HEALTHCARE

By FedEx | First published: March 4, 2020   Updated: September 16, 2025     

Stem cells are temperature- and time-sensitive. So how do they survive a long journey across the world to reach patients in need? The answer lies in the innovative logistics solutions FedEx has developed to make stem cell shipping faster, safer, and more reliable.

• Stem cell logistics is the invisible hand that moves life-saving stem cells across the world – connecting donors, patients, cord blood banks, and more.
• Stem cells need strict temperature controls to stay viable in transit, making cold chain logistics and expedited shipping solutions essential.
• A new wave of smart technologies is delivering enhanced control over stem cell shipping, from advanced sensors to AI.

At just 10 years old, Wei-Zhi was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia – a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. Besides relying on chemotherapy to control the spread of leukemia cells in his body, his doctor advised a stem cell or bone marrow transplant to treat his condition.

Since Wei-Zhi weighed almost 70 kg at that time, one pack of cord blood did not contain enough stem cells for him. With the help of global cord blood therapeutics company StemCyte, he was able to match with suitable cord blood donors and have a successful transplant – the first double-unit cord blood transplant in Taiwan. Now in his 30s, Wei-Zhi enjoys a healthy life with his family.

Wei-Zhi is one of many who have received a second chance at life, thanks to a stem cell transplant. Globally, more than 40,000 cord blood stem cell transplants have helped to treat over 80 life-threatening conditions, from cancer to autoimmune diseases. Behind the scenes, one crucial but invisible player that connects stem cell donors to patients across the world is the logistics industry – shipping stem cells safely and swiftly over borders, often within hours.

Shipping stem cells: Managing time and temperature with precision

Stem cells don’t survive long outside the body. Once the cells have been extracted from a bone marrow or cord blood donor, the countdown begins.

To preserve their viability, the best way to transport stem cells is under dry ice or in liquid nitrogen. Some cell lines need to be stored around 2-8°C during the shipping process; others must be maintained below -150°C. What’s more, fresh stem cells can only last up to 72 hours. Any shipping delays can impact their survival rates, putting the patient’s health at risk.

Besides connecting donors and patients, stem cell logistics is also essential for medical research and testing. Stem cell banks ship samples to research institutions for testing new treatments, as well as to laboratories for quality control. For example, StemCyte sends maternal blood from its Taiwan-based cord blood bank to its collaborative laboratory in the US for safety and quality inspection. In an average month, StemCyte makes more than four shipments to the US.

Demand for these life-saving medical deliveries is set to grow as stem cell breakthroughs expand treatment options for diabetes, spinal cord injuries, cardiovascular disease, and more. As stem cell therapy rapidly advances, stem cell logistics is evolving in tandem – ready to take on the challenge of managing shipment times and temperatures with precision.

Supporting life-saving care with cold chain logistics

Delicate pharmaceuticals like stem cells must be protected from temperature fluctuations during shipping. Cold chain logistics, combined with advanced monitoring solutions, help to keep stem cells in ideal condition round the clock.

For instance, StemCyte relies on FedEx’s cold chain solutions to ensure the integrity of its healthcare shipments. FedEx’s temperature-controlled packaging with dry ice can keep stem cells under a frozen environment at temperatures as low as -70°C for up to 96 hours during transit.

In addition, StemCyte uses FedEx Priority Alert to gain end-to-end visibility of its shipments. With FedEx Priority Alert, a dedicated analyst monitors mission-critical shipments 24/7 and provides personalized notifications if delays crop up. This allows StemCyte to plan for potential disruptions and recover packages when necessary.

Aside from temperature, speed matters too – a shorter transit lowers the risk of damage and makes it easier to maintain cold chain integrity. Expedited shipping services like FedEx International Priority help to fast-track delivery and ensure life-saving pharmaceuticals reach patients on time.

“Normally, the delivery of maternal blood must be completed within five days. With FedEx International Priority, it only takes one or two days for our stem cell shipments to arrive in the US, which significantly shortens the testing lead time,” said Dr. Jonas Wong, the chairman of StemCyte in Taiwan.

The next level of smart technologies in stem cell shipping

As demand for healthcare logistics grows, a new wave of smart technologies is redefining shipment visibility. Next-generation smart sensors now make it possible to know exactly where a package is, what temperature and humidity level it’s being stored at, and even whether it’s been dropped.

At FedEx, we’ve integrated advanced sensor technology into our innovative monitoring and intervention solution: FedEx Surround. When attached directly to a package, our lightweight sensors – also known as SenseAware ID – collect precise data on environmental conditions and share these insights with customers in near-real-time.

For instance, in the event of heat exposure, our dedicated intervention specialists can step in quickly to replenish coolants.

While taking action in real-time makes an immediate difference, predictive analytics unlocks even more possibilities. FedEx Surround leverages machine learning and AI to predict delays and alert customers to weather events that could impact shipments.

In the healthcare context, where every hour matters, these insights can empower teams to plan ahead efficiently. For instance, a hospital could track the predicted arrival time of urgently needed stem cells, enabling doctors to prepare patients for medical procedures without wasting critical time.

Such logistics innovations build a stronger foundation for healthcare organizations to succeed in their vital work of saving lives. Stem cell shipping happens behind the scenes, but it makes an impact on the frontlines of patient care. At FedEx, we continue to develop solutions that deliver the highest standards of speed and reliability, helping to improve the lives of those we serve.