- VIA Capsule is the first liquid nitrogen-free cryogenic shipment system designed specifically for cell therapies
- The VIA Capsule provides a more a controlled, assured and patient focused way of shipping a cellular product
May 28, 2020
Cytiva, formerly part of GE Healthcare Life Sciences, launches the VIA Capsule, the first liquid nitrogen-free cryogenic shipment system designed and optimized for the shipment of cellular therapies and cryopreserved apheresis. The VIA Capsule system comprises a shipper unit, an integrated smart monitor, and a cryocooler. Combined, these provide the conditions and functionality required to ensure cell viability during the entire logistics process from the manufacturer to the patient’s bedside.
Catarina Flyborg, vice president, Cytiva Cell and Gene Therapy, says: “Ensuring that cryogenic temperature is maintained from the bench to the bedside is paramount for cellular therapies. The VIA Capsule system reduces many risks, as well as the complexities and inefficiencies, associated with the current shipping methods, to ensure the safe delivery of life-saving therapies.”
Designed by cryobiologists, the VIA Capsule system consists of a Stirling cryocooler which cools the shipper unit prior to transportation and gives extended temporary cryogenic storage when connected to a power source. Its internal thermal core provides five days of passive standby when disconnected from its power source, with an LCD interface displaying the time remaining at cryogenic temperature and current temperature of the shipment. The system also features a smart monitor which automatically uploads temperature, condition and location information in real-time to a dashboard in the Chronicle software platform. Additionally, the system has wheels that allow for easier maneuvering and delivery in a hospital setting.
All cryogenic shipments have a time limit. If the time is exceeded, the cellular products will warm and viability can be threatened. External factors such as extreme weather conditions or political unrest can affect transport routes and shipments. To address this issue, Cytiva has expanded its collaboration with World Courier. When shipping within the World Courier quality ecosystem, if an unscheduled delay occurs during transit, VIA Capsule shippers are held on-charge at a Cytiva certified VIA Capsule Charge Station until transportation can resume.
Alex Guite, Vice President Services and Alliances at World Courier, part of AmerisourceBergen says: “World Courier is committed to connecting life-saving therapies to patients. The implementation of the Cytiva certified VIA Capsule charging stations within our network provides therapy developers with peace of mind as they deliver therapies to their patients.”
Eliminating liquid nitrogen simplifies shipping for the cell therapy manufacturer, courier and clinical teams. The optional temporary storage capability removes the sequencing pressures required to align manufacturing, logistics and patient calendars. Combining the VIA Capsule with the Chronicle Software enables a unique level of control, to provide a more relaxed and patient centred vein-to-vein workflow.
Starting in August 2020 cell therapy manufacturers in Europe and the USA can access VIA Capsule demo units for validation testing. Cytiva expects to fulfill customer orders from September 2020.
About Cytiva
Cytiva is a 3.3 billion USD global life sciences leader with nearly 7000 associates operating in 40 countries dedicated to advancing and accelerating therapeutics. As a trusted partner to customers that range in scale and scope, Cytiva brings speed, efficiency and capacity to research and manufacturing workflows, enabling the development, manufacture and delivery of transformative medicines to patients. Visit www.cytiva.com for more.
About World Courier
World Courier provides unparalleled specialty logistics services to drive the commercial success of our partners around the globe. For 50 years, we’ve delivered peace of mind through world-class supply chain programs, transportation services, storage of time- and temperature-sensitive products, and innovative, cutting-edge medicines including cell and gene therapies. Through our daily work – and powered by our nearly 3,000 associates – we are united in our responsibility to create healthier futures. With a presence in 50+ countries, World Courier is driven by a commitment to excellence, and provides customized solutions with global reach to increase access to care; making us the most trusted specialty logistics company in the world. Learn more at worldcourier.com.Media Contact:
Colleen Connolly
[email protected]
+1 774 245 3893