Test transport of cells using the Shinkansen [between Shin-Aomori Station and Tokyo Station] - Providing further quality improvement and speed in pharmaceutical logistics -
July 31, 2025
Nissin Corporation (hereinafter Nissin"), Chiyoda Corporation (hereinafter "Chiyoda"), and Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (hereinafter "Tokio Marine & Nichido") jointly conducted a test transport of cells using the Shinkansen.
This project aims to further improve transport quality and realize speedy logistics services in the medical field. Each company pooled their expertise to define test items based on actual operation, and the test was conducted between Shin-Aomori Station and Tokyo Station using Panasonic Corporation's high-performance insulated container "VIXELL" and JR East Logistics Co., Ltd.'s Shinkansen baggage transport service "Hakobyun Quick." Data analysis during transport is also being carried out with the cooperation of Shinyei Technology Co., Ltd.
Test Transport: Overview
- date
-
July 1st (Tuesday) - 2nd (Wednesday)
- Test transport section
-
July 1st (Tuesday) Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture - Tokyo Station - Shin-Aomori Station (hand-carry transport)
July 2nd (Wednesday) Shin-Aomori Station - Tokyo Station - Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture (Hakobyun Quick and hand carry transport)
- Transported goods
-
Human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells
- Transportation conditions
-
VIXELL® Type-S (+15 to +25°C, suitable for dry ice)
Background to the test transport and the roles of each company
- Nissin Corporation
-
As a comprehensive logistics company founded in 1938, we provide door-to-door logistics services through a network of 23 countries both domestically and internationally, and also provide freight forwarding services at container handling stations nationwide through partner companies.
In the pharmaceutical logistics business, we have been providing transportation services using Panasonic Corporation's VIXELL both domestically and internationally since 2021 to meet the need for ultra-low temperature transportation of cells.
The test transport verified the practicality of the service for transporting goods in the medical field while adhering to the transportation terms and conditions of "Hako Bun Quick," a cargo transport service by Shinkansen provided by JR East Logistics Co., Ltd.
- Chiyoda Corporation
-
Founded in 1948, this comprehensive engineering company has been involved in the construction of medical facilities since its founding. The Bio-Pharmaceutical Business Section of the Life Sciences Division utilizes the track record and knowledge it has cultivated in the construction of pharmaceutical manufacturing and research facilities, and applies technologies from other industries to support problem-solving. With deep knowledge of cells, in this test they contributed to the evaluation of safe and secure transportation methods by analyzing the impact of transportation on cells.
- Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd.
-
This is a property and casualty insurance company founded in 1879. The company's Commercial Claims Department's Loss Prevention & Technology Strategy Team provides ergonomic loss prevention services, and is involved in a wide range of activities, from on-site investigations to proposing accident prevention measures. For this test, the team utilized their advanced analytical capabilities and extensive experience to measure and analyze data on cell transport.
Future outlook
With improvements in drug discovery technology and the spread of regenerative medicine, demand for transportation in the pharmaceutical and medical fields is expanding, requiring handling management that protects against temperature and shock.However, there are concerns that transportation times and costs will increase due to issues such as a declining workforce and the logistics "2024 problem."
This experiment confirmed that using the Shinkansen not only ensures punctuality, but also provides greater convenience than truck transport.
Additionally, by replacing the traditional method of transporting small amounts of luggage using refrigerated trucks or hand-carrying in refrigerated containers, which takes a long time, with the Shinkansen luggage transport service, we will be able to address the labor shortage and contribute to reducing the burden on the environment.
Based on the knowledge gained from this test transport, the three companies will continue to work together to develop new transport services that comply with rail transport regulations.
[Contact for inquiries regarding this matter]
Pharmaceutical Business Promotion Division, DX Promotion Department Nissin Corporation
Forty temples, Maekawa
TEL: 03-3238-6549
Please feel free to contact us. Our sales representative will explain the details in detail.