Global Cell and Gene Therapy Third-Party Logistics Market Size and Forecast 2025–2033

Introduction

The global healthcare landscape is undergoing a historic transformation as personalized medicine becomes the cornerstone of modern treatment. Among the most revolutionary developments are cell and gene therapies (CGTs), which offer the potential to treat — and in some cases cure — previously untreatable diseases. However, the success of these therapies depends not only on scientific innovation but also on the ability to transport, store, and deliver them safely and efficiently. This has placed third-party logistics (3PL) providers at the heart of the CGT value chain.

According to Renub Research, the Global Cell and Gene Therapy Third-Party Logistics Market is expected to grow from US$ 8.66 billion in 2024 to US$ 20.98 billion by 2033, registering a CAGR of 10.33% from 2025 to 2033. Market growth is fueled by technological advancements in cold chain logistics, rapid expansion of clinical trials, rising regulatory approvals, and the growing demand for patient-specific therapies.

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Market Overview

Cell and gene therapies involve highly sensitive biological materials such as live cells, viral vectors, and genetically modified components. These products require ultra-cold, precisely controlled environments and real-time monitoring throughout their journey from manufacturing facilities to treatment centers or patients’ homes. Even minor deviations in temperature or handling can compromise the efficacy and safety of these life-saving treatments.

To meet these stringent requirements, logistics providers are investing heavily in cryogenic shippers, ultra-low temperature freezers, real-time GPS and temperature tracking systems, and validated packaging solutions. At the same time, pharmaceutical companies are increasingly outsourcing logistics to specialized 3PL providers that possess the expertise, infrastructure, and regulatory knowledge needed to manage CGT distribution.

As cell and gene therapies progress from experimental treatments to commercially available products, the 3PL sector has evolved from a support function into a strategic partner in therapy commercialization.

Key Growth Drivers

1. Rising Demand for Cell and Gene Therapies

The global shift toward personalized medicine is one of the strongest forces driving the market. CGTs are being developed to treat cancer, rare genetic disorders, neurological diseases, and autoimmune conditions, creating unprecedented demand for specialized logistics services. Because many of these therapies are customized for individual patients, traditional distribution models are no longer sufficient.

Third-party logistics providers enable this transformation by offering secure, compliant, and temperature-controlled delivery systems that ensure treatments reach patients on time and in optimal condition. As CGT pipelines continue to expand, demand for advanced logistics solutions will grow in parallel.

2. Growing Investment in Biotech and Healthcare

Biotechnology investment has surged worldwide, particularly in gene editing, viral vector manufacturing, and regenerative medicine. Governments, venture capital firms, and pharmaceutical companies are pouring billions into CGT research and commercialization. However, the global reach of these therapies requires robust international logistics networks capable of navigating complex regulatory environments.

Strategic partnerships between biotech companies and logistics providers are becoming standard practice. These alliances allow manufacturers to focus on innovation while logistics experts manage the complexities of cross-border transportation, customs clearance, and compliance.

3. Patient-Centric Logistics Models

Unlike traditional pharmaceuticals, many cell and gene therapies are patient-specific and time-sensitive, requiring direct-to-patient or hospital-to-hospital delivery. This has given rise to patient-centric logistics, where real-time tracking, rapid response systems, and transparent communication are essential.

Logistics companies are now providing patients and healthcare providers with live updates on shipment status, ensuring confidence in the delivery process. This personalized approach not only improves outcomes but also enhances trust in advanced therapies.

Challenges Facing the Market

Packaging and Handling Complexity

Packaging CGTs is far more complex than conventional drugs. These therapies require materials that can withstand ultra-low temperatures, prevent contamination, and maintain stability during long transit times. Failure at any stage of packaging or handling can lead to therapy loss, increased costs, and treatment delays.

Temperature Sensitivity and Cold Chain Risks

Many cell and gene therapies must be stored at –80°C or even lower, making them extremely vulnerable to temperature fluctuations. Maintaining consistent temperature conditions across long distances — especially in emerging markets — remains a major logistical challenge. This has accelerated the adoption of IoT-enabled monitoring systems and predictive analytics to minimize risk.

Regional Market Insights

United States

The United States is the largest market for cell and gene therapy 3PL services, driven by strong biotech innovation, high clinical trial activity, and early adoption of advanced therapies. U.S.-based logistics providers offer comprehensive solutions including cryogenic transport, regulatory compliance, and secure storage.

As more therapies receive FDA approval, logistics providers are playing an increasingly important role in ensuring scalability and reliability across the country’s healthcare system.

Germany

Germany’s strong biopharmaceutical ecosystem and strict regulatory framework make it a major hub for CGT logistics in Europe. Demand is highest in Western Germany, where biotech clusters in Frankfurt and Düsseldorf are expanding rapidly.

Companies such as UPS (Marken), Arvato, Cryoport, and AmerisourceBergen dominate the market by offering end-to-end logistics solutions supported by advanced digital tools and AI-driven route optimization.

China

China’s cell and gene therapy logistics market is expanding rapidly, supported by rising government investment in biotechnology and precision medicine. The country’s growing clinical trial activity has increased demand for temperature-controlled shipping, secure storage, and compliance-focused logistics solutions.

Advanced technologies such as IoT-based tracking and AI-powered logistics planning are accelerating market growth and improving delivery reliability across China’s vast geography.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is emerging as a key market for CGT logistics as part of its Vision 2030 strategy to become a global biotechnology hub. The government is investing heavily in cold chain infrastructure and forming strategic partnerships to localize gene therapy manufacturing.

Logistics providers in the Kingdom are adopting blockchain, AI, and IoT solutions to ensure compliance and efficiency. The demand for specialized 3PL services is rising as domestic production and clinical activity expand.

Recent Industry Developments

The market has witnessed significant strategic activity over the past year:

January 2025 – Cardinal Health launched Advanced Therapy Connect, a unified ordering platform designed to simplify the complex ordering process for cell and gene therapies, improving efficiency for healthcare providers.

October 2024 – McKesson Corporation introduced InspiroGene™, a specialized company focused on supporting the commercialization of CGTs. The platform provides scalable logistics services, reimbursement support, and regulatory expertise to accelerate patient access to therapies.

These developments reflect the growing importance of integrated logistics platforms in the successful commercialization of advanced therapies.

Market Segmentation

By Type

Clinical

Commercial

By Product

Cell Therapies

Gene Therapies

By Therapeutic Area

Oncology

Neurology

Cardiovascular Diseases

Ophthalmology

Infectious Diseases

Others

By End Use

Biopharmaceutical Companies

CDMOs/CMOs

Others

Regional Coverage

North America: United States, Canada

Europe: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Belgium, Netherlands, Turkey

Asia Pacific: China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, New Zealand

Latin America: Brazil, Mexico, Argentina

Middle East & Africa: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, South Africa

Competitive Landscape

The global market is led by companies that combine logistics expertise with digital innovation:

Cencora Corporation

Cardinal Health

McKesson Corporation

EVERSANA

Knipper Health

Arvato SE

DHL

Kuehne+Nagel

Each player has been analyzed from four perspectives:

Company Overview

Key Leadership

Recent Developments & Strategies

Revenue Analysis

Final Thoughts

The Global Cell and Gene Therapy Third-Party Logistics Market is no longer a niche segment — it is a critical enabler of modern medicine. As therapies become more personalized and complex, logistics providers are evolving into strategic partners that ensure safe, timely, and compliant delivery of life-changing treatments.

With strong investment, rapid technological innovation, and expanding clinical pipelines, the market is poised for sustained double-digit growth through 2033. Companies that combine advanced cold chain infrastructure, digital tracking, and patient-centric delivery models will lead the next era of healthcare logistics.

As personalized medicine becomes the global standard, third-party logistics will remain the invisible force that turns scientific breakthroughs into real-world cures.