As 2023 draws to a close, the pharma industry finds itself at an inflection point. On the one hand, stubbornly high inflation rates, a dearth of talent, supply chain hurdles, and a more challenging regulatory climate threaten profitability. But on the other, the rapid advances in areas ranging from cell and gene therapy and IT…
Life sciences single-use instrumentation trends
Single-use instrumentation, especially new pH sensors designed for upstream and downstream applications, are helping manufacturers develop production suites for creating a greater variety of small-run yet highly targeted drugs. Life sciences manufacturers already incorporate leading measurement and automation technologies to ensure the quality of the drugs and medicines they bring to market. Yet because the…
Pharma layoffs: Ferring Research Institute in San Diego to shutter
As the threat of a global recession looms in 2023, the pharmaceutical industry is beginning to feel the pressure, with several pharma and biotech companies conducting layoffs and reducing their workforces. Among them is the Ferring Research Institute in San Diego, which has announced plans to lay off all 89 of its employees in May.…
How Target Value Delivery can help keep pharma construction projects on track
New plant construction in the pharmaceutical industry frequently exceeds the allocated budget and runs over the expected time, contributing to the industry’s challenge to increase drug output over the past decade. Consulting firm Turner & Townsend estimates that some 70% of pharma construction projects miss their original budget by about 15%. Though the pandemic’s impact on…
Optimizing control of pump-related biopharma production processes
Integrated pump controllers aid with operation of quaternary diaphragm pumps While large-scale manufacturing of biopharmaceutical drugs is often fully automated, process development and small-scale manufacturing often still require manual interaction and control steps. This demands continuous monitoring by operators and sometimes results in a lack of consistency in the process. Achieving a higher level of…
Biotech Agenus acquires 120 acres in biomanufacturing center in California
Agenus (Lexington, Mass.) has purchased 120 acres in the California Biomanufacturing Center located in Vacaville near Sacramento. Agenus specializes in immuno-oncology products, which span checkpoint antibodies, cell therapies, vaccines and adjuvants. Agenus purchased the parcels from A.G. Spanos, a housing developer. Vacaville is aiming to spur the growth of its biotech industry. Currently, the largest…