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Chemical Engineering in the Biotech Industry

Chemical Engineering in the Biotech Industry. D. Davidson Easson Jr., ScD VP Manufacturing & Process Development Epic Therapeutics / Baxter Healthcare. Biotech / Biopharmaceuticals in MA An important part of our economy.

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Chemical Engineering in the Biotech Industry

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  1. Chemical Engineering in the Biotech Industry D. Davidson Easson Jr., ScD VP Manufacturing & Process Development Epic Therapeutics / Baxter Healthcare

  2. Biotech / Biopharmaceuticals in MAAn important part of our economy • MA is a leader in the biotech industry (8% of world’s new drug pipeline comes from MA companies*) • Biotech is a leading industry in MA (280 companies with 30,000 employees*) • R&D accounts for 40% of the biotech jobs in MA, whereas the Pharma industry average is 15%**, indicating that this is still a developing and growing industry *MassBiotech 2010, BCG & MBC 2002 Report **Scott Sarazen, MassDevelopment at MBC 2004 Annual Meeting

  3. Biotech / Biopharmaceuticals in MAA young, maturing industry Late stage development and manufacturing require chemical and biochemical engineers for: • Product Development • Process development • Manufacturing

  4. Biotech / Biopharmaceuticals in MAShifting from science to engineering Need Thus, there is a growing need in Massachusetts for chemical and biochemical engineers as the biotech industry matures. Solution WPI CHE Dept. should position itself to help fill this need.

  5. Where are the future opportunities and challenges in chemical engineering? Functional Areas • Formulation Development • Process research and development • Process scale-up • Equipment / Process design • Technology transfer • Plant design • Manufacturing

  6. Where are the future opportunities and challenges in chemical engineering? Technology Areas • Fermentation • Cell culture • Enzyme technology • Homogenization, centrifugation, precipitation • Micro & Ultrafiltration • Chromatography • Drying technologies • Aseptic processing • Drug Delivery

  7. What skill sets will be required? • Versed in biochemical processes • Integration of biology into Chem. Engineering • Training in microbiology and aseptic technique • Fundamentals of fermentation, cell culture and bioseparations • CAD and Process modeling • Experimental Design • Basics of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)

  8. What skill sets will be required?(continued) • Exposure to bio-analytical techniques • Knowledge of rDNA technology • Knowledge of Drug Development Path • Project Management • Team / Group work skills • Communication skills

  9. What changes do we need to make to the UG CHE curriculum? Recommendations • New degree offerings in biochemical engineering (BS and graduate) • New courses to address needed skill sets • More research opportunities in biochemical engineering • More avenues for practical experience • Courses that address advancing technologies

  10. How can we make our discipline more attractive to high school students? Recommendations • All of previous list • PR / Advertising of program • Describe relevance of program to exciting, leading edge jobs within specific industries

  11. ConclusionWPI’s Potential to Impact Biotech in MA: • WPI is a respected, recognized engineering school • WPI’s location allows it to take advantage MA’s leading position in biotech • WPI has already made a commitment and impact in biotechnology (Biology/Biotech Dept, biotech related courses, UMMS, Worc. Consortium, MBRP, MBRI, CBI, MBI etc.) • Additional emphasis on biochemical engineering can help establish WPI as a leading source of engineers for the local biotech industry

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