APRIL 29, 2025
Key Takeaways from HDA 2025: What Cold Chain and Packaging Leaders Need to Know
The Healthcare Distribution Alliance (HDA) once again brought together the brightest minds in pharmaceutical distribution at the 2025 Distribution Management Conference and Expo, held March 2-5 at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street. With over 500 industry leaders, 69 sessions, and a buzzing expo floor, this year’s event tackled the most pressing challenges and transformative trends shaping the future of healthcare distribution.
1. Generic Drug Shortages: A Persistent Crisis
Drug shortages remain a significant issue in the United States in 2025. As of April 17, there are 270 active drug shortages, according to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Attendees voiced deep concern over ongoing shortages in generic drugs—a challenge that has persisted for over two years.
While this is a slight decrease from the 277 reported in September 2024, the problem is far from resolved. Notably, more than 40% of the current shortages began in 2022 or earlier. While multiple panels explored root causes, from supply chain disruptions to economic pressures on manufacturers, consensus emerged that there are no easy fixes on the horizon. The industry is calling for collaborative innovation and regulatory engagement to address this critical issue.
Takeaway:
Expect increased scrutiny on the availability and prioritization of packaging and shipping materials for high-demand generics. Agile cold chain strategies and flexible lane validations may become essential to respond quickly to sudden shifts in generic product flows.
2. Shrinking Retail Pharmacy Footprint and the Rise of Pharmacy Deserts
The closure of 2,700 retail pharmacy locations in just two years—part of a broader trend that has seen over 7,000 closures since 2019—was a sobering topic. Nearly one third of independent pharmacy owners may close their stores this year under pressure from plunging prescription reimbursements by big insurance plans and their pharmacy benefit managers, National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) has found based on survey responses from members around the country.
As pharmacy deserts expand, especially in rural and underserved areas, stakeholders discussed the urgent need for alternative access models, such as telepharmacy and mail-order delivery, to ensure patients aren’t left behind.
Takeaway:
Direct-to-patient (DTP) models are on the rise. Cold chain teams must prepare for increased small-parcel shipments that still require compliance, stability, and reliable delivery. Scalable, lightweight, and cost-effective solutions will be in high demand.
3. Sustainability and Cold Chain: Packaging, Testing, and Compliance
Specialty distributors are under pressure to adopt sustainable packaging solutions, balancing environmental responsibility with cost constraints. Cold chain management was a hot topic, with PQ (Performance Qualification) testing for shipping lanes emerging as a key strategy for ensuring product integrity. Sessions also highlighted the ongoing challenge of inventory storage capacity as the volume of temperature-sensitive products grows.
Takeaway:
Now is the time to evaluate sustainable alternatives that do not compromise product safety. Validated packaging with reliable reusability, optimized insulation, and low environmental impact will differentiate suppliers. PQ testing will be a baseline expectation, not a bonus.
4. Security and Traceability: The New Imperatives
The secure transportation of pharmaceuticals is now as critical as temperature control. With the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) compliance deadlines looming, sessions focused on strategies for enhancing product traceability and preventing diversion or counterfeiting. Attendees explored new technologies and best practices for safeguarding the integrity of the drug supply chain.
Takeaway:
Packaging is no longer just about thermal performance—it must also support traceability and security. Incorporating tamper-evident designs and serialization-ready labels can help meet DSCSA requirements and build trust with stakeholders.
