DHL Supply Chain, a division of DHL Group, has entered into an agreement to acquire SDS Rx, a leading U.S.-based provider of final-mile delivery and specialized transportation services for the life sciences and healthcare (LSHC) sector. The move further expands DHL’s capabilities in healthcare logistics under the DHL Health Logistics umbrella, enhancing its capacity to provide integrated, time-sensitive solutions across every stage of the healthcare supply chain.

SDS Rx operates from over 200 locations across the United States, specializing in last-mile delivery for long-term care and specialty pharmacies, radiopharmacies, and health system networks. Its integration into DHL Supply Chain’s LSHC operations will significantly boost DHL’s same-day and expedited delivery capabilities, enabling seamless end-to-end logistics support—from manufacturing through to the patient.

“The life sciences and healthcare sector is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 11% through 2030. Specialty pharmacy already accounts for approximately 50% of total prescription drug spending in the U.S., and the number of patients served by specialty pharmacies grew by 12% between 2018 and 2022¹. The increasing demand for specialty pharma and healthcare solutions presents significant opportunities for DHL to leverage its scale, expertise, and commitment to operational excellence. With this acquisition, we are expanding our healthcare logistics capabilities, attracting a new segment of healthcare customers, and reinforcing our position as a trusted partner in building resilient and connected healthcare supply chains,” said Mark Kunar, CEO of DHL Supply Chain North America.

Drew Kronick, Founder, CEO & Managing Partner of SDS Rx stated, “Our mission is to enhance the quality of patient care with every delivery. As the demand for last mile delivery in healthcare continues to grow, we understand the importance of aligning with a partner who shares our patient-first commitment. Partnering with DHL represents a meaningful step forward, combining our strengths to improve the precision, reliability, and speed of delivery to patients most in need.”

The SDS Rx deal follows DHL’s acquisition of CryoPDP earlier this year, a global specialty courier serving clinical trials, biopharmaceuticals, and advanced therapies such as cell and gene treatments. Together, these strategic moves represent key milestones in DHL’s Strategy 2030, which places a strong focus on expanding its logistics solutions for the life sciences and healthcare industry.

With these additions, DHL Health Logistics now offers enhanced capabilities across the healthcare spectrum, including cold chain management, pharmaceuticals, consumer health, medical devices, animal health, and specialty pharma logistics.

“This acquisition is a meaningful step in expanding our ability to serve patients with precision and care. By integrating SDS Rx’s specialized final-mile capabilities into our operations, we are extending our reach into critical healthcare segments, scaling our Pharma Specialized Network and further strengthening our global DHL Health Logistics . It reinforces our commitment to delivering reliable, patient-centric solutions across the entire life sciences and healthcare supply chain.” said Hendrik Venter, Global CEO of DHL Supply Chain.

DHL confirmed that all SDS Rx employees will join the DHL Supply Chain family, ensuring continuity of service for customers. The acquired operations will be integrated into DHL Supply Chain North America’s Life Sciences & Healthcare division, continuing under existing local leadership to maintain operational consistency during the transition.

The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals, with closing expected in the near future.