UPS Healthcare announced today an investment and further expansion of its capabilities in cell and gene services via Marken, a UPS company. UPS Healthcare is adding eight centers of excellence to support Marken’s global network of cell and gene services, bringing the total to 14 certified sites. The expanded network will support Marken’s well-established services including cryogenic transport services, patient data protection, superior temperature monitoring technology and real-time GPS tracking.

　　As an important part of UPS Healthcare’s offerings, Marken’s worldwide network includes 56 certified locations to handle the sensitive shipments required during the clinical development of cell and gene therapies. The eight new locations – New York, Miami, Amsterdam, Paris, Melbourne, Sidney, Tokyo and Seoul – strengthen Marken’s global Center of Excellence network, which already includes centers in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Philadelphia, London, Frankfurt and Singapore.

　　Marken has established a global control center in its Research Triangle Park headquarters where it monitors all activities relative to its cell and gene clinical trials. The control center monitors location and temperature in real time for all shipments, leverages UPS’s expansive global network, monitors flight status and manages all potential supply chain disruptions.

　　Wes Wheeler, president of UPS Healthcare, commented, “UPS Healthcare continues to expand our service portfolio to support our growing number of cell and gene clients. These new breakthrough therapies are among the most complex and sensitive in our industry and we are planning on a best-in-class level of performance. We will continue to invest in our capabilities and maintain Marken’s leadership position in the clinical trial logistics industry.”