Integrated Continuous Manufacturing Of Biologics: Trends In The Field

By Randi Hernandez

Although estimates vary slightly, many industry experts predict continuous manufacturing will, at the least, cut the cost of manufacturing biologics in half. Thus, it will be an attractive option for drug makers looking to trim manufacturing budgets. But not all biologics would be feasible candidates for a truly integrated processing stream, and a truly continuous line may require a larger initial capital investment.

To learn more about which companies and products will likely incorporate continuous manufacturing first—and to understand which “hot-button” questions regarding implementation still require attention and clarification—Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (GEN) spoke to pioneers in the field of continuous biomanufacturing, including Massimo Morbidelli, Ph.D., professor of chemical reaction engineering at the Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering at ETH Zürich; Andrew Zydney, Ph.D., distinguished professor of chemical engineering, The Pennsylvania State University; Michelle Najera, Ph.D., downstream development scientist, CMC Biologics; Gerard Gach, chief marketing officer, LEWA-Nikkiso America; Dana Pentia, Ph.D., senior application scientist, and John Bonham-Carter, director of upstream sales and business development at Repligen; Gerben Zijlstra, platform marketing manager, continuous biomanufacturing, Sartorius Stedim Biotech; and Karol Lacki, Ph.D.,  vice president of technology development at Avitide.