How Cencora is Redefining Bio Logistics in Healthcare

The pharmaceutical sector's evolution towards speciality medicines and biologics is reshaping logistics infrastructure requirements, with companies across the value chain responding to mounting pressures around supply chain resilience, regulatory compliance and temperature-controlled distribution capabilities.

As the global pharma market tracks towards US$1.8tn, driven by surging demand for speciality drugs including biologics and oncology therapies that represent key growth segments, the strategic importance of sophisticated third-party logistics networks has intensified.

According to industry research, more than 85% of biopharma executives anticipate major investments in AI and digital tools for supply chain resiliency amid geopolitical risks, while firms increasingly prioritise regional suppliers and Asia-Pacific expansions for cold chain reliability.

Strategic infrastructure expansion trends

Cencora's announcement of investments to enhance its third-party logistics (3PL) capabilities in the US and Europe reflects broader industry movements towards geographically diversified distribution networks.

The company is expanding its pan-European logistics capabilities through the addition of NextPharma Logistics, a healthcare logistics provider that delivers services across Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Headquartered in Germany, NextPharma Logistics offers integrated supply chain solutions, such as storage, distribution, serialisation and quality assurance and compliance management, with temperature-controlled solutions including refrigerated and deep-frozen storage through its GDP-compliant facilities.

Cencora will also open a 3PL facility in Italy in 2026, building on recent investments to expand storage capacity in France, Spain and the UK. These developments could signal an industry-wide recognition that market access for advanced therapies requires localised infrastructure capable of meeting stringent Good Distribution Practice (GDP) compliance standards.

The scale of capacity expansion underway could indicate that pharmaceutical manufacturers are seeking to de-risk supply chains through partnerships with logistics providers offering 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 requirements

The increasing commercialisation of cell and gene therapies has created exceptional demands for ultra-low and cryogenic storage infrastructure.

Cencora plans to open a 500,000-square-foot 3PL facility in Texas in 2028, representing the company's fifth 3PL facility in the US, which will significantly increase capacity to store products at controlled room temperature, refrigerated and frozen ranges, including ultra-low and cryogenic.

According to the company, it has more than tripled its ultra-low and cryogenic storage capacity across its 3PL network in the US to support the increasing number of speciality medicines.

These infrastructure investments could reflect pharmaceutical industry projections that advanced therapy launches will accelerate over the coming years.

Market access implications

The strategic positioning of logistics infrastructure across multiple European markets could prove critical for pharmaceutical companies navigating complex regulatory environments and seeking to minimise 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 development of dedicated speciality units equipped with cryogenic technology in the Netherlands and increased refrigerated and frozen storage capacity in France could suggest that pharmaceutical companies are prioritising supply chain partners capable of supporting products from clinical trials through commercialisation.

These trends highlight the need for enhanced 3PL networks to support compliant distribution of high-value specialities, aligning with increasing ESG demands where major players invest billions in sustainable practices.