The patient imperative in drug manufacturing

The landscape of drug development is undergoing a transformative shift with the emergence of novel therapeutic modalities, such as cell and gene therapies, RNA-based treatments, and advanced antibody technologies. These innovations are not only revolutionizing patient outcomes (illustrated by the enhanced survival rates seen with CAR-T therapies) but are also poised to significantly drive industry growth over the next decade. As these technologies advance, the pharmaceutical industry faces dual challenges: maintaining a high rate of innovation and managing the increasing complexity of product portfolios and supply chains. The successful delivery of these cutting-edge treatments to patients hinges on the industry's capacity to ensure reliable, sustainable, and economically viable supply chains. Central to overcoming these challenges is the imperative to foster innovation within manufacturing science and technology, ensuring that breakthrough therapies can reach patients who need them most.

Jorge Vazquez Anderson is a Partner at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), where he specializes in advising healthcare industry leaders on the complexities of efficiently delivering novel medicines to patients. With deep expertise rooted in the convergence of R&D, manufacturing, and supply chain operations, he provides strategic insights that help shape the future of drug manufacturing. Holding a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, Jorge's doctoral research in the Contreras Lab focused on pioneering synthetic biology techniques to probe RNA structures in vivo. His background in RNA science, combined with experience in business strategy, enables him to offer advice to senior executives in navigating the challenges associated with the production and distribution of novel modalities, including cell and gene therapies, RNA therapeutics, and next-generation antibodies.