iSpeak Blog

Flexibility Through Advanced Technology

Alexander Haig
Multi-Use Filling Line for RTU Syringes, Vials, Cartridges and Bulk Vials - Photo courtesy of INCOG BioPharma Services

Multi-Use Filling Line for RTU Syringes, Vials, Cartridges and Bulk Vials - Photo courtesy of INCOG BioPharma Services


The definition of technology is “the set of knowledge, skills, experience, and techniques through which humans change, transform and use our environment in order to create tools, machines, products and services that meet our needs and desires.” A good mentor of mine once told me “It’s leading edge, not bleeding edge that we are after” This statement resonated with me throughout my career, and it has been one of my guiding principles. It’s crucial to leverage new technologies in our industry to innovate and advance life enhancing and saving medicines to patients. That’s our WHY, the how we implement new technologies could be the difference between success and failure.

I have been working in the Contract Development Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) sector for the last 10 years, and I’ve learned that flexibility and adaptability are essential to surviving the cyclical nature of the business to meet customer needs. Speed-to-market has become paramount in the last few years due to the unprecedented growth in our industry and recent expectations driven by customers.

Flexibility could be slightly more costly up front, but the return on investment is well worth it, especially for companies that have a diverse product pipeline, CDMOs, and/or supporting C&G/ATMPs products that require different containment levels/classifications.

The Biopharma industry has made some great strides in the last few years in Single Use Systems (SUS), robotic applications, Ready-to-Use (RTU)/Pre-sterilized components, and the use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to simulate and optimize processes. However, the digital transformation is critical to advancing our industry to the leading edge of technology. Digitalization, coupled with Artificial Intelligence (AI), is the key to improving Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), reducing human interventions, and achieving process autonomy.

I am thrilled to facilitate the “New Technologies” session during the 2023 aseptic conference. This session will have Industry experts that will share three different provocative new technologies. Johannes Rauschnabel from Syntegon Technology GmbH will explain how new concepts of gloveless in aseptic filling can drive change, Michael C. Simianu from SmartSkin Technologies will elaborate how to unlock new paths to productivity and quality gains utilizing SmartSkin®, and Christoph Bohn from Rommelag Pharma Services will discuss implications of Annex 1 to the Blow-Fill-Seal Technology

The presenters will show case leading edge technologies that will transform the industry. As an attendee, you will hear from Johannes on how a new transport technologies based on electromagnetic levitation (EML) are going to change aseptic manufacturing by Introducing new degrees of flexibility to handle individual doses and environmental monitoring devices, Simianu will give you a whole new level of insight on SmartSkin® technology and its application as a “Smart Replica Drone” acquiring real time digital data, and Christoph will do a deep dive on how to upgrade existing BFS production to fulfill new expectations as it relates to Annex1 as well as elaborate on the difference between a rotary and shuttle technology

Register for the 2023 Aseptic Conference to explore advancements in biopharma technologies and learn from industry leaders as they share insights into new technologies, manufacturing challenges, and regulatory factors impacting the ability of today’s companies to stay competitive and cost effective.

Learn More & Register

Vision Robotic Unit (VRU) - Photo courtesy of Stevanato Group
Vision Robotic Unit (VRU) - Photo courtesy of Stevanato Group