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32. Why End-to-End CDMOs Matter More Than Ever - SmaBio Labs CEO
14:10||Ep. 3295% of our viewers aren’t subscribed. If you’re watching and not yet subscribed, please subscribe to the channel so you don’t miss future episodes.What does it take to build a CDMO designed around speed, integration, and true scientific collaboration?This week on Making It In Manufacturing, Harry Sloan sat down with LakshmiDevi Ethirajan, Co-Founder & CEO of SmaBioLabs, with 25+ years of experience spanning big pharma, small pharma, and CDMO leadership roles across drug development and manufacturing.In this episode, LakshmiDevi Ethirajan covers:• How a background in pharmacy and pharmaceutical development led to the creation of SmaBioLabs and the vision behind building a fully integrated CDMO• Why bringing discovery, formulation development, and analytical services together under one roof reduces risk and improves program execution• The importance of speed and flexibility in pharmaceutical development, including why projects at SmaBioLabs begin within two weeks of contract signing• How technical integration between discovery scientists and formulation teams supports complex molecules and improves development outcomes• The long-term vision for SmaBioLabs, including commercial manufacturing expansion and becoming a complete end-to-end partner for sponsorsIf you are involved in pharmaceutical manufacturing, biotech growth, CDMO strategy, or drug development leadership, this conversation offers a practical perspective on building scalable scientific partnerships in a rapidly evolving industry.Follow ARTOLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalentSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kEcRZOiJChOoN1KF2n1ngInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/arto.talent?igsh=MWdhbWl5N204a253NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qrTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@artotalent?_t=ZG-8tHbGACAZaj&_r=1Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-beyond-the-lab/id1783115575Website: https://arto-talent.com/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@artotalentLakshmiDevi EthirajanCo-Founder & CEO of SmaBioLabsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lakshmidevi-ethirajan/Harry SloanBD CDMO Lead at ARTOLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-sloan-605620154/Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:14 LakshmiDevi Ethirajan’s journey into pharmaceuticals01:07 Why sponsor and CDMO alignment matters02:27 Building an end-to-end CDMO model03:58 Speed and flexibility in drug development05:00 Supporting complex molecules through integration06:46 The meaning behind the SmaBio Labs name07:56 Growth plans and commercial manufacturing ambitions08:51 Standing out in the competitive CDMO market10:17 The North Carolina biotech ecosystem12:37 Leadership, culture, and patient impact13:53 Closing remarks#MakingItInManufacturing #ARTOTalent #CDMO #PharmaceuticalManufacturing #DrugDevelopment #Biotech #LifeSciences #ManufacturingLeadership #PharmaIndustry #Biotechnology #DrugDiscovery #AnalyticalServices #FormulationDevelopment
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31. Why Development-Led CDMOs Will Win
06:03||Ep. 3195% of our viewers aren’t subscribed. If you’re watching and not yet subscribed, please subscribe to the channel so you don’t miss future episodes.How do leading CDMOs move beyond manufacturing to become true development partners? In this episode, Jeffrey Speicher shares how integrated development, technical problem solving and long-term partnerships are shaping growth in outsourced pharma manufacturing.This week on Making It In Manufacturing, Harry Sloan sat down with Jeffrey Speicher, General Manager Commercial of PLD Pharma, with over 30 years of experience spanning engineering, commercial leadership, contract manufacturing, OTC product development and strategic growth across the pharmaceutical and consumer healthcare sectors.In this episode, Jeffrey Speicher covers:- How PLDevelopments evolved from a private label manufacturer into a full CDMO model focused on end-to-end support for customers- Why in-house development and commercialisation capabilities help accelerate speed to market and reduce manufacturing risk for pharmaceutical products- The importance of designing formulations around commercial manufacturing equipment from the very beginning of the R&D process- How product diversification across liquids, tablets, electrolytes, and gummies creates broader manufacturing capabilities within the CDMO market- Why partnership-led relationships matter for pharmaceutical brands looking for quality, consistency, and long-term manufacturing support in the US market For anyone operating across CDMO strategy, OTC innovation or outsourced development, this is a thoughtful conversation on what partnership-led manufacturing really looks like. Be sure to check out the full episode for a deeper discussion on leadership, commercial growth and differentiated execution in pharma services.Follow ARTOLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalentSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kEcRZOiJChOoN1KF2n1ngInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/arto.talent?igsh=MWdhbWl5N204a253NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qrTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@artotalent?_t=ZG-8tHbGACAZaj&_r=1Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-beyond-the-lab/id1783115575Website: https://arto-talent.com/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@artotalentJeffrey SpeicherGeneral Manager Commercial at PLD PharmaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-speicher-826746/Harry SloanCDMO BD Lead at ARTOLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-sloan/Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:21 Jeffrey Speicher introduction and overview of PL Developments00:45 The origins of PL Developments and private label manufacturing01:07 Transitioning into a CDMO-focused business model01:25 What differentiates PL Developments from traditional CDMOs01:44 The advantages of broad formulation and manufacturing capabilities02:26 Why upstream development support improves project success03:05 Connecting R&D with commercial manufacturing equipment03:37 Speed to market and reducing commercialisation risk03:55 Competing through partnership and customer focus04:29 Balancing speed, efficiency, and scalability in manufacturing05:09 Developing OTC gummies and expanding manufacturing capabilities05:28 Designing products around plant strengths05:40 Eliminating risk during commercial transfer05:44 Closing remarks#MakingItInManufacturing #ARTOTalent #CDMO #PharmaceuticalManufacturing #OTCManufacturing #DrugDevelopment #ContractManufacturing #LifeSciences
30. The CDMO Framework Winning Business for Adare Pharma Solutions
07:14||Ep. 3095% of our viewers aren’t subscribed. If you’re watching and not yet subscribed, please subscribe to the channel so you don’t miss future episodes.The CDMO landscape is crowded, fragmented, and increasingly complex. What does it take to stand out and lead in such a competitive space?This week on Making It In Manufacturing, Harry Sloan sat down with Tom Sellig, CEO of Adare Pharma Solutions with a long-standing career spanning commercial leadership, pharma services, and executive roles across global organisations including, Procter and Gamble, Covance, Patheon, LabConnect, and Thermo Fisher Scientific.In this episode, Tom Sellig covers:- How Adare Pharma Solutions positions itself as a technology-driven oral solid dose CDMO with global capabilities across North America and Europe- Why having both US and European manufacturing capabilities is critical for business continuity, regulatory navigation, and client needs in today’s geopolitical environment- The key differentiators behind Adare’s success, including technological breadth, flexibility as a mid-sized CDMO, and the ability to support both large-scale and highly specialised projects- Building a deeply embedded client-centric culture, including company-wide alignment and continuous customer feedback integrationFor leaders navigating the CDMO and broader Life Sciences manufacturing space, this episode offers a grounded perspective on strategy, growth, and execution. Watch the full conversation for a clear view on what sustainable leadership in this sector really looks like.Follow ARTOLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalentSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kEcRZOiJChOoN1KF2n1ngInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/arto.talent?igsh=MWdhbWl5N204a253NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qrTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@artotalent?_t=ZG-8tHbGACAZaj&_r=1Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-beyond-the-lab/id1783115575Website: https://arto-talent.com/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@artotalentTom SelligCEO at Adare Pharma ServicesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomsellig/Harry SloanBD CDMO Lead at ARTOLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-sloan-605620154/Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:20 Overview of Adare Pharma Solutions01:05 Importance of global footprint in CDMO services01:45 Key differentiators in a competitive CDMO market02:43 Client-centric culture and organisational alignment03:40 Career journey and leadership development04:25 Lessons from scaling and acquisitions at Patheon05:05 The Adare framework and company values05:57 Future outlook for Adare and the CDMO landscape07:00 Closing remarks#MakingItInManufacturing #ARTOTalent #CDMO #LifeSciences #PharmaManufacturing #Biopharma #Leadership
29. Inside the Race to Scale ADCs - Ian Glassford
12:36||Ep. 29What does it take to scale complex biologics manufacturing while keeping speed, quality, and communication aligned? In this episode, Ian Glassford explains how integrated CDMO partnerships are helping biotech companies accelerate ADC and bioconjugate programs from discovery through to commercial manufacturing.This week on Making It In Manufacturing, Harry Sloan sat down with Ian Glassford, VP at Abzena, with more than a decade of experience spanning medicinal chemistry, synthetic chemistry, bioconjugation, biologics manufacturing, and CDMO leadership roles across GSK and Abzena.In this episode, Ian Glassford covers:• How Abzena approaches integrated ADC and bioconjugate manufacturing across discovery, development, and GMP production (00:00)• Why communication and true partnership models are becoming critical for CDMOs supporting fast-moving biotech programs (02:55)• The balance between speed to clinic, process standardisation, and maintaining manufacturing quality in complex biologics (03:37)• Ian’s transition from medicinal chemistry at @GSK into leadership within the bioconjugation and ADC space at Abzena (08:11)• Where the future of ADCs, AOCs, radionuclide conjugates, and commercial manufacturing is heading over the next five years (10:25)For anyone working across biologics manufacturing, ADC development, CDMO partnerships, or complex therapeutics, this conversation offers a practical look at how experienced operators are adapting to increasingly demanding timelines and evolving modalities across the biotech industry.Follow ARTO:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalentSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kEcRZOiJChOoN1KF2n1ngInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/arto.talent?igsh=MWdhbWl5N204a253NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qrTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@artotalent?_t=ZG-8tHbGACAZaj&_r=1Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-beyond-the-lab/id1783115575Website: https://arto-talent.com/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@artotalentIan Glassford:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-glassford-phd-mba-28270529/Harry Sloan:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-sloan-605620154/?skipRedirect=trueTimestamps:00:00 Introduction and live recording from DCAT Week in New York00:39 Ian Glassford explains Abzena’s role in the ADC and bioconjugate CDMO market01:25 The biggest operational challenges in ADC and AOC manufacturing02:43 What biotech clients are really looking for beyond technical expertise03:37 Managing the balance between speed, quality, and execution04:53 How integrated CDMO and CRO models improve timelines and supply chain control06:43 The importance of communication and partnership in complex programs08:11 Ian’s career journey from medicinal chemistry into bio conjugates10:00 Transitioning from hands-on science into site leadership10:25 Where Abzena and the wider ADC market are heading in the next five years11:51 Adapting CDMO models to support evolving biologics modalities12:29 Closing thoughts#MakingItInManufacturing #ARTOTalent #Biotech #CDMO #Biologics #ADC #DrugDevelopment #Manufacturing #Pharmaceuticals #Bioconjugates
28. How Samsung Biologics Is Redefining CDMO Partnerships - John Gagliardi
16:58||Ep. 2895% of our viewers aren’t subscribed. If you’re watching and not yet subscribed, please subscribe to the channel so you don’t miss future episodes.How do leading CDMOs move beyond scale to become true strategic partners?This week on Making It In Manufacturing, Harry Sloan sat down with John Gagliardi, Sales Director, Key Account Management at Samsung Biologics, with 25+ years of experience spanning operations, supply chain, procurement, sourcing and commercial leadership across biopharma, including previous experience at GSK and leadership in CDMO partnerships. In this episode, John Gagliardi covers:- How Samsung Biologics has evolved as a pure-play CDMO, including US expansion and the value of integrated support from clinical development through commercial supply.- Why long-term partnerships in biomanufacturing depend on value creation beyond capacity, from lifecycle management to flexible supply chain strategies.- What credible ADC capability really looks like, including integrated manufacturing, simplified supply chains and how co-located operations can accelerate speed to market.- The strategic importance of the Lilly Gateway Labs collaboration with Eli Lilly, and how incubating early-stage biotech can strengthen the future innovation ecosystem.- Where growth is heading next for Samsung Biologics, from Bio Campus expansion and emerging modalities to scaling quality while maintaining operational agility.If you are interested in where biomanufacturing partnerships are heading, and how leading CDMOs are thinking beyond capacity alone, this conversation offers practical insight worth your time. Watch the full episode to hear how John approaches growth, innovation and patient impact through a commercial and operational lens.Follow ARTOLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalentSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kEcRZOiJChOoN1KF2n1ngInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/arto.talent?igsh=MWdhbWl5N204a253NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qrTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@artotalent?_t=ZG-8tHbGACAZaj&_r=1Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-beyond-the-lab/id1783115575Website: https://arto-talent.com/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@artotalentJohn GagliardiSales Director at Samsung BiologicsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-gagliardi-7a8a252/Harry SloanCDMO BD Lead at ARTOLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/harry-sloan-605620154/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base%3B7ieBaX%2FATH6lSPMIPdsI8w%3D%3DTimestamps:00:00 Introduction from New York and conference spotlight00:42 Samsung Biologics as a pure-play CDMO02:10 Building strategic customer partnerships03:45 Differentiation beyond standard CDMO models05:01 Building credibility in ADC manufacturing07:53 Technical collaboration and winning partnerships09:07 Lilly Gateway Labs collaboration11:40 Growth trajectory and future modalities13:19 Scaling while maintaining quality15:00 Patient impact and personal motivation16:35 Closing remarks#MakingItInManufacturing #ARTOTalent #Biomanufacturing #CDMO #Biopharma #SupplyChain #ADC #PharmaceuticalManufacturing #BiotechLeadership
27. We Just Built a $1.5B Biologics Company… And We're Here to Disrupt the Industry - Joon Chang
18:23||Ep. 27What does it really take to build credibility as a new CDMO in a highly competitive biologics market, while staying grounded in patient impact?This week on Making It In Manufacturing, Harry Sloan sat down with Joon Chang, Chief Business Officer at Lotte Biologics, with years of experience spanning Pharma, CDMO, project management, and business development roles across global organisations.In this episode, Joon Chang covers:• (02:17) Building credibility as a new CDMO and overcoming the challenge of limited track record while leveraging experienced talent from legacy manufacturing sites• (03:05) Why people and expertise matter more than company age when delivering successful tech transfer, development, and manufacturing outcomes• (04:17) The importance of tailoring partnerships to individual client needs and building long-term relationships across Pharma and biotech organisations• (07:00) Career journey from bench scientist to commercial leadership, and how experience across Pharma and CDMO environments shapes client-centric thinking• (10:10) Creating a patient-centric culture in manufacturing and commercial teams, and why connecting daily operations to patient impact strengthens partnershipsIf you are interested in how emerging CDMOs can differentiate themselves through culture, capability, and client alignment, this episode offers a grounded and practical perspective worth your time.Follow ARTOLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalentSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kEcRZOiJChOoN1KF2n1ngInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/arto.talent?igsh=MWdhbWl5N204a253NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qrTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@artotalent?_t=ZG-8tHbGACAZaj&_r=1Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-beyond-the-lab/id1783115575Website: https://arto-talent.com/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@life_sciencesJoon ChangLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joon-chang-a337895/Harry SloanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-sloan-605620154/Timestamps:00:00 Introduction at the DCAT Conference00:33 Overview of Lotte Biologics and market positioning01:20 Capabilities in biologics manufacturing and conjugation02:01 Challenges of entering the CDMO market as a new player03:05 Importance of talent and retained expertise from legacy sites03:52 Building relationships with Pharma and biotech clients04:24 Dual hub model across the US and South Korea05:01 Manufacturing scale advantages and commercial readiness06:19 Speed, cost efficiency, and internal tech transfer benefits07:00 Career journey from Pharma to CDMO leadership08:04 Understanding client mindset from both Pharma and CDMO perspectives08:54 Project management experience and client relationship ownership09:43 Leadership philosophy and full lifecycle thinking10:10 Building an ideal organisational culture10:40 Patient-centric approach and ultra-rare disease considerations11:43 Connecting operations to patient impact12:34 Applying culture to commercial and sales teams13:21 Business development mission and value creation13:40 Leadership approach and empowering teams15:00 Vision for disrupting the CDMO industry16:21 Growth, partnerships, and expanding patient reach17:01 Personal motivation and purpose behind the work18:00 Team culture and collaboration#MakingItInManufacturing #ARTOTalent #Biologics #CDMO #Pharma #Biotech #Manufacturing
26. From Lab Scientist to Pharma Leader: 40 Years of Scaling and Strategy Insight - Alison Clayton
16:06||Ep. 26From hands-on pharmacology research to leading strategic projects in advanced manufacturing, this episode explores what it really takes to evolve, adapt, and lead across decades of change in life sciences.This week on Making It In Manufacturing, Harry Sloan sat down with Alison Clayton, Strategic Projects Director at Symbiosis, with over 40 years of experience spanning pharmacology research, pre-clinical and clinical development, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.In this episode, Alison Clayton covers:(00:00) Transitioning from academia into industry and navigating major company acquisitions early in a career(01:40) Moving beyond the lab into strategic, customer-facing roles and discovering a passion for leadership(03:35) Adapting to constant organisational change while maintaining a patient-first mindset(07:26) The risks of scaling too quickly in CDMOs and the importance of realistic capacity and strong partnerships(10:02) Maintaining quality and regulatory standards while growing in a highly competitive pharmaceutical landscapeThis conversation offers a grounded perspective on long-term career development, leadership in complex environments, and the evolving demands of pharmaceutical manufacturing. If you are building a career in life sciences or scaling within a CDMO environment, this episode provides practical insights worth applying.Follow ARTOLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalentSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kEcRZOiJChOoN1KF2n1ngInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/arto.talent?igsh=MWdhbWl5N204a253NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qrTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@artotalent?_t=ZG-8tHbGACAZaj&_r=1Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-beyond-the-lab/id1783115575Website: https://arto-talent.com/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@life_sciencesAlison ClaytonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-clayton-78816711/Harry SloanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-sloan-605620154/Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to the episode00:14 Alison Clayton introduction and career reflection00:53 Transition from academia to industry01:15 Experience at Syntex Pharmaceuticals, Roche, and Quintiles01:40 Moving into strategic and customer-facing roles02:24 Leadership style shaped by scientific background02:50 End-to-end experience across drug development03:13 Navigating challenges and career-defining moments03:35 Adapting through multiple company transitions04:24 Balancing commercial goals with patient outcomes04:56 Experiences in a male-dominated industry05:51 Advice for women in life sciences leadership06:09 Career development without a fixed plan07:00 Balancing career and family life07:26 Scaling challenges in CDMOs08:30 Risks of overpromising and underdelivering09:28 Importance of supply chain and transparency10:02 Maintaining quality and regulatory compliance10:27 Overview of Symbiosis10:57 Market demand for sterile manufacturing11:20 Scottish identity and company culture11:39 Differentiation in the CDMO market12:31 Importance of flexibility and partnerships13:21 Building long-term client relationships13:41 Future outlook for Symbiosis14:05 Evolution of biologics and impact on patients14:32 Career reflection and delivering medicines to patients15:17 What excites Alison about the future#MakingItInManufacturing #ARTOTalent #PharmaceuticalManufacturing #LifeSciences #CDMO #Biologics #DrugDevelopment