How would you describe the operations and mission of Avantor?
Avantor is deeply rooted in its mission, which is to set science in motion to create a better world. This mission guides every aspect of our operations. We have positioned ourselves as a leading supplier in the life sciences sector, becoming a Fortune 500 leader that provides almost everything scientists might require throughout the research, development, and scale-up processes.
Our offerings include ultra-high purity ingredients and materials that are critical in the development of leading therapies worldwide, for example our products and materials are integral to 85 percent of the top 20 biologic therapies in the market today.
Can you discuss Avantor's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and preparedness for future global health crises?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Avantor played a pivotal role in a number of aspects, including the development and production of vaccines, supporting diagnostics especially in PCR testing, and supplying personal protective equipment. Our involvement highlighted the significance of our value chain in addressing global health emergencies. As for future preparedness, we learned valuable lessons about our supply chain's strengths and vulnerabilities and have made investments to address gaps and ensure better preparedness for potential future crises, despite the challenges of planning for events of such unprecedented scale.
What is Avantor's strategy for research and development, particularly in biotherapeutics and other advanced technology areas?
Research and development are crucial to our business model, allowing us to provide solutions for today's greatest scientific challenges faced by our customers. We have significantly expanded our R&D capabilities, including doubling the footprint of our new flagship center in Bridgewater, New Jersey which will open in late summer 2024. Our approach fosters a highly collaborative environment where we work closely with biopharma and biotech customers to develop customized solutions to support areas such as monoclonal antibodies, mRNA technology, and cell and gene therapy.
How does Avantor navigate the complexities of the current geopolitical climate to maintain strong supply chains?
As a global business, with operations and sourcing activities worldwide, our teams continuously monitor and carefully consider geopolitical dynamics our supply chain strategies. We strive to make our supply chain as robust as possible, factoring in geopolitical risks in our planning and investment decisions.
Why do you think there's skepticism towards the life sciences industry, and how can it be addressed?
I believe that one of the best remedies for misunderstanding is information. We have seen the scientific community advance life-changing breakthroughs in science and medicine over the past several years, offering treatments for conditions previously deemed untreatable. Educating the public about these advancements and the intricate value chain behind them is essential. We play a crucial role in supporting this value chain, equipping researchers and manufacturers with necessary tools and materials that meet the highest quality and regulatory standards.
Considering the rapid pace of technological change, how do you view the future collaboration between technology and life sciences?
We are on the cusp of a significant shift in how technology, especially advancements in AI, genomics, and other areas, collaborates with life sciences to enhance our understanding of diseases and develop targeted treatments. This convergence is creating opportunities for better diagnoses, more effective treatments, and improved patient care. Avantor is committed to supporting these advancements through our comprehensive supply and innovation capabilities.
What role does Avantor envision for itself in the evolving landscape of life sciences and technology?
Avantor is a critical partner in the life sciences sector, providing a comprehensive range of products and services to support research and development. We focus on enhancing efficiency, productivity, and innovation, ensuring that we can meet the demands of emerging therapies and technologies. As the industry moves towards more personalized and advanced treatments, our commitment to providing high-quality, regulated materials remains central to our business strategy.
What is Avantor's approach to sustainability, and why is it important?
Sustainability is integral to our business strategy, driven by the understanding that our efforts are not only right for society but also a key component of the value we offer our customers. Our Science for Goodness sustainability platform reflects our commitment to innovations that support our customers' sustainability goals, minimize environmental impact, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
How does Avantor view the potential risks and benefits of AI in the context of global health and its operations?
We support and are involved in efforts to ensure sensible regulation that fosters innovation while minimizing misuse. AI's application in enhancing the efficiency of scientific research, improving decision-making, and accelerating the development of new therapies underscores its potential to revolutionize healthcare. Our focus is on leveraging AI responsibly to support advancements in life sciences. We are integrating both AI and robotics into our distribution centers to increase safety and efficiency and reach customers around the world expediently. We are also using AI on our ecommerce platform to serve up relevant product recommendations to customers and automate replenishment.
