Cold Chain Shipping for Specialty Pharmacies:
GLP-1, Compliance & DTP
Meet Your Patients Where They Are
Today’s patients expect more than just medicine – they expect a seamless experience that fits into their lives, discreetly, reliably.
For those managing chronic conditions, every dose matters, and so does the peace of mind that it was stored and shipped correctly.
Earning their trust requires more than clinical outcomes – it requires a flawless last mile.
What’s at Stake in Your Cold Chain Strategy?
From packaging to delivery, specialty pharmacies juggle responsibilities with limited room for error:
- Temperature-sensitive therapies require strict handling, even in low-volume, high-value shipments
- Compliance pressures from URAC, ACHC, FDA, and state boards demand validated, documented processes
- Limited storage space challenges cold chain inventory and pack-out workflows
- Rising patient expectations mean every shipment must arrive on time, intact, and at the right temperature
- Thermal packaging decisions impact cost, risk, and patient safety – and require trusted, proven solutions and partner
The DTP Shift Is Reshaping Pharmaceutical Supply Chains
Direct-to-Patient (DTP)/ Direct-to-Home (DTH) delivery models have rapidly become the norm for specialty and mail-order pharmacies, driven by convenience, access, and adherence. This shift demands smaller, more frequent shipments – each requires compliant packaging and precise temperature control.
At the same time, pharmaceutical companies are redesigning their supply models to ensure integrity across the last miles for home deliveries and clinical trials.
DTP/DTH isn’t a trend – it’s the now, and your cold chain strategy must keep up.
Cold Chain Standards Are Evolving. Is Your Pharmacy Ready?
Every degree matters when it comes shipping medications–but are your cold chain processes keeping up with increasing demand and strict regulations?
Specialty pharmacies must meet certain industry standards to store and transport medicines correctly. The two primary compliance requirements come from URAC and ACHC accreditation.
Shipping Requirements for GLP-1 Medications
Shipping GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide require temperature control and specialized handling to maintain their safety and effectiveness. These injectable therapies are sensitive to heat fluctuations, and exposure outside their required refrigerated range can compromise potency, leading to costly waste and loss of drug potency.
For pharmacies, distributors, and healthcare providers, ensuring the integrity of these medicines means relying on validated thermal packaging solutions that safeguard against temperature excursions during storage, transit, and last-mile delivery.
Designing the Best Packaging Pathway for DTP Medicines
Packaging plays a central role in Direct-to-Patient (DTP) and Direct-to-Home (DTH) programs. It safeguards the integrity of temperature-sensitive medicines like GLP-1s, protecting patients from spoiled or ineffective doses while accounting for seasonal variations, transit delays, and last-mile uncertainty. At the same time, packaging is often the primary touchpoint between patient and brand, shaping trust and confidence through ease of use, clear instructions, and responsible end-of-life options.
Equally important are the operational and business needs behind the scenes. Packaging must fit seamlessly into pharmacy fulfilment workflows, allowing for fast, consistent pack-outs at scale. It also needs to strike the right balance of cost and sustainability by reducing materials, freight, and waste while meeting ESG goals. Together, these four elements – safety, patient experience, operational efficiency, and sustainability – define the critical role of packaging in successful DTP delivery.
| Feature | Insulated Shippers for DTP | Biodegradable EPS Insulated Shippers | EOS™ Curbside-Recyclable Shippers |
| Primary Use | Reliable cold-chain performance for GLP-1 & biologics | Eco-conscious alternative to standard EPS foam shippers | Paper-based shipper designed for easy recycling at home |
| Thermal Protection | ISTA-qualified, year-round seasonal performance | Strong insulation with biodegradable EPS foam | Proven insulation with paper-based construction |
| Sustainability Benefit | Reusable and right-sized to reduce waste | Foam breaks down 90% + in landfill conditions in <4 years | Fully recyclable in curbside recycling programs |
| Disposal | Reuse within pharmacy network or dispose traditionally | Biodegradable EPS reduces long-term environmental footprint | Recyclable directly in household blue bin |
| Operational Fit | Fast, repeatable pack-outs for high-volume DTP | Similar workflow to standard EPS shippers | Simple pack-out, patient-friendly disposal |
| Best For | Pharmacies seeking proven, versatile insulated protection | Programs aiming to reduce foam impact without changing workflows | Pharmacies prioritizing patient convenience & recyclability |
| Recommended Use Case | Overnight or 2-day shipments; large-scale DTP programs needing flexibility | Regional or domestic deliveries where eco-friendly alternatives to foam are preferred | Short-haul or urban DTP deliveries where patient convenience and sustainability are top priorities |
*These are examples and recommendations for general guidance. There are often additional factors to consider including medication stability profile, packaging testing data for summer or winter profiles. To discuss your specific supply chain needs, contact ThermoSafe. We’re here to help you find the right fit, cost effective solution.
Work with an Industry Leader – ThermoSafe
- Proven Since 1989: Trusted by Pharma for Generations
ThermoSafe has been a cornerstone of pharmaceutical cold chain logistics for over four decades – delivering packaging solutions that global pharma leaders rely on for safety, compliance, and performance.
- Where Science Meets Reliability: Powered by ISC Labs
Our in-house ISC Labs apply advanced thermal engineering, materials science, and simulation technology to develop packaging that consistently protects the most temperature-sensitive therapies – including biologics and GLP-1s.
Meet our Packaging Design Team
- Built on Legacy. Driven by Innovation.
As pioneers in cold chain packaging, ThermoSafe combines historical expertise with forward-looking sustainability and DTP-ready designs – making us the most experienced and future-ready partner in the field.
Want to see Packaging in Action?
As temperature sensitive shipments ramp up, it’s helpful to learn how other specialty pharmacies have handled the packaging of their biologics and specialty medications. Read about how ThermoSafe has implemented different packaging based on requirements for specialty medication home deliveries.
