Inside CPHI Americas 2026: The Biggest Challenges Facing Pharma Right Now

Inside CPHI Americas 2026: The Biggest Challenges Facing Pharma Right Now

95% 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. This week on Making It In Manufacturing, Thomas McMann sat down with Sarah Griffin, Event Manager for CPHI Americas. In this episode, Sarah covers: • Why CPHI Americas is creating a more focused, content-led experience built around meaningful industry conversations and strategic partnerships. • How the event has evolved to meet growing demand for deeper engagement between pharmaceutical companies, CDMOs, technology providers, regulators, and investors. • Why CDMOs are moving from outsourced service providers to long-term strategic partners, with greater transparency, collaboration, and shared risk. • How pharmaceutical companies are balancing supply chain resilience, regionalisation, outsourcing strategies, and operational agility in a changing global market. • What will define the next phase of growth for pharmaceutical services, including advanced therapies, AI integration, talent development, and partnership-driven business models. Be sure to watch this episode if you're attending CPHI Americas to get a complete overview of the agenda and key highlights. Even if you won't be there in person, it's still worth tuning in to stay up to date with the latest CPHI news, announcements, and live event updates. Follow ARTO LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalent Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kEcRZOiJChOoN1KF2n1ng Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arto.talent?igsh=MWdhbWl5N204a253NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@artotalent?_t=ZG-8tHbGACAZaj&_r=1 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-beyond-the-lab/id1783115575 Website: https://arto-talent.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@artotalent Sarah Griffin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-griffin-cem/ Thomas McMann LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-mcmann-05540a10b/ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:48 What makes CPHI Americas different 02:20 Why the event is becoming more content-led 03:25 New features and event changes for this year 04:31 The purpose behind the Hot Seat sessions 05:28 Sarah’s outlook ahead of the event 05:54 How CDMO partnerships are evolving 07:53 Supply chain resilience and outsourcing strategies 09:08 Demand for integrated pharmaceutical services 10:18 What separates successful CDMOs from competitors 12:03 Future growth drivers in pharmaceutical services 13:16 Collaboration and raising industry standards 14:11 What Sarah is most excited about at CPHI Americas 15:23 Sessions Sarah is looking forward to attending 16:23 Quick fire round 16:42 Biggest trend dominating pharma conversations 16:58 Biggest concern for pharma leaders 17:12 What makes CPHI Americas different from other events 17:37 Industry conversations that need more openness 18:09 Closing thoughts #MakingItInManufacturing #ARTOTalent #PharmaceuticalManufacturing #CDMO #PharmaServices #Biologics #CellAndGeneTherapy #SupplyChain #PharmaIndustry #DrugDevelopment ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Why End-to-End CDMOs Matter More Than Ever - SmaBio Labs CEO

95% 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 sponsors If 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 ARTO LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalent Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kEcRZOiJChOoN1KF2n1ng Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arto.talent?igsh=MWdhbWl5N204a253NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@artotalent?_t=ZG-8tHbGACAZaj&_r=1 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-beyond-the-lab/id1783115575 Website: https://arto-talent.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@artotalent LakshmiDevi Ethirajan Co-Founder & CEO of SmaBioLabs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lakshmidevi-ethirajan/ Harry Sloan BD CDMO Lead at ARTO LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-sloan-605620154/ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:14 LakshmiDevi Ethirajan’s journey into pharmaceuticals 01:07 Why sponsor and CDMO alignment matters 02:27 Building an end-to-end CDMO model 03:58 Speed and flexibility in drug development 05:00 Supporting complex molecules through integration 06:46 The meaning behind the SmaBio Labs name 07:56 Growth plans and commercial manufacturing ambitions 08:51 Standing out in the competitive CDMO market 10:17 The North Carolina biotech ecosystem 12:37 Leadership, culture, and patient impact 13:53 Closing remarks #MakingItInManufacturing #ARTOTalent #CDMO #PharmaceuticalManufacturing #DrugDevelopment #Biotech #LifeSciences #ManufacturingLeadership #PharmaIndustry #Biotechnology #DrugDiscovery #AnalyticalServices #FormulationDevelopment ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Why Development-Led CDMOs Will Win

95% 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 ARTO LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalent Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kEcRZOiJChOoN1KF2n1ng Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arto.talent?igsh=MWdhbWl5N204a253NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@artotalent?_t=ZG-8tHbGACAZaj&_r=1 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-beyond-the-lab/id1783115575 Website: https://arto-talent.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@artotalent Jeffrey Speicher General Manager Commercial at PLD Pharma LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-speicher-826746/ Harry Sloan CDMO BD Lead at ARTO LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-sloan/ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:21 Jeffrey Speicher introduction and overview of PL Developments 00:45 The origins of PL Developments and private label manufacturing 01:07 Transitioning into a CDMO-focused business model 01:25 What differentiates PL Developments from traditional CDMOs 01:44 The advantages of broad formulation and manufacturing capabilities 02:26 Why upstream development support improves project success 03:05 Connecting R&D with commercial manufacturing equipment 03:37 Speed to market and reducing commercialisation risk 03:55 Competing through partnership and customer focus 04:29 Balancing speed, efficiency, and scalability in manufacturing 05:09 Developing OTC gummies and expanding manufacturing capabilities 05:28 Designing products around plant strengths 05:40 Eliminating risk during commercial transfer 05:44 Closing remarks #MakingItInManufacturing #ARTOTalent #CDMO #PharmaceuticalManufacturing #OTCManufacturing #DrugDevelopment #ContractManufacturing #LifeSciences ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

The CDMO Framework Winning Business for Adare Pharma Solutions

95% 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 integration For 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 ARTO LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalent Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kEcRZOiJChOoN1KF2n1ng Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arto.talent?igsh=MWdhbWl5N204a253NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@artotalent?_t=ZG-8tHbGACAZaj&_r=1 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-beyond-the-lab/id1783115575 Website: https://arto-talent.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@artotalent Tom Sellig CEO at Adare Pharma Services LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomsellig/ Harry Sloan BD CDMO Lead at ARTO LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-sloan-605620154/ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:20 Overview of Adare Pharma Solutions 01:05 Importance of global footprint in CDMO services 01:45 Key differentiators in a competitive CDMO market 02:43 Client-centric culture and organisational alignment 03:40 Career journey and leadership development 04:25 Lessons from scaling and acquisitions at Patheon 05:05 The Adare framework and company values 05:57 Future outlook for Adare and the CDMO landscape 07:00 Closing remarks #MakingItInManufacturing #ARTOTalent #CDMO #LifeSciences #PharmaManufacturing #Biopharma #Leadership ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Inside the Race to Scale ADCs - Ian Glassford

What 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/artotalent Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kEcRZOiJChOoN1KF2n1ng Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arto.talent?igsh=MWdhbWl5N204a253NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@artotalent?_t=ZG-8tHbGACAZaj&_r=1 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-beyond-the-lab/id1783115575 Website: https://arto-talent.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@artotalent Ian Glassford: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-glassford-phd-mba-28270529/ Harry Sloan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-sloan-605620154/?skipRedirect=true Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and live recording from DCAT Week in New York 00:39 Ian Glassford explains Abzena’s role in the ADC and bioconjugate CDMO market 01:25 The biggest operational challenges in ADC and AOC manufacturing 02:43 What biotech clients are really looking for beyond technical expertise 03:37 Managing the balance between speed, quality, and execution 04:53 How integrated CDMO and CRO models improve timelines and supply chain control 06:43 The importance of communication and partnership in complex programs 08:11 Ian’s career journey from medicinal chemistry into bio conjugates 10:00 Transitioning from hands-on science into site leadership 10:25 Where Abzena and the wider ADC market are heading in the next five years 11:51 Adapting CDMO models to support evolving biologics modalities 12:29 Closing thoughts #MakingItInManufacturing #ARTOTalent #Biotech #CDMO #Biologics #ADC #DrugDevelopment #Manufacturing #Pharmaceuticals #Bioconjugates ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.