Cencora's Healthcare Bio Logistics Strategy

The pharmaceutical industry’s evolution toward speciality medicines and biologics is transforming logistics infrastructure requirements, as stakeholders across the value chain respond to intensifying pressures around supply chain resilience, regulatory compliance and temperature-controlled distribution.

As the global pharma market moves toward a valuation of US$1.8tn – fueled by growing demand for speciality drugs such as biologics and oncology therapies – sophisticated third-party logistics (3PL) networks are becoming increasingly strategic.

Industry research shows more than 85% of biopharma executives expect to make major investments in AI and digital solutions to strengthen supply chain resiliency amid geopolitical uncertainty. At the same time, companies are prioritising regional suppliers and expanding across Asia-Pacific to enhance cold chain reliability.

Strategic infrastructure expansion

Cencora’s announcement of new investments to advance its 3PL capabilities across the US and Europe underscores a broader shift toward geographically diversified distribution networks. The company is strengthening its pan-European footprint through the integration of NextPharma Logistics – a healthcare logistics provider operating in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Cencora will also open a 3PL facility in Italy in 2026, following recent expansions in France, Spain and the UK. These developments signal an industry-wide recognition that access to advanced therapies depends on highly localised infrastructure compliant with stringent Good Distribution Practice (GDP) standards.

The scale of expansion underway suggests pharmaceutical manufacturers are working to de-risk supply chains through partnerships with logistics providers offering broad, multi-market capabilities.

"Our customers trust us to serve as an extension of their operations," says Chris Williams, SVP and President of Alloga Europe & ICS.

"We continue to strengthen our pharmaceutical logistics capabilities through investments across our 3PL network to deliver enhanced support tailored to their needs.

"Whether it's a large-scale global program or supporting the launch of an advanced therapy in a new market, we're able to provide the integrated support our customers need to navigate supply chain complexities, maximize commercial success and ensure efficient and reliable access to their products."

Cold chain technology demands

The commercialisation of cell and gene therapies is driving exceptional demand for ultra-low and cryogenic storage capacity. Cencora plans to open a 500,000-square-foot 3PL facility in Texas in 2028 – its fifth in the US – boosting capacity to handle products across controlled room temperature, refrigerated, frozen, ultra-low and cryogenic ranges.

The company has already tripled its ultra-low and cryogenic storage capacity across its US network to support the rising number of speciality medicines. These infrastructure investments align with projections that advanced therapy launches will accelerate in the years ahead.

From its headquarters in Germany, NextPharma Logistics delivers integrated supply chain solutions encompassing storage, distribution, serialisation, and quality and compliance management. Its GDP-compliant facilities offer temperature-controlled storage ranging from refrigerated to deep-frozen, ensuring secure and efficient handling of sensitive pharmaceutical products.

Market access and localisation strategies

Strategically distributed logistics infrastructure across Europe could prove critical for pharma companies navigating complex regulatory frameworks and reducing time-to-market for speciality products.

"Pharmaceutical companies increasingly seek partners that can provide comprehensive support across multiple markets," adds Alina Chesnokova, Vice President, Global 3PL Commercialisation for Cencora.

"Through our internationally scaled 3PL service and suite of commercialisation solutions, Cencora is uniquely positioned to support their needs, delivering integrated support to enable seamless expansion into new markets and ensure products are delivered on time and in the right condition."

The establishment of speciality storage units featuring cryogenic technology in the Netherlands and expanded refrigerated and frozen capacity in France indicates that pharmaceutical companies are prioritising supply chain partners capable of supporting products from clinical trials through to commercialisation.

These trends underscore the growing importance of enhanced 3PL networks to ensure compliant, efficient distribution of high-value speciality therapies – aligning with escalating ESG priorities as major players invest heavily in sustainable logistics practices.