Cell & Gene

In a remarkable journey that began 15 years ago, Marken has become a driving force in the clinical logistics landscape throughout India. By accelerating the accessibility of new medicines and drugs in development to patients across the country and worldwide, this exciting milestone is a testament to Marken’s passion for improving patients’ lives. From a single office in Mumbai in 2008 to six strategically positioned state-of-the-art logistics, storage and distribution facilities, Marken’s Indian footprint now spans across key cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Pune, connecting over 280 cities and towns. 

Marken India has been an instrumental leader, pioneering direct-to/from patient services and lifesaving CGT logistics including critical CAR-T therapies. Additional diversification of offerings such as early access programs, shipping qualification and route risk assessments add to Marken’s unique position to support the rising demand within this territory.

Ariette van Strien, Marken’s President, comments, “As we commemorate our remarkable 15-year journey of delivering excellent service in India, I'm proud of all our successes and continued growth in this emerging region — In 2008, we started with one site and, today, are operating in six cities with a robust network and an exceptional team. I had the privilege of meeting with the Marken India team earlier this year and was impressed by their passion for our Indian clients and their patients.

India remains a focus for us, holding incredible potential in drug development, vaccines, biosimilars, and CGT. Among the top 3 countries in the pharma industry for producing new medicines, we will continue to invest in India, expanding in this significant market. Thank you to our teams in India for continuing to go beyond to deliver what matters.”

Marken’s Vice President, Asia Pacific, Poh-Meng Cheah adds, “Over the past few years, Team India has come out stronger, and I am pleased that we have moved to larger and better facilities in almost all branches. With this, everyone looks forward to the next 5 years in anticipation of moving the company to an even higher echelon of achievement. Here we go again, one team one fight!”

As India emerges as a preferred country for pharmaceutical production, Marken remains at the forefront by expanding our presence and drug storage and distribution capabilities to areas where our clients’ clinical trials and patient populations are increasing.

Marken is closely following reports of Tropical Storm Idalia, which is now forecasted to intensify into a major hurricane. The storm is expected to reach landfall by Wednesday, August 30^th, 2023 – with impact as early as Tuesday afternoon, August 29^th. Current forecasting reports project the greatest impact to Northern Florida before continuing north through Georgia and onward to the Carolinas. Evacuations and State of Emergencies have already been declared throughout Florida counties.

Currently, we are operating as normal and our Marken team is closely monitoring all shipments that may be impacted or delayed due to flight cancellations, local ground collection and deliveries and airport closures. We are prepared to take the necessary steps with Business Continuity Plans in place, to proactively mitigate disruptions and provide alternative arrangements for our clients and patients.

Marken remains committed to sourcing the best available options for each shipment and as we continue to observe these ongoing challenges, we will share updates as available. Please contact your local Marken branch or business professional if you have questions about a particular shipment.

For more information, please visit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration site.

As smoke and haze continue to fill the skies across the eastern parts of the U.S. this week, we understand that the weather pattern is expected to persist for the next several days, with haze to continue to spread across the region.

Currently, we are operating normal and our Marken team is closely monitoring all shipments and flights that may be impacted or delayed due to air quality issues. We are prepared to take the necessary steps with Business Continuity Plans in place, to ensure uninterrupted service for our clients and patients. 

Marken remains committed to sourcing the best available options for each shipment and as we continue to observe these ongoing challenges, we will share updates as available. 

Please contact your local Marken branch or business professional if you have questions about a particular shipment.

Marken is closely following reports across Central Mexico where the country’s most dangerous active volcano, Volcano Popocatépetl, has exhibited increased activity including explosions, tremors and exhalations of vapor, gas and ashes for the past week.

As The National Disaster Prevention Center of Mexico has raised the alert level to Phase 3 with a possible evacuation order affecting millions, air traffic and shipment movement may be impacted as the region continues to experience flight delays, cancellations or temporary airport closures.

Marken and UPS Operations Teams are monitoring all shipments that may be impacted and are taking the necessary steps with Business Continuity Plans in place, to proactively mitigate disruptions and provide alternative arrangements for our clients and patients.

We remain committed to sourcing the best available options for each shipment as we continue to observe ongoing challenges. Please contact your local Marken branch or business professional if you have questions about a particular shipment.

Marken will continue to closely monitor the ongoing situation and will share updates as available.