Future clinical trial supply depots will follow the wholly owned, purpose-built model Marken used for the Singapore site. Marken took this approach to meet demand for one-stop-shop clinical trial logistics services and, with the Singapore depot completed, is planning further expansions.
Construction of similar depots in India, China, Japan, and beyond Asia Pacific is being considered, Lee-Peng Goh, global CTS (clinical trial services) director at Marken, told Outsourcing-Pharma.
Opening depots over the next five years will give Marken a network of supply sites based on the Singapore-model. Like the 14,500 sq ft Singapore supply depot, each of the new sites will provide a range of clinical trial logistics services.
From the Singapore site Marken can provide: storage and distribution; returns and destruction; kit building; and short- to long-term storage of biological specimens in ultra low freezers. A range of storage temperatures from ambient down to -80ºC are possible at the Singapore site.
Marken will provide these services to clients from around the world who need to distribute Phase I to IV clinical trial materials in Asia-Pacific. Singapore is very convenient logistically, says Marken, and materials can be moved quickly and easily in and out of the clinical trial supply depot.
Securing business
The Singapore site was audited in February and, within a week of the visit, received regulatory clearance. Now, Marken is working to secure Asia-Pacific logistics and distribution contracts for the site.
Discussions with one client are at an advanced stage and Marken expects the depot to begin operations in April. Potential clients and other interested parties were shown round the site this week in an opening in conjunction with BioPharma Asia Convention 2011.