Sysmex : and TOHO PHARMACEUTICAL to Commence Dry Ice-free Supply of Quality Control Reagents for Clinical Chemistry Tests- Realizing a Sustainable Cold Chain -
September 08, 2022 at 02:10 am EDT
Share
Sep. 08, 2022
Sysmex Corporation (HQ: Kobe, Japan; Chairman and CEO: Hisashi Ietsugu) and TOHO PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD. (Headquarters: Setagaya-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director, President: Akira Umada), a pharmaceutical wholesaler subsidiary of TOHO HOLDINGS CO., LTD. (Headquarters: Setagaya-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director, CEO: Atsushi Udoh), announce the establishment of a system for the supply of quality control reagents for clinical chemistry tests requiring a high level of refrigerated transportation. The new system reduces transportation frequency, allows the reuse of transportation materials, and makes the overall transportation process dry ice-free. Going forward, the two companies will continue working toward the practical implementation of sustainable cold chains.
Up until now, Sysmex has been using dry ice and dedicated trucks or charter services for the delivery of products requiring refrigerated storage under strict quality and temperature management. Currently, around 90 tons of dry ice are used annually for product transportation. However, since CO2 generated in the oil refining process is used as a raw material for dry ice, in consideration of eco-friendliness, stable procurement, and increased procurement prices, Sysmex has been examining measures to improve this situation. An example is the dry ice-free transportation of reagents for gene testing at ultralow temperatures (around -70 degrees Celsius) in a collaboration with Yamato Transport Co., Ltd. commencing in December 2021.
To ensure stable supplies of pharmaceuticals that require special management in the distribution process, such as orphan drugs and high-priced pharmaceuticals, TOHO PHARMACEUTICAL has developed a SALM Solution System which combines cutting-edge logistics functions and SALM, a constant-temperature transportation device that supports a wide range of temperatures. SALM incorporates a device for recording the temperature and device status in its main unit, enabling it to assure the quality of pharmaceutical products. Since the system will allow products to be returned or resold, it is expected to greatly reduce the disposal risk of high-priced specialty pharmaceuticals. A major feature is that compared to the use of refrigerants and dry ice for constant temperature control, little CO2 is emitted during SALM operation.
In consideration of sustainability and eco-friendliness, Sysmex and TOHO PHARMACEUTICAL have established a system for achieving dry ice-free transportation of quality control reagents, which will commence operations in September 2022. It is scheduled to become available first in Tokyo and gradually be expanded to cover other areas. The use of Toho Pharmaceutical's SALM Solution System to supply products to medical institutions will reduce transportation frequency, allow transportation materials to be reused, and reduce the amount of dry ice used and CO2 emissions by eliminating the need for dry ice throughout the transportation process. This is the first initiative in the domestic in vitro diagnostic products industry to combine consolidated cargo and pharmaceutical wholesalers' general delivery system (for ordinary products) in dry-ice free long-haul deliveries to customers. Also, by making Sysmex's testing reagents readily available to customers by maintaining inventory at TOHO PHARMACEUTICAL, we will endeavor to maintain stable supplies of products so that healthcare professionals will have no cause for concern in clinical practice, even during disasters or other emergency situations.
Going forward, the two companies will continue efforts toward the practical implementation of sustainable cold chains that include eco-friendliness, high quality, and a stable supply of products.
Press release dated December 23, 2021: "Sysmex and Yamato Transport Commence Dry Ice-Free Transportation of Reagents for Gene Testing in Consolidated Cargo at the Ultralow Temperature Range of Minus 70 Degrees Celsius - Realizing an Eco-Friendly, Low-Cost, and Sustainable Pharmaceutical Product Cold Chain -
Information contained in the press release is current as of the date of the announcement,
but may be subject to change without prior notice.
Attachments
Original Link
Original Document
Permalink
Disclaimer
Sysmex Corporation published this content on 08 September 2022 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 08 September 2022 06:09:03 UTC.
Sysmex Corp is a Japan-based company principally engaged in the health care business. The Company conducts product development, manufacturing, sales, and service in domestic markets, and some products are developed, manufactured, and sold by subsidiaries. Overseas, the Company conducts the manufacturing and sales of products in the Americas, EMEA, China, and Asia Pacific through other companies. Along with its subsidiaries, the Company is involved in the development, manufacture, sale and service of clinical laboratory equipment, laboratory test drugs and products related to laboratory test.
Sysmex : and TOHO PHARMACEUTICAL to Commence Dry Ice-free Supply of Quality Control Reagents for Clinical Chemistry Tests- Realizing a Sustainable Cold Chain -