As therapies become more complex and development timelines continue to accelerate, companies are looking for partners that can provide more than manufacturing capacity alone.
Brian Blagg, General Manager, San Diego Drug Product Development & Manufacturing and Global Head of Technical Operations at PCI Pharma Services, shares his perspective on the future of sterile manufacturing, patient-centric drug delivery, and the evolving role of CDMO partnerships.
With more than 26 years of experience across the biotech and pharmaceutical industry, including 20 years on the sponsor side and six years in CDMO operations, I have spent my career helping bring therapies from development to commercialization through the design, build, and operation of API and sterile fill-finish facilities. Today, I lead PCI Pharma Services' San Diego Sterile Manufacturing site while serving as Global Head of Technical Operations for the Development and Manufacturing business segment, helping strengthen global technical operations and manufacturing capabilities across increasingly complex drug product programs for our clients.
One of the most significant shifts shaping the industry is the continued growth of prefilled syringes and drug-device combination products. As sponsors focus on improving patient experience, ease of use, and treatment adherence, demand for these delivery formats continues to expand across both clinical and commercial programs.
PCI San Diego has been steadily investing in this area since commissioning its first multi-format, high-speed filling line in 2020. Combined with PCI Pharma Services established commercial experience in prefilled syringes, these capabilities help clients navigate the transition from clinical development to commercial supply with greater confidence and continuity.
Experience remains one of the most important differentiators in sterile manufacturing. Throughout the site's history, PCI San Diego has supported the development and approval of 42 commercial drug products, helping establish a strong quality culture and operational framework that clients can rely on as products advance toward commercialization.
As part of PCI Pharma Services integrated global network, we provide end-to-end support spanning pharmaceutical development, sterile fill-finish, advanced drug delivery device assembly, packaging, labeling and testing. This enables clients to work with a single partner across multiple stages of the product lifecycle, helping reduce complexity and risk while maintaining scientific continuity from development through commercial launch.
Looking ahead, I believe the CDMO landscape will continue to evolve toward deeper, longer-term partnerships. As virtual biotech companies become increasingly common, there is growing demand for partners that can provide integrated solutions across manufacturing, analytical services, assembly, and packaging throughout the product lifecycle.
At the same time, regionalized manufacturing strategies and continued investment in automation are reshaping sterile fill-finish operations. Advanced aseptic technologies and automation are helping improve consistency, reduce risk, and support more efficient development and commercialization pathways at both our US and EU drug product development and manufacturing sites.
For companies evaluating a fill-finish partner, proven execution, strong quality systems, and the ability to support products throughout their lifecycle from early clinical batches to product launch and commercial supply remain critical considerations. As the industry continues to evolve, sponsors will increasingly benefit from partners that can provide both technical expertise and supply chain continuity.