Bridging Gaps in Scalability and Cold Chain Logistics for Tomorrow’s Advanced Therapies

In this AT-TV interview filmed at Advanced Therapies Week 2025, Rohan Iyer, Senior Director of Global Cell & Gene Therapy at Marken, shares insights into the latest trends, persistent challenges, and future opportunities in advanced therapies logistics and supply chain.

Iyer highlights the industry’s drive toward shorter manufacturing timelines for cell therapies. Where 14- to 21-day processes were once the norm, innovators are now reducing manufacturing time to as little as two or three days, with some aiming for just a single day. This acceleration supports faster patient access and aligns with the push for therapies to move into earlier lines of treatment.

On the logistics front, real-time shipment visibility is no longer optional. To prevent costly and dangerous disruptions—like inadvertent thawing and refreezing of fragile materials—companies are investing in smarter packaging and data loggers that provide continuous insights on temperature, location, and handling conditions. Marken complements these technologies with human-led control towers that monitor shipments 24/7, enabling rapid intervention when issues arise.

Iyer also discusses the potential for artificial intelligence to revolutionize both biomanufacturing and supply chain optimization. From predictive analytics in production yields to identifying high-risk shipping lanes based on environmental and geopolitical factors, AI can significantly improve planning and reliability.

Looking ahead to 2030, Iyer anticipates greater adoption of allogeneic and in vivo therapies, which will demand even more agile and scalable logistics infrastructure. Supply chains must evolve in tandem with manufacturing innovations to prevent bottlenecks that could delay patient treatments.

Marken is addressing current gaps by expanding its global operational footprint, growing its specialized workforce, and continuously enhancing its technology stack. The company combines data-driven approaches with a deep understanding of the biological materials it handles, ensuring end-to-end quality and reliability in advanced therapy logistics.