India’s rising role in manufacturing innovation: Insights from Enzene during BIO convention 2024

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Russell Miller , Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing - CDMO business at Enzene Biosciences, participated in a round table discussion titled 'India Unlimited' during the BIO International Convention on June 2nd in San Diego, USA. The event was organized by the International Contract Pharma Association (ICPA). Alongside other leading experts from global CDMOs, Miller discussed the potential of outsourcing drug discovery and biomanufacturing in India. The session highlighted India's emerging role as a preferred destination for biotech outsourcing, focusing on its capabilities and opportunities in the sector.?

Here are the 6 main highlights from the event:?

1. Lowering Costs: Miller mentioned, "One of the big things we’re aiming for as a company is to lower the cost of biologics, our ultimate aim is to get down to $50/gram." This ambition underscores Enzene Biosciences' commitment to making biologics more affordable, which is crucial for wider accessibility and addressing global healthcare needs. Achieving this cost reduction involves optimizing manufacturing processes, investing in continuous manufacturing technologies, and leveraging economies of scale.
2. Leadership in Biologics: He emphasized that "India is not just leading in terms of outsourcing biologics but also in continuous manufacturing." This indicates India's advanced capabilities and its significant role in the biologics supply chain, which is crucial for the production of high-quality biosimilars. Continuous manufacturing is a next-generation technology that allows for more efficient, consistent, and scalable production of biologics, reducing time and costs compared to traditional batch manufacturing methods.?
3. Evolution in Continuous Manufacturing: Miller stated, "We have evolved ourselves in the domain of continuous manufacturing. We have spent a number of years to build a culture of innovation and new solutions such as biosimilars in a cost-effective manner." This highlights Enzene's long-term commitment to innovation and efficiency in bioprocessing. Continuous manufacturing enhances the ability to produce biologics consistently and at scale, crucial for meeting global demand and maintaining high standards of quality.
4. De-risking Supply Chains: He noted, "A lot of our clients are looking at de-risking the supply chain by manufacturing from multiple sites to diversify it further. It also creates a huge opportunity for India as a CDMO destination." This reflects the strategic importance of having diverse manufacturing locations to mitigate risks such as supply chain disruptions. India's emergence as a CDMO hub is a testament to its growing infrastructure, skilled workforce, and cost advantages.?
5. Client-Centric Approach: Miller added, "Clients are coming to us because we offer a quality of service – we are building a reputation for a unique flexible approach that you don’t see at other CDMOs. Another benefit is clients are looking for speed of development, quality and lower costs. Continuous manufacturing is the answer to all of these" This client-centric philosophy ensures that Enzene provides customised and flexible solutions, aligning with clients' goals and financial constraints. This approach helps build strong, long-term partnerships and drives successful outcomes for both parties.
6. India's Role in Innovation: Reflecting on the future, it was mentioned that "India must embrace innovation and address local healthcare challenges. By fostering a culture of innovation and investing in R&D, India can elevate its position and drive meaningful change in the global pharmaceutical landscape." This vision for India involves not just manufacturing excellence but also pioneering new treatments and technologies that address both global and local health challenges. As India continues to innovate, it will enhance its leadership in the global pharmaceutical industry, contributing to better healthcare outcomes worldwide.