This was a hot topic of discussion at the IATA 2008 World Cargo Symposium Pharmaceutical Track, held in Rome, Italy a few weeks ago. The ninety minute discussion was moderated by  Rafik H. Bishara, PhD., Chair of the Pharmaceutical Cold Chain Interest Group of the Parenteral Drug Association (PCCIG –PDA) and included some heavy-hitters in the industry:

Ingo Ocklenburg, Manager Strategic Sourcing of  Distribution & Logistics, Bayer Healthcare AG;

Stephane Lemaire, Pharma Industry Director, Air France / KLM;

David Bang, CEO LifeConex;

Shirley Ann Feld, Assistant Director Industrial Quality & Compliance, Supply Chain, Sanofi-Aventis Pharma, GmbH, and Chair PharmaLogisticsForum EU (PLF).

This was the first time these industries engaged each other in open discussion. They identified 26 key areas to address that would help to establish common standards among the airlines, freight forwarders/integrators and other service providers and pharmaceutical/biotech manufacturers. (To view, click on attachment below).

The formation of a cross-industry Time & Temperature Task Force (TTTF) under the auspices of IATA is determined to build on this dialog and offer solutions that everyone can live with in order to improve global distribution and delivery of medicines from the healthcare sector.

The initial TTTF meeting will be hosted by British Airways April 3rd, 2008 at London's Heathrow Airport. The purpose of this meeting is to nominate and elect members to the Task Force, carve out initiatives and establish deliverables.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is seeking nominations from qualified individuals from the pharmaceutical and biotech industries to participate in the Time & Temperature Task Force. Participation would include involvement in a working group and monthly conference call availability.

(Winners need not be present at the London meeting to be nominated or elected)

For Terms of Reference and more information on the TTTF, you can contact Eric Raemdonck, Secretary of the Live Animals & Perishables Board at RAEMDONCKE@iata.org