🧪 Louise Digby of Sekisui Diagnostics emphasizes performance over brand reputation in equipment choice.
🔄 Their new facility offers multi-product flexibility, including stainless steel and single-use technologies.
👥 Human expertise remains vital, balancing automation with skilled oversight for optimal operations.
Introduction:
The article discusses the dynamics of biopharmaceutical development, emphasizing the balance between innovative technology and the need for expertise and flexibility in contract manufacturing. It highlights insights from Louise Digby, a vice president at Sekisui Diagnostics, regarding the decision-making process in selecting contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs).
- Biopharmaceutical developers are drawn to innovative bioprocessing technologies, but actual performance and reliability are the primary considerations in technology selection.
- Expertise and operational flexibility are crucial factors for contract manufacturers in securing substantial deals.
- Sekisui Diagnostics expanded its clinical-grade manufacturing facility, incorporating both stainless steel and single-use technologies to ensure flexibility across various production scales.
- The implementation of advanced control systems allows for efficient batch processing and management across multiple products, enhancing operational efficiency.
- While automation is beneficial, experienced human intervention remains crucial for optimal process performance in multi-product facilities.
Conclusion:
The article concludes that despite the allure of cutting-edge technology in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, success relies significantly on the expertise of the workforce and the ability of manufacturers to adapt technologically and operationally. The insights from Sekisui Diagnostics suggest that a combination of innovative solutions and skilled personnel will be essential for CDMOs to thrive in a competitive landscape.
