Embedding Biopharma 4.0 in Upstream Process Development through Modeling, Automation, & Data-Driven Decision Making​

Eric Hodgman 
Bristol Myers Squibb

13:45

Abstract

The biopharmaceutical industry is undergoing a fundamental transformation driven by the convergence of advanced automation, digitalization, and data science collectively referred to as Biopharma 4.0. Realizing the full potential of these principles in upstream cell culture process development requires integration into a cohesive, end-to-end operational framework.
 
This talk will present a framework that connects high-throughput automated bioreactor platforms, structured data pipelines, and advanced modeling environments into a unified workflow. The core discussion will revolve around model-enabled process development activities from lead clone selection to design optimization, and beyond, where hybrid modeling approaches leveraging robust historical datasets for knowledge transfer across cell lines and modalities, can be leveraged to meaningfully reducing the dependency on resource intensive activities such as laboratory experimentation.
 
Collectively, these efforts illustrate how the deliberate integration of structured data generation, automated workflows, and model-enabled decision making can accelerate development timelines, deepen process understanding, and maximize the impact of limited experimental resources across both early and late phase programs.



Eric-1

Eric Hodgman 

Scientific Director

Eric is a scientific director at BMS, leading a talented team of cell culture subject matter experts in the process development (PD) organization. With extensive experience across PD and MS&T, Eric possesses practical knowledge across the entire lifecycle of a drug, spanning FIH development to BLA approval to commercial manufacturing support. His end-to-end familiarity with the process drives his passion for integrating Industry 4.0 concepts–specifically modelling applications, Process Analytical Technologies, and high-throughput automation–into development workflows and manufacturing processes.

Eric holds a PhD in Chemical & Biological Engineering from Northwestern University and a BS/MS in Agricultural & Biological Engineering from Purdue University.

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