PCI Clinical Services announces expansion of its cryogenic storage facilities

Published: 21-Nov-2016

Leading pharmaceutical outsourcing services provider PCI Pharma Services (PCI) is extending its current cryogenic storage capabilities to its Rockford (Illinois, USA) operations, complementing the specialized capability currently offered at its Bridgend, UK, centre of excellence for clinical trial services

This investment was made in support of the changing needs of the pharmaceutical and biotech market and delivers an enhanced, robust facility for clients to store temperature-sensitive products, as well as offering critical dual site opportunities for clients’ cell banks and temperature-sensitive materials.

PCI’s significant market-leading cold chain, ultra-cold chain and cryogenic capabilities has enabled the organization to provide these innovative temperature managed solutions to help reduce potential logistical and technical challenges with packaging, labelling, storage and distribution of drug products at cryogenic temperatures – demonstrating its ongoing commitment to developing its clinical trial services solutions for the benefit of its clients across the world.

PCI provides a highly specialized network capability for supporting temperature-sensitive drug product including ultra-cold chain, at temperatures ranging from controlled ambient 15-25 °C, 2-8 °C, down to -90°C, and including liquid nitrogen vapour phase storage at -196 °C for advanced therapeutic medicinal products (ATMPs), as well as bespoke refrigerated and frozen temperatures according to client needs.

This added capability to its US operations is the latest in a series of major investments by PCI in supporting Clinical Trial supply, and follows the company’s most recent announcement of the expansion of its Bridgend site with a purpose-built and dedicated -40 °C facility; as well as a broader cold chain capacity expansion that increased site storage by more than 400% — in addition to continued expansion of frozen storage at -80 °C.

The Rockford development, combined with the expansion in Bridgend, reflects PCI investments at other UK and North American sites, supporting specialized services for clinical trials and its considerable business growth in this segment.

The new specialisation is situated in the 93,000 square feet Logistics Parkway building at the PCI Rockford campus, a purpose-built facility supporting clinical trials storage and distribution in 2015. The site is one of seven facilities at the Rockford centre of excellence.

Brian Keesee, Executive Director, Clinical Services at PCI, said: “We are excited to expand our existing cryogenic expertise in Bridgend into the US. During the last decade, PCI has been actively involved in expanding its experience and specialised knowledge across the segment of gene therapies, somatic cell therapies and ATMPs. The new facility is an example of our dedication to testing and validating the newest technologies and storage capabilities to ensure they are using the most effective methods for clients.”

“We have a proven track record with dry ice and nitrogen shipping and storage systems, an extensive global distribution network and expertise in handling, storage and distribution of temperature-sensitive products. PCI’s continued investment in this area allows our clients to realize a safe and secure supply chain, ensuring their life-saving treatments are stored safely for patients around the world with the highest degree of confidence and assurance.”

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