EPISODE 1: A View On Emerging Trends in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, live from CPHI Milan

Reporting from CPHI – Exploring Emerging Trends in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

In this first episode of A View On’s fourth season, recorded at the Convention on Pharmaceutical Ingredients (CPhI) in Milan, we dive into the latest innovations and challenges shaping the pharmaceutical landscape

Covering advancements in bioconjugates, AI-driven drug development, and breakthroughs in cell and gene therapy, host Dr. Martina Ribar Hestericová brings together insights from Lonza’s experts to explore the future of the industry.

The Expanding Role of Bioconjugates in Modern Medicine

Christian Morello, Lonza’s Head of Bioconjugates, starts the discussion with a look at the growing significance of bioconjugates, particularly antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), which dominate the market. Beyond ADCs, Morello notes, other bioconjugate types are gaining traction, each requiring a specialized approach to streamline complex supply chains and foster innovation throughout the product lifecycle. Learn more about this topic here.

AI-Driven Innovation in Drug Development

Simon Wagschal, Associate Director of Small Molecules, highlights the transformative role of AI in drug development. His team’s AI-enabled route scouting process, recently recognized with a CPhI award, optimizes synthesis routes for complex molecules, shortening timelines and facilitating faster development. This approach is crucial for handling increasingly complex drug structures, which now average over 20 synthesis steps. Learn more here.

Cell and Gene Therapy’s Shift Toward Commercialization

Marie Leblanc, Executive Director of Cell and Gene Technologies, describes the rapid growth in cell and gene therapy, noting that the industry has reached a turning point where demand is pushing for scalable manufacturing solutions. For Leblanc, working in this field has a personal impact; therapies in this area, particularly pediatric treatments, profoundly affect patients and their families. Learn more about this topic here.

Innovations in Targeted Drug Delivery

In targeted drug delivery, Julien Lamps from Lonza’s Capsules & Health Ingredients division shares a milestone: the development of a novel enteric Size 9 capsule for preclinical trials. This capsule is designed specifically for oral administration to rodents, representing a first-of-its-kind solution in drug delivery for animal studies. Learn more about this topic here.

Curious to Learn More?

Join Martina and Lonza experts as they uncover the latest innovations driving change in pharmaceuticals. From personalized medicine to efficient drug development, each story reveals the groundbreaking efforts shaping patient care for the future.



KEY TERMS:

Bioconjugates: Molecules created by chemically linking two different compounds, often enhancing therapeutic effectiveness by targeting specific cells or tissues.

Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs): A bioconjugate type combining antibodies with cytotoxic drugs for targeted treatment, especially in oncology.

Cell and Gene Therapy: Therapies that use modified cells or genes to treat diseases, now progressing toward commercial viability.

AI-Enabled Route Scouting: An AI-driven method in drug development to streamline synthesis pathways, increasing efficiency in drug production.

Enteric Capsules: Special capsules designed to survive stomach acid, ensuring active ingredients reach the intestine effectively.

Past Episodes