Biotechnology has transformed the practice of medicine through advances in genetic engineering, protein biochemistry, and cell biology which allows us to harness the power of nature to heal. Since the launch of the first recombinant therapeutic, insulin, in 1982, medicinal practices have rapidly evolved due to these advances in biotechnology. Cambridge, Massachusetts has long been a center of innovation for biotechnology and is today considered home to the world’s leading cluster of biotechnology companies. The density of world class institutions, the diversity of ideas incubating in labs and startups, collaborations and access to a talented and specialized workforce make it an attractive location for more than 350 individual biotech companies. Amgen has been at the forefront of modern biotechnology since 1980 and has been a key member of the Cambridge ecosystem since 2001. Amgen has continued to tackle grievous illnesses through the use of a biology first and modality independent strategy. This approach has led to the development of a broad range of therapeutic modalities including peptibodies, antibodies, fusion proteins, peptides, synthetics, SiRNA, bispecific T cell engagers, oncolytic viruses and other live cell modalities. Reliable, efficient, agile, and differentiated process development and commercial manufacturing paradigms has been enabled by leveraging platforms, advanced data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and progressive manufacturing technologies. It is clear that biologic medicines are becoming more engineered and diverse, necessitating scalable technologies that serve both personalized approaches such as cell therapies and the continued demand for high-volume biologics manufacturing at the other end of the therapeutic spectrum. Regardless of scale or application, there will continue to be an emphasis on the development of low-cost manufacturing capabilities to deliver inexpensive medicines while ensuring quality and speed to market. In parallel, rigorous patient-focused product design will be essential to broaden access to the industry’s life-changing products. Exemplary science and engineering, coupled with novel capabilities and high performing teams will be essential to address these challenges and the new ones that will inevitably emerge in such a rapidly evolving environment. When such an agile and progressive strategy is executed successfully, the results can transform patient’s lives in ways that were not possible before.

Perlman Award: Past, present and future of biomanufacturing

2019 Spring National Meeting

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.