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Biopharmaceutical industry - smoothly scale up to production

Build a scalable process that is easily transferable to manufacturing and supports different bioreactor setups

Scientists working with a bioreactor
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Illustrations depicting a process development-scale bioreactor and a production-scale bioreactor ©Endress+Hauser
Introduction

The journey from lab to full-scale production

Imagine you’ve developed a groundbreaking bioprocess in the lab. It’s efficient, yields promising results, and has the potential to transform the industry. But how do you take it from the lab bench to large-scale production? That’s where scalability comes in. The formalized process occurs multiple times during a drug’s life cycle as it progresses from initial research in the lab to the pilot plant and eventually to commercial production. To be done right, the instrumentation will work the same way in the lab and in the process. This concerns aspects like measuring algorithms, modeling, cleaning protocols, sensor build-up and much more. Although scalability is a critical aspect of product development, it is sometimes overlooked during the initial stages. Being mindful of scalability from the outset results in the highest measurement accuracy and consistency, while accelerating new product market entry.

Fermenter and scientist in biopharmaceutical manufacturing ©Endress+Hauser
Scalability challenges

Common process scale up challenges

Technology transfer and associated lab-to-process scalability are significant challenges in biotherapeutic production because the manufacturing process not only needs to scale, so does the analytical and quality measurement approach. To add to the complexity, each stage of a product’s lifecycle — from research and development through clinical and commercial manufacturing — often takes place at different locations around the world.

Differences in equipment may impact the process, necessitating adjustments or redevelopment which cause delay and introduce risk. Changes in scale or location often introduce process variability. When a process is scaled up from the initial laboratory bioreactor to pilot and fully scaled, it is vital to keep all conditions unchanged. Any parameter values that are outside the specification risk product quality and could result in high costs and decreased yield. Many biomanufacturers prefer to standardize their sensor and analytical technology from lab to process to avoid measuring discrepancies when the process is upscaled, risking a decrease in process yield.

Thumbnail image of the scalability technical paper for the Life Science industry. ©Endress+Hauser
Technical paper

Why easy scalability matters

Scalability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a strategic advantage. Whether you’re a large biopharma giant or nimble start-up, the ability to scale your processes effectively can make all the difference. Successful scalability involves a holistic approach that integrates process understanding, equipment scalability, model transferability — and above all, measurement reliability and consistency. By smoothly transitioning from small-scale experiments to pilot plants and eventually full-scale production, you can accelerate your time to market, reduce risk, and maximize yield.

Dive into why easy scalability matters and how Endress+Hauser’s scalable bioprocessing measurement portfolio can give you a competitive edge.

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eBook thumbnail image of Endress+Hauser's Life Science inline measurement bioprocessing portfolio ©Endress+Hauser
Scalable portfolio

Use the same measurement technology - from lab to pilot and production

Endress+Hauser empowers manufacturers to design efficient, transferable processes for higher yields and better patient outcomes. Whether you’re in the lab or on the production floor, our inline analysis technology seamlessly adapts to different scales, from batch to continuous processes and various bioreactor types. Continuity of measurement is crucial, and our systems share common technology and materials, allowing easy protocol transfer from R&D to manufacturing. By adopting our scalable Raman systems and liquid analysis digital sensors, you can simplify equipment complexity and reduce measurement consistency risk. Explore our optimized bioprocessing devices for upstream and downstream applications, including spectrometers, sensors, transmitters, assemblies, optics, and calibration tools. Measure composition, pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and more using the same devices in both lab and process environments. Download our eBook to explore our full portfolio of scalable Raman systems and cutting-edge liquid analysis digital sensors.

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Product highlights

Select products for accurate measurement of analytical process parameters

Endress+Hauser’s liquid analysis technology portfolio (including digital sensors, transmitters, photometers, and assemblies) technology deliver precise and consistent measured values of key process parameters such as pH, digital oxygen, conductivity, and more. Featuring Heartbeat Technology with predictive maintenance capabilities, our digital analysis offers provide long sensor life and full scalability from the laboratory straight to pilot and process. Here are just a few highlighted products to explore.

Select products for real-time chemical composition measurement

Endress+Hauser Raman spectroscopy systems, powered by Kaiser Raman technology, is the portfolio of choice in the Life Sciences industry to measure real-time chemical composition in upstream and downstream applications from lab to process. We offer robust Raman spectrometers that pair with a wide variety of standard and custom probes – including single-use options for upstream, downstream, and scale independent measurements – with proven model transferability and calibration transfer between scales and installations sites. Here are a few of our Raman offerings to explore.

Contact us

Discuss your scale up challenges with our Life Sciences experts

Endress+Hauser technology is designed to allow you to transfer your process the lab to manufacturing with ease using the same high-quality instrumentation and systems. Have questions? Our local Endress+Hauser Life Sciences process automation experts are here to support you.

Endnotes

More information to consider