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

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 Biotech / Biopharmaceuticals in MA An important part of our economy

Late stage development and manufacturing require chemical and biochemical engineers for: Product Development Process development Manufacturing Biotech / Biopharmaceuticals in MA A young, maturing industry

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. Biotech / Biopharmaceuticals in MA Shifting from science to engineering

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

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)

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

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

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

Conclusion WPI ’ 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