Concept of scale: PodTech™ to aid quick scaling up of facilities and infrastructure
Since GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs came on the market to treat obesity and diabetes, their popularity has been unprecedented. As often happens in such situations, the massive demand for these treatments resulted in a chronic supply shortage – one that will persist until manufacturers’ investments in scaling production begin to bear fruit.
So high is the current and projected demand for these treatments that market analysts predict the GLP-1 agonist category will reach a market value of USD 150 billion in 2030. Unsurprisingly, pharmaceutical companies have been racing ahead to expand their capacity to produce these drugs.
Novo Nordisk has been at the forefront of the biopharmaceutical industry in rolling out GLP-1s. Demand for its semaglutide-based therapies Ozempic and Wegovy for diabetes and obesity, respectively, has consistently outstripped supply. To keep up, in June 2024, Novo Nordisk announced a USD 4.1 billion investment to expand its fill-and-finish manufacturing capacity in Clayton, North Carolina, USA. The new facility will double Nordisk’s current production capacity and is estimated to be complete by 2029. This is in addition to new plants in Denmark and France.
Nordisk’s biggest competitor in the arena, Eli Lilly, wants to claim a share of the GLP-1 pie and has also doubled down on scaling its capacity. In October 2023, Eli Lilly announced its partnership with Corden Pharma International to manufacture Mounjaro for obesity.
GLP-1 drugs are used to treat not only diabetes and obesity but also other chronic conditions like kidney disease and heart failure. Given its efficacy and versatility, the already soaring global demand for the drug will only increase over the years. With these projections, the biopharma manufacturing industry has no choice but to quickly scale up facilities and infrastructure.
Understanding the need for scalable solutions
Regardless of the industry, in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the ability to scale operations efficiently is crucial for success. Companies must constantly be on the lookout for innovative solutions that not only support growth but also streamline processes.
PodTech™ is proud to offer such scalable solutions for the biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry. Our prefabricated pharma factory systems are nothing short of a transformative approach to scaling up facilities and infrastructure. Our end-to-end development of modular facilities is redefining how businesses manage their operations.
Traditional facilities often struggle to adapt to fluctuating needs – as in the case of soaring demand for GLP-1s, during pandemics like Covid-19, or in other emergencies. These struggles often result in wasted resources, delayed timelines, and increased costs.
PodTech™’s solutions differ from traditional facilities because they provide much-needed flexibility in infrastructure. With our podules™, the concept of scale comes into play – pharma manufacturers get a scalable solution which allows them to adjust their operations seamlessly, responding to changes in demand without compromising efficiency, safety or quality.
Why PodTech™?
PodTech™’s podule™ technology is a state-of-the-art modular solution designed to rapidly scale pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities. By leveraging innovative design principles and modular construction, it offers a flexible framework that can be easily adapted to meet the evolving needs of any manufacturer.
Certain features of our solutions make it particularly suited to quickly scaling up biopharma manufacturing facilities, especially in low- and middle-income countries which do not always have the systems, infrastructure or time that traditional construction demands.
Modularity. Each PodTech™ unit, called a podule™, can be independently scaled up or down, allowing manufacturers to add or remove components as needed. This modularity ensures that companies can adjust their facilities in real time, reduce downtime and quickly deliver healthcare solutions to the regions that need them.
Rapid deployment. The streamlined design of podules™ enables quick installation and deployment. This makes scaling manufacturing a breeze. Pharma businesses can set up new operations or expand existing ones within a fraction of the time required by traditional construction methods.
Cost efficiency. Scaling production isn’t a question of just convenience and time but also money. By minimizing construction time and maximizing resource utilization, PodTech™ significantly reduces operational costs. Businesses can allocate funds more effectively, focusing on growth and pharmaceutical access rather than infrastructure hurdles.
Sustainability. PodTech™’s custom solutions are always designed with sustainability in mind. The modular nature of our factories reduces waste. Additionally, the materials used are robust and long-lasting, contributing to a company’s overall sustainability goals. So growth doesn’t come at the cost of the environment.
Customizability. Every business is unique, so the scalable solutions it needs must also be. At PodTech™, we recognize this by offering customizable solutions. As a pharma manufacturer, you can ask us to tailor your podules™ to suit specific operational requirements, ensuring a perfect fit for your needs.
PodTech™ for rapid, scalable response to global health challenges
PodTech™ is not just an idea; it is a demonstrated solution in healthcare, biopharma and medical device manufacturing. In these industries, the ability to scale operations quickly can be a game-changer for businesses and consumers alike.
For instance, a healthcare provider facing sudden patient surges can deploy additional podules™ to accommodate more beds, diagnostic labs and equipment to meet demand without delays. Pharmaceutical manufacturers can quickly adapt their production lines to introduce new products or respond to market changes, minimizing the risk of falling behind an evolving market.
Imagine you own a biopharma company which has developed a promising new gene therapy. Clinical trials show excellent results, and you anticipate an immediate need for production to meet market demand. Traditional manufacturing facilities might take years to expand, but with PodTech™, you can deploy additional modular units to scale up your operations at an accelerated timeline.
These modular units can include fully equipped cleanrooms, laboratories, and quality-controlled production lines, all designed to adhere to strict regulatory standards. By implementing PodTech™’s solutions, you can ensure that patients receive timely access to life-saving treatments without compromising on quality or compliance.
The future of scaling with PodTech™
As we look to the future, the need for adaptable and scalable infrastructure will only grow. Companies that embrace innovative solutions like PodTech™’s will be better positioned to thrive in an ever-changing market and epidemiological landscape.
By enabling quick scaling of facilities and infrastructure, PodTech™ can empower you, too, to focus on what you do best — delivering value to your customers.
PodTech™ stands out as a pioneering solution that offers the flexibility, speed, and efficiency needed to navigate the complexities of modern pharmaceutical manufacturing. Embracing this innovative approach can pave the way for scalable, sustainable growth which allows you to not only meet current demands but also adapt to future challenges.
In an era where adaptability is key, PodTech™ provides the tools to ensure that your business not only keeps up but leads the way.