Third-party logistics expertise ensuring rapid response to infectious disease outbreaks
When infectious disease outbreaks occur, the ability to quickly and effectively distribute vaccines, treatments, and diagnostic tools can significantly affect the trajectory of the outbreak and the well-being of affected communities. This is where third-party logistics (3PL) providers play a vital role. 3PL providers, with their expertise in warehousing, transportation, and inventory management, can help create resilient supply chains that can adapt to the unique challenges of infectious disease outbreaks. During an epidemic, 3PL partners are needed to rapidly scale operations to handle the surge in demand for required therapeutics, ensuring timely delivery to healthcare facilities and affected populations.
With the projected growth of the infectious disease therapeutics market at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8% from 2023 to 2030 to reach $175.32 billion,[2] it is clear that 3PL providers can offer valuable support to manufacturers in this area.
Logistics know-how shaping the response to public health emergencies
3PL expertise is essential for effective pandemic preparedness and strengthening the overall outbreak response. Logistics partners work closely with government health agencies and emergency response organizations to develop and implement comprehensive preparedness plans. This collaboration ensures the coordinated distribution of essential medical supplies, such as vaccines or medications, during public health emergencies.
These partners can contribute to national stockpiling efforts by providing secure storage for critical medical supplies (with cold-chain management, including ultra-low temperature storage for biologics) and assisting with packaging and labeling requirements, closely observing expiry dates and quality standards. This ensures that these supplies are readily available for rapid deployment during outbreaks.
ICS: A valuable partner in infectious disease response
ICS, a part of Cencora, is a 3PL provider with a strong track record of supporting public health initiatives and emergency preparedness. Using its specialist understanding of the space, ICS helps pharmaceutical organizations address crises effectively in a number of ways:
- Reach: A comprehensive network of strategically located distribution centers and diversifying transportation routes allow 3PLs to deploy critical supplies rapidly. Implementing real-time tracking and monitoring systems helps them mitigate risks and ensure the continuity of supply.
- Order fulfillment: Comprehensive order-to-cash services help large distributors and offer personalized support for smaller organizations like community pharmacies and rural hospitals.
- Expedited shipping: Partnering with a range of delivery experts with full-service offerings (including temperature-controlled solutions, advanced tracking technologies, and the highest quality standards guaranteeing compliance with regulatory requirements) enables rapid response during emergencies.
- Kitting and customization: Handling complex kitting requirements, ensuring that different kit elements are stored and distributed according to their specific temperature needs.
- Experienced personnel: A highly specialized workforce dedicated to quality and efficiency ensures smooth operations even during peak demand.
By leveraging the expertise of 3PLs, pharmaceutical companies can optimize their supply chains, reduce costs, and improve overall efficiency. This collaboration ensures that life-saving treatments reach those in need quickly, strengthening public health responses to infectious disease outbreaks and protecting communities.
“3PLs providers have to balance flexibility and agility with high quality standards to ensure the integrity of the product so that it is safe and effective when it reaches its destination.”
Supporting manufacturers in the infectious disease space
ICS’ commitment to quality and efficiency is evident in its track record. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, ICS played a crucial role in distributing vaccines and other essential medical supplies across the U.S., leveraging its national reach and expertise in cold chain logistics. Similarly, ICS demonstrated its ability to respond rapidly to the mpox outbreak by ensuring the timely delivery of treatments to affected communities. In one instance, ICS successfully assembled and delivered a complex kit of medical supplies within a 30-day timeframe, showcasing its agility and responsiveness in emergency situations.
“Our team is hugely motivated, knowing that they are responsible for delivering healthier futures; we strive for customer satisfaction of 99.7 percent and consistently operate above that value.”
Working together to enhance supply chain resilience
Collaboration between manufacturers, government agencies, and logistics experts is crucial for effective preparedness and response in the infectious disease area. Organizations such as ICS, offering access to a wide range of capabilities and working closely with other Cencora businesses specializing in market intelligence, research, or global regulatory requirements, can help manufacturers achieve the flexibility and speed needed to deliver essential therapeutics in a crisis. Global presence across various business units helps ICS stay ahead of the curve and address infectious disease outbreaks wherever they occur.
“When the government decides that a specific therapy is required immediately through emergency use authorization (EUA), ICS can ensure that it gets distributed quickly, efficiently, and safely.”
ICS uses the depth of knowledge and expertise of all Cencora businesses, such as PharmaLex , which supports clients through the entire product life cycle, including regulatory processes and strategic planning. PharmaLex has the knowledge and expertise of national and regional regulatory requirements (such as those of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or the European Medicines Agency), giving ICS direct and quick access to this intelligence.
“Having the local, national, and regional market presence helps global 3PLs get ahead of the game.”
The increasing prevalence of infectious diseases and the potential for future outbreaks highlight the critical need for robust and adaptable supply chains in the pharmaceutical industry. 3PL providers like ICS play a vital role in ensuring the timely and efficient delivery of essential medical supplies to healthcare facilities and patients. Partnering with a logistics expert allows infectious disease therapy manufacturers to optimize their supply chains, reduce costs, and focus on their core competencies while ensuring that life-saving treatments reach those in need during outbreaks.
References
1. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/jan/09/hmpv-virus-china-what-is-human-metapneumovirus
2. https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-infectious-disease-therapeutics-market
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