Sentry Logistic Launches Biopharmaceutical Cold-Chain Logistics

Indianapolis, IN - Sentry Logistic Solutions has announced the launch of its services and the opening of its $8 million, 53,000-square-foot facility designed for cold-chain logistics, storage and packing of bulk pharmaceutical and biotechnology components and finished products.

The company is one of the only cold chain storage and third party logistics (3PL) providers in the U.S. to offer dedicated contract logistics and storage services specifically to meet the growing demands of the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector. This market segment was identified by the Bureau of Labor Statistics as the fastest-growing manufacturing sector in the U.S. The biotech industry alone accounted for $33.3 billion in sales in 2004, according to a report by Ernst & Young, LLP and BioWorld.

"Sentry's service launch comes at a time when the life science industry is booming," said Jennifer Marcum, Sentry's chief executive officer. "The company was founded to fill a gap in this growing market by providing storage and logistics services expressly for pharmaceutical and biotech developers and manufacturers. Outsourcing these functions is a cost-effective alternative that allows biopharma firms to focus their resources on research and development. And, partnering with an industry specialist like Sentry is a safer, more secure option than trusting valuable biopharmaceutical components to vendors that are only marginally familiar with the controlled temperatures and security measures these materials require."

Sentry's facilities, infrastructure and services comply with the stringent warehousing, packaging and logistics requirements of pharma and biotech firms, contract research organizations (CROs), contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs), wholesalers, distributors and government entities. The company specializes in storing and shipping temperature-sensitive materials such as active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), bulk drug substances (BDS), intermediates, components, finished drug products and pharmaceutical components. Sentry also stores equipment and primary and secondary packaging materials.

"In an industry where compliance, security, process and reputation are everything, Sentry is well-positioned to become the country's leading biopharmaceutical cold storage and logistics provider for a growing regional, national and global market," added Marcum. "We have assembled a talented leadership team with expertise in pharmaceutical manufacturing, quality assurance and cold storage and have brought together a board of strategic advisors with diverse industry and entrepreneurial experience. Additionally, we have custom-built one of the country's largest, most secure cold chain logistics and storage facilities; developed strategic partnerships with global pharmaceutical companies and leading cold storage equipment vendors; and invested in FDA-compliant operating procedures and technologies. This was a monumental undertaking that will result in value-driven services for worldwide pharma and biotech companies."

Sentry's 53,000 square-foot warehouse and logistics center is classified as a Highly Protected Risk (HPR) facility, which signifies that it complies with the industry's highest level of risk protection. Sentry's processes, systems and technologies are completely validated, adhere to FDA regulations and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and comply with rigorous standard operating procedures (SOPs) outlined in the company's Validation Master Plan. It is from this hub that Sentry provides cold storage at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius; frozen storage at -10 to -20 degrees Celsius; and ambient room temperature storage. The company also provides custom solutions for domestic and international transportation and logistics and end-to-end import and export management.

"The pharmaceutical and biotech economy continues to be a cornerstone in Indiana's future health and wealth," said Jeb Conrad, executive director of Indianapolis Economic Development, a member of The Indy Partnership, a privately funded organization dedicated to strengthening economic growth in the Indianapolis region. "Sentry is poised to become one of the most successful life science businesses in this region. And, Sentry's strategic Midwest location delivers a significant competitive advantage to its clients. The company's warehouse and logistics facility is headquartered in a foreign trade zone area, minutes away from the country's second-largest FedEx hub, the Indianapolis International Airport and five major interstates. This allows for fast, efficient product shipping and turnaround."

SOURCE: Sentry Logistic