Dr. Leen Kawas, a longtime biotech industry leader, discusses ongoing sustainability initiatives that drive the industry forward.
The global biotechnology industry plays an integral role in improving diverse populations’ health outcomes. Specifically, many biotech firms are directly involved in drug development along with the implementation of other patient therapies. In addition, innovative platform technologies are applicable to a range of health-related applications.
However, these beneficial results often have significant environmental impacts. Biotechnology manufacturing operations often involve substantial energy consumption, water usage, and waste generation. Use and/or generation of hazardous substances may also be involved. Fortunately, many biotechnology firms have begun to embrace a sustainable operations approach.
Dr. Leen Kawas’ Strong Sustainability Focus
Leen Kawas, Ph. D. is Propel Bio Partners’ Managing General Partner. This Los Angeles-based venture capital business works with start-up and early-stage biotechs requiring financial, operations, and technical assistance. Although she objectively evaluates every candidate, Dr. Leen Kawas is especially receptive to pitches from women and minority applicants.
Before assuming her Propel Bio Partners role, Dr. Leen Kawas served as Athira’s Chief Executive Officer (or CEO). During her tenure, she directed several successful drug development cycles. From these perspectives, Dr. Kawas is well versed in wide-ranging biotechnology operations. She is strongly committed to the biotechnology industry’s embrace of sustainability.
4 Reasons the Biotechnology Industry Should Adopt a Sustainability Focus
Multiple factors point to the need for more sustainable biotechnology operations. Dr. Leen Kawas discussed these four complex (and integrated) issues. She recommended that biotech firms of all sizes and business stages develop or refine their sustainable operations plans.
Need for Fewer Environmental Impacts
Each biotechnology company has a distinctive environmental footprint. Stated another way, the business’ manufacturing operations consume a defined amount of natural resources. The operations also have specific impacts on the surrounding ecosystems and larger-scale biodiversity. Adopting a more sustainable approach would, by definition, reduce these negative environmental outcomes.
Compliance with More Stringent Regulations
Across the globe, governments and regulatory bodies are implementing stricter environmental regulations. Many of these directives are applicable to biotechnology operations. To comply with these increasingly restrictive regulations, biotechs must take a “greener” approach to their clinical trials, manufacturing, and related functions.
Increased Long-Term Viability Chances
In an often-challenging economy, biotechs must consistently seek to reduce their risks and save on operating costs. Companies may also be compelled to take steps to optimize their brand’s reputation.
Dr. Leen Kawas noted that adopting sustainable strategies helps position each business to accomplish these goals. Over time, the company’s sustainability commitment will help to improve its standing in the marketplace.
Alignment with Stakeholder and Consumer Expectations
Many consumers, patients, and healthcare providers have become well versed on biotech operations’ environmental impacts. Investors are similarly aware of these implications. Together, these groups expect that biotechs of all sizes will adopt a sustainability commitment. A company’s failure to do so could negatively impact its competitive position.
5 Ways Biotechs are Decreasing Environmental Impacts
Biotechnology companies’ diversified operations bring numerous opportunities to reduce environmental impacts. Dr. Leen Kawas highlighted five innovative strategies with promising outcomes.
More Sustainably Sourced Materials
To decrease biotechs’ carbon footprint, companies are transitioning to sustainably sourced components and materials. Biotechs that are committed to environmentally conscious suppliers, and that rework their distribution logistics, will make progress on this front.
“Green Chemistry” Integration
Some biotechs are taking a “green chemistry” approach to drug discovery, development, and manufacturing. This technology refers to the reduction (or complete elimination) of hazardous substances in one or more aspects of the drug-making cycle. This enables less-risky, more sustainable outcomes. Dr. Leen Kawas’ familiarity with the drug development cycle informs her understanding of this approach.
Environmentally Friendly Product Design
Biotechs are increasingly adopting environmentally focused product design and packaging practices. Decreased materials use and higher materials recyclability are two key components of this approach. In addition, carefully coordinated product transport helps minimize vehicle fuel consumption and miles traveled. Taken together, these actions reduce biotechs’ respective environmental footprints.
Waste Minimization and Recycling
More biotechs are adopting waste minimization strategies. Examples include optimized manufacturing operations and packaging materials recycling. Safe hazardous waste disposal, more responsible water discharging, and recycling wastewater are additional strategies. Dr. Leen Kawas noted that these practices collectively demonstrate biotechs’ growing commitment to sustainability.
Energy Efficiency Advancements
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is key to decreasing global environmental impacts. By 2030, the biotechnology industry has committed to decreasing its aggregate emissions by 45.8 percent.
To accomplish this challenging goal, companies plan to increase energy-efficient technologies investments. In addition, biotechs that switch to renewable energy sources for operations and manufacturing can substantially decrease their greenhouse gas emissions levels.
4 Emerging Biotech Sustainability Trends
The biotechnology and umbrella life sciences industries have begun to adopt more sustainable approaches to diversified operations. As this paradigm shift continues, Dr. Leen Kawas recommended that industry leaders consider four emerging trends that will likely have long-term significance.
Higher Sustainable Product Demand
United States consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about environmental issues. This has resulted in a steadily growing demand for sustainable products. In response, companies have begun to embrace “greener” practices aligned with product innovation.
Increased “Green” R&D Investment
Two factors will drive more “green” biotechnology research and development (or R&D). First, the market is increasingly demanding sustainable products. In addition, biotechs must adhere to stricter regulatory requirements. Together, these factors will compel biotechs to devote more R&D dollars to sustainable initiatives.
Mutually Beneficial Collaborations
Biotechnology companies, major universities, and government entities will continue to form mutually beneficial partnerships. Together, these collaborations will help to advance sustainable operations practices.
The partnerships will also be integral to navigating technological challenges and regulatory issues. For perspective, many biotechnology recruiters have indicated that the partnerships’ unique nature will likely increase demand for highly specialized biotech talent.
Sustainable Practices Regulatory Support
Governments in many countries are adopting policies based on sustainable practices. Examples include “green” biotech innovation incentives and more stringent environmental impact regulations.
For perspective, Dr. Leen Kawas has extensive familiarity with the United States biotechnology regulatory environment. In her view, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (or FDA) is receptive to practices that adhere to sound science and ensure patient safety.
Challenges of Achieving Biotech Sustainability
Achieving an industry-wide paradigm shift comes with significant challenges. Dr. Leen Kawas noted that biotechnology companies face substantial obstacles in the integration of sustainability into many aspects of business operations.
Revamping existing processes and implementing “green” technologies is extremely expensive. Companies must also ensure that sustainable operations are balanced with product efficacy and regulatory compliance. Meeting these challenges will require biotechs to innovate and collaborate on an ever-larger scale. Government and regulatory support will also be necessary to shift an entire industry’s operations mindset.
