the product and maintain temperature stability for extended periods, providing a reliable solution for long-distance transportation. The containers are also built to be robust so that they can withstand rugged handling and thorough cleaning, ensuring that the products inside remain protected throughout the supply chain. What do you think differentiates Tower Cold Chain from other companies in the sector? Tower Cold Chain’s both customer- centric approach and innovation programmes, distinguish the company from many of its competitors by working closely with pharmaceutical companies to understand their complex needs and requirements. This collaborative method enables the company to tailor its containers to meet the unique demands of each customer in the industry, considering factors such as product sensitivity, transportation routes, and regulatory compliance into the container’s design. Tower Cold Chain’s commitment to R&D and product testing means that Tower is able to stay at the forefront of temperature-controlled container technology. In conclusion, Tower Cold Chain is a leading provider of temperature-controlled containers for the pharmaceutical industry because the company addresses the unique challenges faced by the pharmaceutical supply chain by offering robust, reliable solutions. Their passive containers are designed to maintain precise temperature control, ensure product integrity, and withstand the rigors of transportation. With a key focus on quality, customisation, and continuous improvement - this is what truly sets Tower apart from other companies in the sector right now, positioning them as a valued and trusted partner of pharmaceutical companies and manufacturers seeking to safeguard the integrity of their temperature- sensitive products. For more information visit www.towercoldchain.com or contact on: EMEA +44 118 932 5000 Asia Pacific +61 478 838 140 Americas +1 609 591 9039CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE 32 Pharma Business International www.pbiforum.net © stock.adobe.com/auremar Hygiene is paramount in pharmaceutical manufacturing, but clean machines also work more efficiently. On the spot inspection On the spot inspection Pharma Business International 33 www.pbiforum.net CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE P lanned maintenance checks have been the norm for many years, but while they do allow for companies to continue operating without interference, they’re by no means the most efficient method of catching problems before they occur. And as factory lines become ever more automated and ever more mechanised, the problems associated with poor maintenance continue to stack. Automation gives pharma manufacturers the ability to carry out complicated tasks quickly and easily. However, it also brings with it the possibility of excessive downtime when breakdowns and accidents occur – interruptions which many companies can ill-afford. Considering how many businesses are looking to recover and perhaps expand after the pandemic, accidents – be they of workers or hygiene related – could well strike the death knell for a manufacturer. It may be an unfortunate truth, but companies that carry out maintenance checks on a planned and routine basis are often left at the mercy of their machinery, unable to predict or react in time to any problems that occur. To stay ahead of the game, manufacturers need to implement constant on-the-spot inspections. Of course, proper cleaning of those same machines also helps to reduce build- up of material that may lead to issues or damage later down the line. Investing up- front in some of the more sophisticated technologies on the market could pay dividends in the long run. For example, Electrical Panel Thermography can be used to identify even the most imperceptible flaws in a piece of manufacturing equipment. By measuring the temperature of a piece of machinery or individual component, thermal imaging 34 ÁCLEANING AND MAINTENANCE 34 Pharma Business International www.pbiforum.net devices can catch minor electrical faults before they cause serious damage, which ultimately means less downtime is needed for maintenance. Companies can also carry out spectrographic oil analyses to keep their machines running smoothly. The oil used to lubricate manufacturing machinery needs to be uncontaminated in order to do its job properly, but the only sure-fire way to guarantee this is to use an ICP (inductively coupled plasma mass) spectrometer to identify and weed out unwanted particle compositions. Conducting oil sample analysis can help to prolong the lifespan of machinery and should be carried out on a routine basis. Acoustic vibration monitoring technology, which costs relatively little, can also be employed to check the condition of mechanical parts. Industrial rotors, for example, will emit higher-frequency sounds if they sustain any damage. By using an Acoustic Emission (AE) sensor to detect early signs of friction, companies can address problems before they cause production to grind to a halt. It is vital to keep machinery as clean as possible – especially in an environment where pharmaceuticals are being produced. In order to remove potentially hazardous blockages, manufacturers are investing in UHP pipe-cleaning technologies which employ water pressure to achieve a more powerful clean. The latest products on the market are able to clean lengths of piping over 1 km long, and because many of them feature sophisticated rotary heads that increase water propulsion, they are also able to clean around bends. Pharma Business International 35 www.pbiforum.net CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE Cleaning of machinery can also be an area where accidents (some fatal) can happen, however. When dealing with particularly dangerous or heavy machinery, companies should institute a permit-to-work system to ensure that, a) only highly trained operatives have access to the machinery, and b) that no individual is required to use a piece of machinery for longer than is necessary. It is similarly vital that machines are positioned in unconfined spaces on the factory floor. This not only reduces the risk of getting trapped in the moving parts of machines, but it also lessens the chances of an operative inhaling the dust that is an inevitable by-product of many pharma manufacturing processes. Dust inhalation and other issues such as eye and skin irritation can also be prevented if companies provision their staff with the correct safety equipment and take the trouble to install high-quality exhaust ventilation systems. Clean air is, of course, important, but is also by now a factor that every manufacturer should be wholly aware of. That said, given the nature of dust particulates and how difficult it is to detect them, many companies fail to maintain their air filtration systems as stringently as they should. It’s tempting, perhaps even cost- efficient, to focus on inspecting and repairing machinery directly related to profit-making, i.e. the manufacturing line, but this attitude is self-defeating in the long run. All machinery breaks eventually and catching it before it goes bad will save a company more in terms of money and time in the long run, hence the importance of spot inspections. © stock.adobe.com/ekkaluckIn Vivo Engineering of Therapeutic Cells Summit 10 - 12 July Boston, USA As collaborations and investments into the in vivo engineering approach continue to make waves across the cell and gene field, and preclinical data is revealing the blockbuster potential of novel delivery technologies to completely transform the industry – there is no better time to gather with this pioneering community to advance your in-vivo engineering strategy, outline GMP compliant processes for scale up and accelerate your pipeline to clinical success. The 2nd In Vivo Engineering of Therapeutic Cells Summit is your ultimate guide to exploring the latest innovations in R&D, navigating the murky regulatory landscape, gain new insights on the safety concerns of genome editing/ integration, and unpack key manufacturing/CMC challenges to develop quality, scalable processes. 11th Annual Tumor Models Boston 12 - 13 July Boston, USA Tumor Models Boston stands out as an industry-led meeting dedicated to preclinical and translational oncology, with real-world case studies that will empower you to advance your Pharma EVENTS © stock.adobe.com/ eyo 36 Pharma Business International www.pbiforum.net costs of failures. The ADC Toxicity Summit will allow companies developing ADCs to overcome toxicological related challenges, by hearing case-study-led presentations on approved ADCs, as well as important scientific and strategic discussions. Designed to provide you with the toolkit to design and deliver more tolerable ADCs to patients without lowering efficacy this is your exclusive opportunity to join peers with expertise in toxicology, safety, and pathology. targeted combination oncology candidates to patients with optimized translatability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. CPHI South East Asia 12 - 14 July Bangkok, Thailand A leading pharmaceutical solutions event, where a trade show on products, technologies, innovations, seminars on raw materials, pharmaceutical ingredients and packaging, technologies in pharmaceutical production, business matching, medical supplies, and much more, come together to promote the pharmaceutical industry in South East Asia. No matter where you are in the pharmaceutical supply chain, CPHI South East Asia is your ultimate one-stop shop to find the latest pharma solutions. ADC Toxicity Summit 25 - 27 July Boston, USA There is a vast number of ADCs that never make it to the clinic let alone to market, and this is largely due to toxicological challenges providing a narrow therapeutic index. Understanding the causes of toxicity, their translatability into the clinic, as well as mitigation and dosing strategies to limit these toxicities will enable ADC developers to take more assets into the clinic while reducing the © stock.adobe.com/ peopleimages.com Inner Ear Disorders Therapeutics Summit 29 - 31 August Boston, USA Learn about the latest advancements in protection, enhancement and regeneration to treat hearing loss through the lens of different modalities including gene therapy, small molecule and stem cell therapy approaches. Learn how to deliver therapies to relevant inner ear cells effectively, extrapolate clinically relevant information from preclinical models, explore how combination therapies could maximize efficacy, and learn from high-profile failures to avoid pitfalls in your own development.Pharma Data & Digital Medicine 2023 11 - 12 September London, UK A premier meeting for pharma data & digital medicine innovators, Pharma Data & Digital Medicine 2023 offers visitors a chance to engage with peers and selected leading providers in an exciting, successful networking environment, educate themselves on the latest in research and innovation in a renowned conference programme, and elevate pharma data and digital medicine & health research through immersive, discussion-based sessions within a committed community. BioPharm America 13 - 14 September Raleigh, USA BioPharm America brings together hundreds of the world’s most innovative leaders across biotech, finance and pharma for high-level networking, pre- scheduled partnering meetings, strategic panel discussions and more. www.pbiforum.net Pharma Business International 37 © stock.adobe.com / zevana Vaccines Europe 2023 14 - 15 September Berlin, Germany An intensive 2-day in person meeting that delves into the latest in vaccine research, platform technologies, development and manufacturing, and a meeting place for experts working within cutting- edge vaccine research & development. This event will bring together leading companies for engaging discussions, knowledge sharing and focused networking. Pharmaconex 3 - 5 September Cairo, Egypt Pharmaconex is Africa’s pharmaceutical manufacturing hub, connecting the entire supply chain in Egypt, the largest producer of the pharmaceutical market in the MENA region. The event offers a comprehensive experience for the pharma community to network and build knowledge around the latest industry trends. FEATURES Packaging Temperature Control Software and IT Systems Materials Handling Marketing Next issue: Deadline - 26th July 2023 REGULARS News Events M&A Round-up Eye On Approvals Visit us at www.pbiforum.net where you’ll find the latest news as it breaks – and why not subscribe to our newsletters so you can have the latest news emailed to your inbox, in between digital issues? @pbiforumwww.pbiforum.netcompany/pbiforumNext >