Joel Wayment Discusses the Logistical Challenges of CAR T-Cell Distribution and Storage

The logistics for storing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies remains a challenge, said Joel Wayment, vice president of operations for 3PL Services, Cardinal Health.

Transcript

Have the logistics of cold storage for CAR T-cell therapies improved as more have been approved and due to the needs of COVID-19 vaccines?

You know, the logistics for storing CAR T therapies has improved some, but it has a ways to go. There's a lot to evolve. Today, sites of administration really don't have the necessary capabilities to store multiple CAR T therapies for long durations of time. And so, there's work to be done there and how we help solve some of the challenges of storage of these types of products that require these unique temperatures.

How are partnerships needed to ensure the personalized supply chain for each CAR T-cell therapy goes smoothly and successfully?

You know, to continue to ensure a smooth flow of operations between product and patient, you have to have some strong partnerships. There needs to be collaboration and communication between the patient logistics and really coordinating the patient being ready for the administration, as well as the product. And so, those partners have to be talking and communicating to ensure a successful outcome.