Industry leaders from multiple biomanufacturing backgrounds are expected to discuss global competitiveness in today’s geopolitical environment during a plenary panel at the 17th Annual Bioprocessing Summit taking place later this month in Boston.
The discussion, moderated by Ran Zheng, CEO of Landmark Bio, is also expected to cover the importance of early investment in Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (CMC), as well as how to remain flexible when building biomanufacturing facilities in light of new trends, such as recent U.S. tariffs.
“We live at an interesting time for the world in terms of the market and geopolitical dynamics across Europe, the U.S., and Asia, and, against that backdrop, we want to talk about the global dynamics of biomanufacturing,” explains Zheng.
The session’s panelists were chosen to represent large facilities and large-scale manufacturers of biologics, as well as the smaller emerging gene and cell therapy industry. The speakers hope to stimulate conversation about how the U.S. and other regions, such as Europe and Asia, can remain competitive and move forward in a world where biomanufacturing is highly interdependent.
Long-cycle business
Part of that, Zheng explains, is considering biomanufacturing as a “long-cycle business” where investments are made years before manufacturing facilities begin operation.
“Often the technologies and macro-environment will have changed, so how do you build something to both meet your near-term demand and requirements and, also, your growth over the longer term?” Zheng muses.
Another topic is highlighting the importance of investing in CMC early, rather than just in developing the therapeutic product. “It creates an imbalance,” explains Zheng. “People spend a lot of time pivoting from early-stage development to commercialization while they address those gaps. It’s too late.”
The panelists also hope to cover the impact of new technologies, such as AI/machine learning models to predict protein structure, digital tools for recording lab data, as well as automated manufacturing.
“We’re on the verge of something very exciting,” Zheng says. “And, because we are in a long-cycle business, we need to be proactive, think ahead, and be prepared.”
Finally, Zheng says they plan to discuss how upskilling employees and hiring new talent can help meet the needs of the industry, now, and in the future.
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