Lilly contributes $1M towards cold chain delivery of meds
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Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly and Co. (NYSE: LLY) says it will contribute more $1 million towards the purchase and installation of medical-grade refrigeration units in 17 impoverished nations. Lilly is partnering with Direct Relief, a global humanitarian aid organization, to improve “last mile” delivery of essential medications in low-income regions of the world.
Transporting and storing temperature-controlled medications is a vital component of cold chain medical logistics, according to Lilly. Which is why it will support the purchase of 150 units for distribution in Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean and Southeast Asia.
“Efforts to expand access to medicines, especially insulin, are only beneficial when effective cold chain systems are in place to keep them at the right temperature on their way to patients,” said Leigh Ann Pusey, executive vice president, corporate affairs and communications for Lilly. “We appreciate Direct Relief’s extensive expertise in logistics and end-to-end supply chain management and know this effort will make a substantial difference in providing patients around the world with medicines they need to address serious health issues like diabetes.”
Lilly says the manufacturing of insulin requires consistent refrigeration at between 35- and 45-degrees Fahrenheit.
According to Lilly, Direct Relief delivered more than 47 million daily doses of temperature-controlled medications, including insulin during fiscal year 2022. The organization operates 8,300 square feet of refrigerated warehouse space capable of storing up to 677 pallets of temperature-sensitive medicine.
“The lack of cold chain distribution capacity in much of the world already prevents many people from accessing the medications and therapies they need, even when they are free. If this issue is not addressed, the divide between those who have access to essential medical products and those who don’t will only widen,” said Direct Relief President and CEO Thomas Tighe.