The facility in Rockford, Illinois, will be a set apart from PCI’s nearby packaging facility, and is expected to be completed mid-2014 at a cost of $8m (€5.9m).
“We are experiencing business growth both in packaging of Clinical Trial materials as well as the Storage, Distribution, and Returns management of investigational products,” Executive Director of Marketing & Business Development Justin Schroeder told Outsourcing-Pharma.com.
“The growth is really driven by our international clientele, with studies being increasingly executed internationally,” he added.
“As markets evolve we are seeing much more demand for international emerging markets, both in destinations for Commercial medicines as well as investigational sites for Clinical products.”
The 93,000 sq ft facility will support ambient and Cold Chain storage - at 2-8°C, -20°C, and -80°C - as well as being DEA approved for storage of Schedule II-V controlled substances. Approximately 25 jobs are anticipated to be created.
“The facility is in close proximity to our packaging operations, but allows us to provide the specific Storage and Distribution services in a purpose built facility,” Schroeder continued, adding PCI selected a stand-alone site due to the logistical nature of the storage and distribution side of the business.
Delivering alternate delivery forms
On top of international demand, Schroeder also spoke to us about other factors affecting the contract packaging and logistics services industry.
“[We are seeing] increasing needs for alternative delivery forms including parenterals and injectibles as the biotech and biosimilars market gain prominence” he said, with many of these products having Cold Chain requirements.