Carrier invests in pharma box

USA: Carrier Ventures, the investment arm of Carrier Global Corporation, has provided financial backing for Ember LifeSciences, a Californian innovator in the pharmaceutical cold chain industry.

Launched in 2022 as a healthcare-focused spinoff of Ember Technologies Inc, Ember LifeSciences has developed Ember Cube, a proprietary temperature control technology.

Described as the world’s first self-refrigerated, cloud-based shipping box, the Ember Cube employs built-in cellular radio and GPS to report location, temperature and humidity levels to the cloud for real-time tracking. 

The reusable and rechargeable shipping box features a refrigeration system to help ensure the safety of temperature-sensitive biologics while in transit. The innovation provides a sustainable alternative and utilises advanced technology, including a return-to-sender feature, to address the millions of pounds of annual packaging waste from the pharmaceutical cold chain that includes single-use shipping materials such as cardboard, extruded polystyrene foam and ice packs.

“Logistics failures within the biopharma industry result in roughly $35bn worth of pharmaceutical products not reaching the people who need them,” said Jennifer Anderson, Carrier’s senior vice president, strategy, business development & chief sustainability officer. “Ember LifeSciences offers highly complementary, disruptive next-generation technology and high-growth potential. Together, we can continue to advance the connected cold chain, build upon our Lynx digital platform and further strengthen Carrier’s position in this space.”