Cold storage for pharmaceuticals – Standard compliance

Cold storage plays a crucial role in the preservation and transportation of pharmaceuticals. With a continuous temperature control system and international storage standards, cold storage for pharmaceuticals help maintain product quality, reduce the risk of damage, and ensure compliance with strict industry regulations. 

Pharmaceuticals require cold storage

Pharmaceuticals are special items that require strict storage to ensure quality and effectiveness in treating diseases. Using cold storage services for pharmaceuticals helps meet high storage standards and brings practical benefits to the entire supply chain.

Ensure the quality and stability of pharmaceuticals

Temperature is a key factor affecting the quality of pharmaceuticals. Most products, from vaccines, insulin, and antibiotics to biological preparations, must be stored in cold environments at temperatures ranging from 2°C to 8°C, or even below 0°C for certain special products. Cold storage ensures a stable temperature and prevents the degradation of activity throughout storage and transportation.

Comply with strict storage regulations

The pharmaceutical industry must adhere to international standards such as GDP (Good Distribution Practices) and GSP (Good Storage Practices), which require the storage and transportation of pharmaceuticals under optimal conditions. A compliant cold storage for pharmaceuticals helps businesses strictly follow these regulations, reducing legal risks and protecting brand reputation.

Flexible and accurate temperature control

Modern cold storage facilities are typically equipped with real-time temperature monitoring sensors and automatic temperature adjustment systems, ensuring that pharmaceuticals are stored under ideal conditions. This minimizes the risk of damage from temperature fluctuations and builds trust throughout the supply chain.

Meet the need for large and diverse storage

With the ability to store large quantities of pharmaceuticals and space that can be divided to meet various temperature requirements, cold storage enables businesses to simultaneously store multiple types of pharmaceuticals, from common tablets to those requiring deep freeze temperatures.

Common types of cold storage for pharmaceuticals

To ensure pharmaceutical quality during storage, selecting the appropriate cold storage is essential. Below are the most common types of cold storage that meet the strict pharmaceutical storage standards.

• Static cold storage: with its compact design and flexibility in installation, static cold storage is typically used in hospitals, medical centers, or pharmacies. It is ideal for storing vaccines and pharmaceuticals in moderate quantities, meeting storage needs in limited spaces.
• Mobile cold storage: this is the optimal solution for storing pharmaceuticals during transportation, especially when delivering to remote areas or in emergencies. Equipped with advanced cooling systems, it ensures stable temperatures throughout the journey, even in environments with fluctuating temperatures.
• Industrial cold storage: suitable for pharmaceutical manufacturing plants or large distribution centers, industrial cold storage features spacious areas and powerful refrigeration systems capable of storing large quantities of vaccines and pharmaceuticals over extended periods.

Considerations when choosing cold storage for pharmaceuticals

Choosing a cold storage for pharmaceuticals requires businesses to carefully consider criteria to ensure quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.

International storage standards compliance

Pharmaceuticals are special products, and cold storage must meet international standards such as:

• GDP (Good Distribution Practices): ensures that the distribution and transportation of pharmaceuticals adhere to proper storage conditions.
• GSP (Good Storage Practices): ensures the cold storage maintains strict conditions, controlling temperature and humidity.

Businesses should check the licenses and certifications of the service provider to avoid legal risks and protect pharmaceutical quality.

Strict temperature control and monitoring systems

A quality cold storage for pharmaceuticals should include the following features:

• 24/7 temperature monitoring: cold storage should be equipped with continuous temperature sensors that send automatic alerts in case of issues.
• Flexible temperature range: the cold storage service must accommodate the varying storage needs of different pharmaceuticals, ranging from 2°C – 8°C (cold storage) to -20°C or -70°C (deep freeze storage).
• Data reporting and recording: temperature data must be fully and transparently recorded so businesses can track conditions throughout the storage period.

Ensure stability and backup systems for emergencies

The service provider should equip the cold storage facility with backup generators or batteries to ensure a stable power supply throughout the storage process. Emergency response procedures should be clearly established to ensure no damage to the pharmaceuticals.

Additionally, the cold storage for pharmaceuticals must have tight security systems, such as 24/7 surveillance cameras and strict access control, to minimize the risk of loss, theft, or damage during storage.

Convenient location and transport connections

The location of the cold storage facility should facilitate transport and distribution operations. Businesses should prioritize facilities near airports or seaports to optimize transportation time and costs. Choosing a warehouse located in an area with good infrastructure ensures swift and smooth cargo delivery.

Choosing a cold storage service provider for pharmaceuticals

When selecting a cold storage provider for pharmaceuticals, businesses should focus on the provider’s experience and reputation. Providers with extensive industry experience will understand the stringent storage requirements, ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards. Professionalism in operations and the ability to handle unforeseen situations also contribute to minimizing potential storage risks.

If businesses are looking for a professional cold storage for pharmaceuticals, VELA’s digital logistics platform is a valuable option. VELA’s cold storage system for pharmaceuticals is equipped with IoT sensors that continuously monitor and adjust temperatures to ensure optimal storage conditions, minimizing damage risks.

Moreover, VELA offers advanced tools that provide real-time updates on inventory levels, expiration dates, and storage conditions, allowing businesses to easily track and manage storage remotely and utilize AI-driven forecasts to optimize warehouse planning.

Choosing a reliable cold storage for pharmaceuticals is essential for protecting product quality throughout the storage and transportation process. With a digital platform that provides timely information about product status, VELA is a trusted partner to help businesses optimize their storage processes and ensure the utmost safety for their products.