DHL Group has acquired 100% of CRYOPDP from Cryoport, Inc., a major provider of life sciences supply chain solutions. This move strengthens DHL’s “Health Logistics” division and expands its reach in the growing life sciences and healthcare sector.
CRYOPDP is a specialty courier company focused on clinical trials, biopharma, and cell and gene therapies. It operates in 15 countries and handles more than 600,000 shipments annually. Its services reach over 135 countries, providing essential white-glove logistics for critical healthcare needs.
The acquisition supports DHL’s strategy to grow its Life Sciences and Healthcare business, which already generated over EUR 5 billion in revenue in 2024. By integrating CRYOPDP, DHL enhances its Pharma Specialized Network with expert courier services and global air logistics support from DHL Express and DHL Global Forwarding.
Along with the acquisition, DHL Group and Cryoport announced a strategic partnership. The collaboration will combine DHL’s global logistics network with Cryoport’s niche expertise in temperature-controlled and time-sensitive shipments. It will also strengthen DHL’s ties with all Cryoport business units.
Oscar de Bok, CEO of DHL Supply Chain, called the acquisition a key step in expanding DHL’s pharma logistics. “We aim to meet the evolving needs of clinical trials, biopharma, and cell & gene therapies while expanding our footprint in traditional healthcare logistics,” he said.
Cryoport CEO Jerrell Shelton welcomed the partnership. He said the alliance opens new opportunities in key growth markets like Asia Pacific and EMEA. “Together, we will meet critical supply chain needs with enhanced solutions and wider global access,” he noted.
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This move supports DHL Group’s Strategy 2030, which prioritizes integrated, temperature-controlled solutions and end-to-end pharma logistics. The addition of CRYOPDP will help DHL reduce costs, improve service, and strengthen its leadership in advanced pharma logistics.
For Cryoport, the partnership with DHL will enable it to better execute its business in EMEA and APAC with a stronger focus on its core business in these regions, creating even greater opportunities to offer highly targeted, top-tier services in answering market demand for its services and products.
Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, will attend LogiPharma 2025. The event is taking place from at the Centre de Congrès de Lyon, France from 8–10 April. As a leading voice in pharmaceutical airfreight, the carrier will be present at booths 84 and 85. It will be joined by strategic partners Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health and RAFED. Their joint presence underscores Abu Dhabi’s goal to become a global pharmaceutical and life science distribution hub.
“Leveraging Abu Dhabi’s strategic location at the gateway to the MENA region, we are offering advanced infrastructure with easy access to regional and global markets. We’re not just offering airfreight, Etihad Cargo has deepened its focus on creating a smarter, more responsive cold chain for pharma customers worldwide, enabling an end-to-end, temperature-controlled ecosystem in collaboration with regulators, manufacturers and supply chain partners.” Said Stanislas Brun, Chief Cargo Officer.
The collaboration with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health and RAFED, the region’s leading healthcare procurement and logistics platform, supports strategic goals. It aligns with Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030. The partnership is a pivotal step in Abu Dhabi’s ongoing efforts. It supports the emirate’s ambition to become a leading destination in the global healthcare landscape.
Faisal Haji, Division Director Health Sector Innovation Department at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, commented: “Through our collaboration with Etihad Cargo and RAFED at LogiPharma 2025, we are reinforcing DoH’s commitment to reshaping the region’s healthcare landscape. Our ambition is to cultivate a healthcare ecosystem where patients can benefit from the most advanced treatments and innovations in medical technology. By developing a dynamic hub for healthcare and life sciences distribution, we aim to improve patient outcomes and elevate the standard of care across the region.”
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Samer Al Zamil, Chief Commercial Officer at RAFED, added: “Together with Etihad Cargo and the Department of Health, we are building a trusted supply chain that supports not just the UAE, but the broader region and global healthcare community. LogiPharma is a platform for showcasing what true collaboration across public and private sectors can achieve.”
Etihad Cargo’s award-winning PharmaLife product is certified under IATA CEIV Pharma. It ensures the safe and reliable transport of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and biologics. It utilizes advanced tracking, thermal mapping, and real-time monitoring technologies.