Secop GmbH and B Medical Systems have entered into a joint development agreement to collaboratively build a new generation of medical transport boxes. These boxes will safely store and transport vaccines, biospecimens, and other temperature-sensitive specimens at ultra-low temperatures, even in tropical environments.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought a rise in the adoption of mRNA technology and the development of several extremely temperature-sensitive vaccines. This technology, combined with the growing prominence of Cell & Gene Therapy (CGT), and other medical developments have resulted in an ever-increasing demand for reliable ultra-low temperature medical cold chain solutions. Through this cooperation, Secop and B Medical Systems will work to offer a reliable medical transport unit. This mobile unit will contain a cascade compressor system and will be specifically manufactured to hold the ultra-low temperature range required for mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines, even in tropical settings where the heat index rises as high as 109 F.

Under this agreement, the companies will apply Secop’s decades of experience in efficient mobile cooling compressors with B Medical Systems’ expertise in developing innovative and reliable medical cold chain solutions. The companies will conduct a series of development and testing exercises to achieve their objectives. “Bringing together the Secop and B Medical skillsets and technologies will ensure the successful development of a truly breakthrough product. This product will be an important asset in the current sustainable cold chain evolution and will contribute to improving storage and delivery of vaccines worldwide,” says Jan Ehlers, CEO at Secop GmbH.

Luc Provost, CEO of B Medical Systems, says, “This joint development agreement is a significant step in our journey toward providing this next generation of ultra-low medical cold chain equipment. I am confident that we will soon be able to provide the market with a convenient and reliable solution for the safe storage and transport of small volumes of vaccine, pharmaceuticals and samples at ultra-low temperatures.”

According to Ehlers, Secop‘s engineering team has conducted intensive development and testing activities to prove and optimize an innovative medical cooling unit. This unique product will be powered by a cascade system of battery-driven compressors, with the ability to achieve and maintain ultra-low temperatures down to -122.8 F, regardless of the outdoor temperature.

The engagement between the research and development teams from Secop and B Medical Systems on joint development activities under this agreement is now underway. The companies aim to conclude the development and testing phase soon.