Q&A with Richard Shor, President of SaniSure

Richard Shor

PharmTech:

How has the increasing focus on biopharmaceuticals affected your business?

Shor:

In the sense that biopharmaceuticals are now a growth industry as opposed to the traditional chemical–pharmaceutical industry, it has impacted us greatly. Single-use process components are ideal for the biopharmaceutical arena. Batches are typically smaller and most of the processes are not using chemicals that will affect the components we provide.

PharmTech:

How will the industry remain innovative as it reduces spending on research?

Shor:

We have not seen any decline in innovations; however, it is now coming from other sources. What we are seeing is the partnership and licensing of a molecule to a start-up or small biotechnology company. This model allows the big companies to reduce their R&D budgets and risk exposure while allowing the smaller companies to get funding through private equity or other sources. If the product is a success, the investors win as well as the large biotechnology companies that will purchase the smaller company in the end.

PharmTech:

Do you see a new industry trend emerging?

Shor:

Regulatory compliance has become a big part of our customers' requirements. Biotechnology companies are demanding much tighter control and assurance of our products. As a supplier of single-use components and systems, SaniSure is now being asked to have control of our supplier base and the raw materials they are using. The onus is on us to assure a consistent and stable level of quality and control.