November 22, 2021 PAO-11-21-CL-05
Doug Kennedy (DK): We have approximately 130 employees. Of those, about 40 employees represent the manufacturing department. The quality assurance, quality control, and analytical development groups comprise of about 20% of the organization, collectively. We have approximately 12 employees in the process development organization, and the balance of our staff serves in roles in facilities engineering, supply chain, or administrative support.
DK: There are three primary steps in manufacturing mRNA. One is synthesis, followed by purification, and the last is the formulation of a drug product. Each operation, including support of enzymatic operations, purification processes, and tangential flow filtration, is a key element of the overall process. The platform that Arranta Bio has established leverages a single-use lipid nanoparticle (LNP) mixing station that allows different mixing technologies to support our core customer requirements. These operations can be introduced at various stages to meet mRNA manufacturing demands. We’re fortunate at our Watertown facility to be able to execute all three stages in one location, putting us in a great position to be successful.
DK: Arranta Bio has developed a flexible manufacturing platform that allows equipment to be integrated with enzymatic reactions, purification processes, and tangential flow filtration. The modality and mobility of our equipment allows us to stage our unit operations in order to meet the challenges presented by our customer’s mRNA manufacturing processes.
DK: The production of the LNP processes is the highest risk from a safety perspective. To limit this risk, we’ve invested heavily in engineering controls in the facility, not limited to the life safety systems, HVAC systems, and electrical configurations in efforts to keep our employees safe.
DK: Arranta Bio’s technical leaders have set up many mRNA processes throughout the industry. Our Head of Process Engineering is a subject matter expert not only in developing the process, but also in using the technology around any equipment. Members of our manufacturing team previously worked in mRNA manufacturing, working on COVID-19 vaccine programs in Massachusetts.
Biotechnology professional with 22 years of experience in large-scale commercial biopharmaceutical operations, manufacturing, plant start-up, and technology transfer. Seasoned leader with experience developing and managing large organizations. Proven skills in technical problem-solving/troubleshooting, project management, and equipment/process improvements. Demonstrated experience leading the engineering organizations, including validation, process, and utility Engineering. A strategic thinker able to develop and drive systems and business processes across functions. Demonstrated Lean initiatives to pioneer organizational transformation programs to improve efficiency develop and engage senior leaders while improving safety, quality, cost, and delivery.