Merck Emergency Drone Delivery Experiment Combines Supply Chain Innovation and Corporate Responsibility

A Merck experiment flying drones carrying medicines to remote locations to see if the technology is viable during emergencies may have appeal in disaster situations.

The pilot tests are innovative not just because they involve unmanned aerial vehicles but because of the technology-enabled, real-time, cold-chain monitoring systems on board. In simple terms, a device like a mobile phone sends data from the drone to the ground so engineers can monitor the temperature and therefore verify the stability of the medicines during the flight. 

Read the press release to learn more about the recent test drone flights held in Puerto Rico: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/direct-relief-merck-and-partners-test-temperature-controlled-autonomous-drone-delivery-system-for-medicines-in-puerto-rico-a-year-after-maria-300702117.html

"Merck is pleased to collaborate on this innovative new model for delivering medicines to patients in areas affected by natural disasters," said Brenda Colatrella, executive director, Corporate Responsibility at Merck. "We're proud of our long history of expanding access to our medicines and vaccines, and of working with our partners to provide humanitarian assistance. The successful test flights give us hope that we will be able to provide a reliable supply of our medicines for disaster relief."

Through our disaster relief efforts, Merck aims to respond in a timely, coordinated manner; to meet the immediate needs of affected communities; to provide ongoing assistance through recovery as needed; and to support preparedness efforts. Learn more about Merck’s disaster relief efforts: https://www.merck.com/about/featured-stories/natural-disaster-relief.html