Expansion of PCI’s cryogenic storage facilities

Pharmaceutical outsourcing services provider, PCI Pharma Services (PCI), is extending its current cryogenic storage capabilities to its Illinois, USA operations, complementing the specialised 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 company to provide these temperature-managed solutions to help reduce potential logistical and technical challenges with packaging, labelling, storage and distribution of drug products at cryogenic temperatures.

PCI provides a highly specialised network capability for supporting temperature-sensitive drug product, with temperatures ranging from 15-25°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 PCI’s USA operations follows the company’s recent announcement of the expansion of its Bridgend site with a purpose-built and dedicated -40°C facility, in addition to continued expansion of frozen storage at -80°C.

The new specialisation is situated in the 93,000 square feet Logistics Parkway building at the PCI Rockford campus; 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. 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 realise 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.”