IAG Cargo welcomes world’s first carrier to achieve wholesale distribution authorization for medicines

The U.K., December 17, 2014 (STAT):-IAG Cargo has become the world’s first cargo carrier to be awarded a GDP (Good Distribution Practice) certification by a national government health agency in what is widely recognised as meeting the diamond standard for pharmaceutical transportation. Following an inspection by the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, the carrier has been granted Wholesale Distribution Authorisation (WDA) for medicines intended for both human and veterinary use.

The achievement follows significant investment by IAG Cargo into Constant Climate, its specialist service for time-and-temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals. Through Constant Climate, customers benefit from the delivery of pharmaceutical shipments in a pure, potent and stable condition for safe administration to patients. It is now available in more than 100 stations worldwide, providing one of the most extensive networks of its kind on the market.

Alan Dorling, Global Head of Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences at IAG Cargo, commented:“The authorisation is testament to the significant investments we have made in our dedicated people and our temperature controlled infrastructure facilities and capabilities, in addition to continuous product development and training to improve our customer experience. It is welcome third party recognition that IAG Cargo has become the diamond standard for the transportation of medicines worldwide and underscores our global leadership in this fast-growing market.”

Loranne Vella Zahra, Global Quality Assurance Manager at IAG Cargo, said:“GDP is a complex area that requires all areas of our supply chain to adhere to the highest standards. Our network ensures that only authorised pharmaceutical products are distributed safely, and their strength, stability, purity, potency and integrity are maintained throughout. Achieving full GDP status and being granted a WDA is testament to the strong quality system we have in place and the investment we have put in people, equipment, facilities and processes.”