Going Modular

Modular biopharma facilities seem to be attracting a lot of attention these days because of the rapidity with which they can be constructed. Many also incorporate single-use technologies, so not only is time saved, but there is also the potential for reduced capital investment.

Beyond these obvious advantages, the availability of such modular factories creates opportunities for biopharmaceutical manufacturers to install facilities in locations they might not otherwise have considered. With the lower capital investment and ease of construction, it may be possible to construct multiple, smaller production facilities, thus enabling more localized and customized service. In addition, with the growth of niche medicines with smaller volumes, the ability to cost-effectively construct smaller operations more quickly and at lower cost can help manufacturers reduce their time to market and maximize their profitability.

Has your company opted to build a modular biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility? What has been your experience? Are there really significant cost and time savings? Do they functionally equally as well as a conventional, “brick and mortar”   facility? What issues have you come across? What good experiences would you want others to know about? Do tell!

  

And don’t forget. If you haven’t already, you can sign up for the Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manufacturing & Marketplace Report here.

Cynthia Challener, PhD

Editor

The Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manufacturing & Marketplace Report