Smart Biotech Scientist | The CMC and Biomanufacturing Podcast for Bioprocess Development and Manufacturing Leaders
The go-to CMC and bioprocessing podcast for process development scientists and CMC leaders scaling biologics into regulatory-ready therapies with less trial and error.
Practical, execution-focused guidance on CMC development, tech transfer, scale-up, GMP readiness, CDMO partnerships, and manufacturing economics.
Hosted by Dr. David Brühlmann, CMC strategist, former Bioprocess Innovation Manager at Merck, PhD in glycoengineering, and close to 20 years of biomanufacturing experience. Smart Biotech Scientist delivers actionable insights for the people doing the hard work of turning promising molecules into scalable, regulatory-ready therapies.
This podcast is for you if:
- You are a process development scientist or CMC lead managing a technology transfer, scale-up, or CDMO partnership
- You are a biologics developer working on upstream or downstream process development, cell culture optimization, or GMP manufacturing readiness
- You are a biotech founder preparing for an IND filing or Series A fundraise, and need a CMC strategy that holds up under investor and regulatory scrutiny
- You are building or advising an early-stage biopharma team and need to make smart manufacturing decisions with limited resources
What you will learn:
CMC strategy and regulatory planning, bioprocess scale-up from lab to clinical and commercial manufacturing, cell culture process development and media optimization, technology transfer best practices, CDMO selection and partnership management, hybrid modeling and manufacturing economics, continuous manufacturing and Industry 4.0 in biopharma, biologics modalities including mAbs, ADCs, and cell and gene therapies.
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Smart Biotech Scientist | The CMC and Biomanufacturing Podcast for Bioprocess Development and Manufacturing Leaders
149: How to Leverage AI in Media Development Without Sacrificing Process Understanding with Tom Fletcher - Part 1
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From closely-guarded secrets to complex chemical interactions, cell culture media development has transformed from an afterthought to a critical competitive advantage in modern bioprocessing. But as AI and automation revolutionize the field, are we at risk of gaining speed while losing understanding?
In this eye-opening episode of the Smart Biotech Scientist Podcast, host David Brühlmann speaks with Tom Fletcher, R&D Director at Fujifilm Irvine Scientific, who brings over 30 years of experience and a unique perspective on balancing technological innovation with scientific rigor.
Key Insights from Their Conversation:
- The Evolution of Media Formulations: Tom traces the remarkable journey from basic serum supplements to today's chemically defined media with 60-70+ precisely balanced components, transforming what was once "just that stuff you bought" into one of bioprocessing's most closely guarded competitive advantages.
- The Collaborative Intelligence Framework: The most powerful approach combines artificial intelligence with human intelligence (AI + HI = CI), where technology enhances rather than replaces scientific thinking to generate not just data, but genuine process understanding.
- Avoiding the Automation Trap: "Don't get lazy with technology," Tom warns, emphasizing that the goal remains generating knowledge about why processes work, not just identifying which conditions perform best—a crucial mindset as companies increasingly adopt powerful AI tools.
If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to explore how it all began:
- Episodes 1-2: Unlock the Power of Rational Media Design in Bioprocessing with Tom Fletcher
Connect with Tom Fletcher:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tomfletcher2
FUJIFILM Irvine Scientific: www.irvinesci.com
The views and opinions expressed by Tom Fletcher are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of Fujifilm Irvine Scientific or its affiliates.
Next step:
Transform your cell culture media development strategy with a complimentary consultation. Schedule your expert session: https://bruehlmann-consulting.com/call
Ready to scale up? Join our exclusive 1:1 Strategy Call and learn proven methods to reduce development and manufacturing costs while maintaining product quality. Our bioprocess experts will help you navigate complex bioprocessing challenges and regulatory requirements. Limited spots available: https://stan.store/SmartBiotech