Marken is expanding its facilities in Philadelphia to include more space for logistics operations as well as a new GMP-compliant storage and distribution center to meet the growing demand for services in the area. 

The facility is a tailored solution for clinical drug handling and its close proximity to Philadelphia International Airport will allow faster transit times.

A new 11,000 square foot depot will be connected to the existing logistics hub and will offer temperature controlled capabilities, including storage for +2 to +8⁰C, +15 to +15⁰C and -20⁰C, limited packaging and labeling services. There are also plans to develop future storage for genetically modified organisms (GMO) to meet the increased demand in cell and gene therapies. Marken is also planning to provide central pharmacy capabilities inside of the GMP depot. This additional service will be aligned with Marken’s strategy to focus on patient centricity which includes direct to / from patient home deliveries and home health care services.

The expansion of the existing Philadelphia branch will double its current size, allowing more space for: managing pallet shippers and active containers, conditioning temperature controlled shippers and warehouse storage. The new space will also increase the capacity of its 24/7 Patient Communications Center (PCC) to assist patients who participate in trials from their homes.

Wes Wheeler, chief executive officer of Marken, said, “The new and expanded space in Philadelphia will allow synergies between our key operating branch in Philadelphia and a new GMP depot / distribution center.  We will be able to provide all of our clinical logistics services under one roof, ensuring streamlined and efficient solutions for our clients. It is Marken’s strategy and ultimate goal to create a complete end-to-end supply chain featuring: logistics, customer service, storage, distribution and labelling services from each of our global GMP locations.”