Paris May 3, 2012 — Marken announced today that it has acquired the European kit building operation from Laboratory Corporation of America® Holdings (LabCorp®) through its LabCorp Clinical Trials division. The new business located in Hamburg offers significant biological sampling kit building with experienced staff. This is the next step in Marken’s strategy to provide a full supply chain service to its customers globally.

The business includes a facility that is currently able to produce up to 60,000 sampling kits each month for global distribution and its experienced staff including project leaders and Quality Assurance professionals will further strengthen Marken’s comprehensive, global supply chain project and alliance management capability.

The transaction accompanies a master services agreement with LabCorp Clinical Trials for courier services and kit building supply for clinical trials in certain territories.

Wes Wheeler, Chief Executive Officer of Marken said “This is an important day for Marken as it perfectly aligns with our global strategy as the leading provider in global life science supply chain solutions. The management and employee base provide unparalleled experience in clinical trial supply and biological sampling kit production.”

“This innovative transaction continues our strategic focus on building our global clinical trials capabilities. LabCorp Clinical Trials division will continue to provide global laboratory testing services for our clients, aligning with Marken for kit production and full-service logistics capabilities,” said Dr. David Johnston, Senior Vice President of LabCorp Clinical Trials. “As a result, we will provide a more cost effective way to provide the highest quality testing for our clients.”

The Hamburg site will be led by Gerit Offenhauser, Senior Vice President of Clinical Trial Distribution for Marken who has extensive experience in central laboratory operations, kit building and related clinical logistics. Mr. Offenhauser has managed the Hamburg facility since 2004.

About Marken

Marken is the leading global clinical supply chain solutions provider dedicated to the pharmaceutical and life sciences industries, supporting over 49,000 clinical investigators in more than 150 countries. Marken integrates Depot and Logistics services into solutions that extend the reach of clinical trials to even the most remote treatment naive geographies.

CONTACT: Anne Reel, info@marken.com, +1 516 448-6850, www.marken.com

View the presentation here.

Single drug shipments can be $1-3 three million with strict temperature restrictions

The dramatic shift in our industry from small molecule drugs to high value biopharmaceuticals is increasing the need to focus on logistics and supply chain management. Eight of the top 10 best -selling global drug products will be biologic drugs and require 2-8 C temperature controlled storage and handling by 2016 according to Evaluate Pharma predictions. The value of these products is expected to grow by almost 48% to $192 Billion in sales by 2016 according to Evaluate Pharma. Single drug shipments can be valued between one and three million dollars with strict temperature restrictions. The bottom line is we are banking on higher value drugs that demand higher quality supply chain and temperature management.

Evaluate Pharma

The logistics behind the scenes for transportation and storage of temperature sensitive drugs or drug products takes constant monitoring and attention to ensure their stability and viability. As an industry, we need to think up front about how to ensure the stable transportation and storage of these products throughout the drug’s lifecycle, starting with clinical trials but also more and more in our day to day use after drug commercialization.

Increased Clinical Trial Complexity leads to Increased Supply Chain Complexity:

• More clinical trials are starting and lasting longer
• More targeted patients and sites
• More challenging regions
• More time and temperature-sensitive restrictions
• More regulatory constraints globally

Supply chain logistics is increasingly more complex due to higher global regulatory standards such as the USP 1079 guidelines and new IATA label regulations and unreliable global infrastructure is driving up the cost of logistics. Some recent estimates predict that the cost of cold chain logistics will continue to rise by 12-15% year over year and we have seen these costs triple for certain of our clients having a high concentration of biologics coming through the pipeline. Many companies are unaware of just how much supply chain logistics costs them in both money and hours

Managing a supply chain in today’s complex global marketplace requires an endless series of critical decisions. Without a dedicated background in life science logistics, these decisions can be nearly impossible to make, and the wrong choices can be devastating to your clinical trial. Given the value, the temperature sensitivity, and globalization of the clinical trials has made effective supply chain management a top priority. The industry needs a supply chain logistics provider who truly understands the global nature of the pharmaceutical industry.

Marken is that supply chain solution provider. No one can match Marken’s in-depth knowledge of customs policies and procedures around the world. Marken works in a very complex regulatory and logistics environment, and our regulatory compliance is best in class. That’s why over 49,000 investigator sites in over 150 countries are now supported by Marken.

Ariette van Strien, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations, Marken

Bio

Ariette Van Strien, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations, is Marken’s voice of the customer having spent 23 years in the clinical research industry spanning sales, marketing, business development and global operational and project management roles. Prior to joining Marken, Ariette held senior executive roles of increasing responsibility for CROs managing clinical trials from Phase I to IV.

Her responsibilities over the last ten years have been to lead global teams in building strategic relationships with Pharma Companies.

Having worked extensively on the Central Lab and Clinical side, Ariette brings a unique perspective of this portion of the supply chain to her position. This experience makes it possible for Marken to compete effectively in every link of the clinical trial supply chain from manufacturing to diagnostics and develop optimized supply chain and protocol design solutions for its customers.

Ariette has a Diploma as a National Public Relation Consultant, a Superior French Language degree from the International College of Cannes, France and also a Baccalaureate of Modern Languages and Biological Sciences.

“We don’t automate everything we do; it’s very personalised
customer support”

With changes afoot in the pharmaceutical industry, it has become necessary to alter the way that life sciences logistics is regarded. Marken CEO Wes Wheeler explains how pharmaceutical companies can benefit from a supply chain service provider with global reach and expertise in cold chain management in a brand new article in World Pharmaceutical Frontiers magazine.

Wes Wheeler’s article on page 84 of World Pharmaceutical Frontiers Magazine

About World Pharmaceutical Frontiers

The pharmaceutical industry is changing faster than ever before. Regulations are becoming more demanding, and there are more technologies, faster product launches and shorter product life cycles. At the same time the cost of R&D is continuously increasing. This is putting heavier financial pressure on pharma to reduce costs and shorten lead times without compromising quality or patient safety, and choosing the right investment has never been more essential.

World Pharmaceutical Frontiers is the premier information source for the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies, with reliable and accurate intelligence on emerging trends and breakthrough technologies to help them make critical business decisions.

World Pharmaceutical Frontiers provides a clear overview of the latest industry thinking regarding pharma and is essential reading for those who want to stay ahead of the competition.

Wes Wheeler is the Chief Executive force for the company’s strategic vision to realize our potential as the leading supply chain services provider for the life science industry.

Mr. Wheeler has worked in the pharmaceutical industry for over twenty years, and has held senior executive positions in four companies over the last fifteen. By helping develop a strategic vision and then using his leadership skills to implement strategies that achieve that vision, he has been instrumental in the success of these companies.

A CEO Blog Series Changing the Way We Look at Life Sciences Logistics

Part two of Marken CEO Wes Wheeler’s ten part blog series about the changing face of Life Science Logistics in today’s fast-paced pharmaceutical industry.

As the second post in my blog series, let’s focus on the drivers for selecting a clinical logistics provider. The basis of these drivers were derived from intensive market research we conducted to determine the top purchasing decisions Pharma uses in the selection of their supply chain partners. We conducted this research with the Avoca Group to be sure that our services are well aligned with our customer’s needs.  The Avoca Group interviewed over 100 individuals, including current clients, from 74 global pharmaceutical, CRO, laboratory, and sponsor companies who use supply chain services. In the survey, Marken achieved the top score when asked “Who do you consider a leader in clinical trial logistics?” The qualities attributed to Marken’s leading position were cost effectiveness, flexibility, on-time performance and customer service. Marken was perceived as a leader based on its hands-on, reliable and personal touch service which has, in turn, built strong relationships, trust, and a reputation for quality service. We have a 99.8% on-time performance record and a 99.9% client retention history.

This graph provides a summary of the research results. Although cost is an important factor in deciding who to choose, it is not the most important factor. The fragility and value of samples, drug product, specimens, kits, and some finished APIs makes reliable delivery a critical decision factor. Our customers’ ranked quality, on time and in-spec reliability as the key factors in their decision-making. We were told that Marken delivers and at a cost-effective price. How can we do that? Because, we operate with a flexible, variable infrastructure and offer a wide range of innovative solutions to provide you the best service at the lowest cost.

We have so many case examples that detail our flexibility and ability to make it happen when others could not. For more information, please see our ‘Industry Insights’ page.

Please also refer to an article that I wrote in Contract Pharma(1) entitled ‘Building a Strategic Partnership’. “Establishing a strong partnership with one provider allows you to be in control of your supply chain. You should be able to trust one source to understand your current needs and anticipate your future challenges. The biopharma company of today needs partners that can manage the continuous temperature monitoring, documented transit custody with a worldwide network of advanced, direct-controlled depots, for end-to-end quality.” See my ‘top ten list’ for considerations for selecting a supply chain partner.

Wes Wheeler is the Chief Executive force for the company’s strategic vision to realize our potential as the leading supply chain services provider for the life science industry.

Mr. Wheeler has worked in the pharmaceutical industry for over twenty years, and has held senior executive positions in four companies over the last fifteen. By helping develop a strategic vision and then using his leadership skills to implement strategies that achieve that vision, he has been instrumental in the success of these companies.

During Mr. Wheeler’s thirty-year career, he has been involved in virtually every key functional area, including manufacturing, marketing, logistics, R&D, and engineering. This breadth of experience has given him the unique ability to identify the unmet needs of customers, and then develop business plans that address those needs. By being directly involved with companies that span the globe, and living overseas himself, Wheeler has gained a unique perspective in managing businesses that cross many borders and cultures.

Mr. Wheeler holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and a Master of Business Administration, with an emphasis in Finance.

(1) Contract Pharma (2012, March) Take Control of your Commercial Supply Chain Criteria for Selecting a Provider Retrieved from http://contractpharma.com/issues/2012-03/view_executive-perspective/take-control-of-your-commercial-supply-chain/

On April 24-25, 2012 Marken will be exhibiting and presenting at Pharma IQ’s Global Clinical Outsourcing Forum in Amsterdam and as a valued customer of ours we want to extend this Complimentary Pass* for you to attend this interactive, discussion-based Forum!

If you want to find out more how you can apply for your complimentary pass , please visit www.globalclinicaloutsourcing.com email enquire@iqpc.co.uk or phone +44 (0) 207 368 9300 for more information or to confirm your place.

http://www.globalclinicaloutsourcing.com/Event.aspx?id=654528

PRESENTATION:

Coordinating Stakeholder Relationships and Managing Investigator Sites

• Building an alliance management process and to maximise operational and cost savings
• Optimising investigator supply chain management
• Closing the communication gap between all stakeholders and aligning timelines, visits, specimen collections etc.

Andrea Zobel, Senior Director, Head of Global Clinical Trial Distribution, Marken

Schedule meetings with Andrea, Sascha and Thomas!

Sascha Sonnenberg, Vice President, Business Development, Marken

Thomas Hilt, Manager Business Development, Marken

American Airlines will no longer require the Master Air Waybill (MAWB) statement from Inbound US shipments from UK

New TSA accepts UK’s NCSP in full compliance with TSA AOSSP, Master Air Waybill’s may not be required per airline.

American Airlines announced that TSA determined that security procedures under UK’s National Cargo Security Programme (NCSP) are acceptable in full compliance with the TSA Aircraft Operator Standard Security Program (AOSSP) requirements.

What does this mean? The TSA has agreed to accept all aspects of the National Cargo Security Programme administered by the UK Department for Transport, in lieu of the TSA Security Directive.

Therefore, cargo originating in the UK and headed to the United States is now subject to the procedures of the UK NCSP. Some airlines, including American Airlines will no longer require the Master Air Waybill (MAWB) statement.

“This is a move in the right direction, the TSA is listening to industry and looking for ways to work carriers, shippers and national
security programs.” Dan Bell, Director Commercial Operations and Regulatory Compliance, Marken

Dan Bell, Director Commercial Operations and Regulatory Compliance, Marken

Marken will be there to ensure full compliance with the latest TSA and national severity programs whilst maintaining supply chain integrity.

April 4, Announcement from American Airlines  

Government Holidays

Check out Marken Alerts Calendar to keep up to date on Global Government Holidays

April 4 Ching Ming Festival Hong Kong
April 6 Good Friday Government Holiday in these Countries: Australia and New Zealand, Argentina, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, Sweden, Scotland, and United Kingdom
April 7 Day after Good Friday Hong Kong
April 9 Easter Monday in Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, United Kingdom, and Hong Kong
April 25 Anzac Day in Australia and New Zealand
April 30 Feriado Puente Turistico in Argentina

 Articles

A Logistics Partner with Local Knowledge and Strong Infrastructure for Clinical Trial Distrubution is Essential for Success published in theFecicle Report -reprot link here Fecicla March-CTM LA

If handled badly clinical trial distribution in Latin America can be very frustrating. Delays occur at each step, setting back trials and ultimately launch dates. Being able to move a package from A to B is just one component of successful, delay-free logistics. An integrated approach, combining transport capabilities with customs know-how, regulatory experience and cold-chain expertise is the best strategy.

Alejandro Mancenido, Branch Manager, Argentina also wrote a blog on the subject, check it out.

March Press Releases

Marken Commissions New and Expanded London Operational Hub

Marken Launches Exclusive Shipping System For Specimen Logistics

Marken Validates Top Position in Global Clinical Sample Shipments

Marken Inaugurates New Branches in India

Check out our expert Blogs, Articles, Press Releases and more on our Industry Insights page