Chemical Engineering in the

Biotech Industry

D. Davidson Easson Jr., ScD

VP Manufacturing & Process Development
Epic Therapeutics / Baxter Healthcare
Biotech / Biopharmaceuticals in MA
An important part of our economy

 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
A young, maturing industry

Late stage development and manufacturing require

chemical and biochemical engineers for:

 ProductDevelopment
 Process development
 Manufacturing
Biotech / Biopharmaceuticals in MA
Shifting from science to engineering

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.
Where are the future opportunities and
challenges in chemical 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
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