For drug product scientists and formulators, the ultimate measure of success lies not just in developing a stable formulation, but in ensuring that a drug product consistently delivers its intended therapeutic effect. In this keynote, Mansoor Khan will explore how a deeper scientific understanding of drug product quality—through critical quality attributes (CQAs), advanced analytical characterization, and mechanistic insights into formulation–process–performance relationships—can be leveraged to engineer medicines that perform reliably in patients. The session will highlight emerging strategies that integrate formulation science, materials characterization, and predictive modeling to strengthen product robustness, enhance bioavailability, and reduce variability. By connecting drug product design with real-world therapeutic performance, this keynote will provide a forward-looking perspective on how product quality research can drive the next generation of high-performing pharmaceutical products.
The pharmaceutical industry is undergoing a profound transformation, shifting from traditional batch processes to continuous manufacturing. This evolution is partly propelled by advances in Process Analytical Technology (PAT) and the foundational principles of Quality by Design (QbD). Transitioning to a SMART factory mode of operation, however, requires technological innovation, significant professional development, and the maturity of regulatory and management systems. The issue of data integrity breaches (BAD-I), with its historical implications and current prevalence, serves as a critical backdrop for understanding how to balance technological progress with the necessary professional and systemic maturity. This balance is essential to ensure the successful guidance of pharmaceutical manufacturing through this revolutionary phase. In this presentation, we will introduce a SMART framework designed to provide a common-sense foundation for navigating the complexities of pharmaceutical manufacturing’s evolution. This framework will offer ways to ensure that data integrity, technological advancements, and professional maturity move in concert toward a more efficient and compliant future.
