EPM speaks to Patrick Malone, vice president, Operations, Contract Manufacturing at West Pharmaceutical Services, about the essentials in contract manufacturing and the latest trends affect manufacturers.
Outsourcing
Why are more pharma companies outsourcing their manufacturing requirements?
Outsourcing is a strategy that many pharma companies use to remain competitive, reduce infrastructure and overhead expenses, and improve their operational efficiencies. It also allows them to focus on formulation and drug development and provides the flexibility needed in a fast paced, ever-evolving market.
How are CMOs preparing for advances in manufacturing such as continuous & Industry 4.0?
Industry 4.0 typically refers to the use of data and automation in manufacturing. Simulation, additive manufacturing, data & analytics and augmented reality are technologies that are currently being used to create “smart factories” where systems, machines and people work together to rapidly design or create something while improving efficiencies and eliminating errors. CMOs are getting their house in order - through Improvements in infrastructure. It is important to have the right infrastructure, security, systems and data storage - not to mention, an exceptional talent pool to support these technologies and market growth.