IAG Cargo gains pharma certificate

IAG Cargo has received GDP (Good Distribution Practice) certification for pharmaceutical transport.
The carrier, bringing together the cargo divisions of British Airways and Iberia, says that it is the first airline to be awarded GDP certification by a national government health agency in meeting the premier standard for pharma transport.
IAG Cargo received the award 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.
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.”
IAG Cargo has made significant investment in its Constant Climate product for specialist service for time-and-temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, and is now available in more than 100 stations worldwide.
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.”
To ensure the integrity of shipments, accredited GDP/WDA shippers  are likely to select those carriers that have a GDP/WDA licence.
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