Can you provide key advancements from 2024?

In 2024, Thermo Fisher Scientific launched Accelerator™ Drug Development, our comprehensive, 360-degree Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) and Contract Research Organization (CRO) drug development solution. This platform streamlines services for clinical research, manufacturing and supply chain support across all modalities under one provider, reducing complexity and accelerating time-to-market.

We also extended our existing collaboration with the Stevanato Group to advance drug delivery innovations, including on-body delivery systems. Their Vertiva® platform, now capable of subcutaneous large-volume drug delivery up to 10 mL, offers a comprehensive solution for partners developing molecules suited for large-volume subcutaneous delivery across various indications.

Additionally, Thermo Fisher’s acquisition of Olink Holding is a part of our growth strategy and long-term vision for proteomics and personalized medicine. Their proprietary technology enables biopharmaceutical companies and academic researchers to understand disease efficiently at the protein level. These discoveries support the development of new treatments to improve the quality of life of patients in need. What expansions has the company undergone?

We invested over US$22 million to expand our oral solid dose facilities in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Bend, Oregon, enhancing early-stage drug development and manufacturing capabilities.

Recent expansions in clinical trials include a new European clinical supply solutions facility in Basel, Switzerland; a new GMP-compliant facility in Bleiswijk, Netherlands; and a clinical supply site in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to improve regional support for clinical research clients.

We also established an Innovation Lab in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and a new aseptic training center in Monza, Italy, providing hands-on training in simulated Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) environments, leveraging augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) to enhance sterile drug manufacturing expertise. What was the driving force behind Accelerator™ Drug Development’s creation, and how does it increase efficiency in drug development?

Accelerator™ Drug Development has already benefited over 120 clients and 350+ protocols across our combined CDMO and CRO services, delivering efficiencies and connected expertise throughout the clinical development journey. In drug development, expertise must be applied at every stage, from candidate selection to drug substance development, formulation-enabling studies, preclinical toxicology, and first-in-human clinical trials. This process spans all modalities, including small molecules, biologics, viral vectors, cell and gene therapies, mRNA, sterile fill-finish and vaccines. Each step involves rigorous testing to ensure efficacy and safety before approval. Our integrated approach consolidates these services under one program, reducing trial-and-error, eliminating redundancies, and preserving know-how, intellectual property, time, and resources. What trends are driving drug development?

Prefilled syringes remain a focus in pharmaceutical manufacturing, particularly with the growing interest in Glucagon-like peptide-1s (GLP-1s) for diabetes, obesity, and other conditions such as neurological and cardiovascular disorders.

Oral solid dose formulations also remain a cornerstone of patient-centric drug delivery. While traditionally used for small molecules, advancements now explore oral delivery for large molecules. Oral formulations, being easy to administer, ensure better compliance and long-term usability. How are digital technologies transforming the life sciences industry?

While Pharma 4.0 revolutionized manufacturing with technologies, automation, and connectivity, Industry 5.0 emphasizes collaboration between human expertise and technology for a more personalized, value-driven approach. For example, Thermo Fisher’s in-house computational platform, Quadrant 2™, eliminates trial-and-error cycles and efficiently solves common drug development challenges. How is Thermo Fisher Scientific aligning itself with market trends to benefit clients?

There is strong interest in advanced therapeutic modalities, including cell and gene therapy, viral vectors, and mRNA. While mRNA gained prominence during the pandemic for vaccines, its clinical potential spans neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, cardiovascular therapies, cancer treatments, and immunological applications. Our team in Italy supports mRNA manufacturing.

Large-molecule biologics remain a key focus, with services ranging from cell line development to process evaluation, scale-up, and sterile fill-finish production. Small molecules also maintain relevance as patient-centric dosage forms. The demand for GLP-1s underscores the need for large-scale manufacturing to meet global patient needs. Oncology and orphan drug development prioritize speed, with phase-appropriate processes to bring breakthrough therapies to patients faster.

From a CDMO perspective, catering to the needs of the market is key. We monitor industry trends and collaborate closely with partners to ensure we meet market demands, balancing quality, quantity, and scalability to effectively support therapeutic advancements.