Genentech

Genentech is a leading biotechnology company that discovers, develops, manufactures, and commercializes medicines to treat patients with serious or life-threatening medical conditions. The company specializes in producing biologics, a class of complex medicines that includes antibodies and proteins, which are utilized to treat diseases such as multiple sclerosis, macular degeneration, blood cancers like lymphoma and leukemia, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Genentech employs advanced manufacturing technologies, including single-use systems, automation, artificial intelligence, and digitalization, to streamline the production process and increase flexibility, speed, and output. This approach enables the company to deliver medicines to patients faster while catering to smaller patient populations in need of personalized or rare disease treatments.

In February 2023, Genentech broke ground on a next-generation biologics manufacturing facility at its existing campus in Oceanside, California. Slated to be operational in early 2025, this USD 450 million facility will incorporate sustainable practices, using 25% less energy, 28% less water, and producing 14% less carbon than conventional plants. The Oceanside facility aims to serve as a model for rapid and efficient small-batch commercial biologics production.

Additionally, Genentech launched Futurelab+ in September 2022, a USD 10 million national expansion of its science education program, aiming to introduce biotechnology concepts and career opportunities to two million high school students across the US by 2026, with a focus on schools serving underrepresented communities.

In January 2024, Genentech announced its partnership with C3 AI, utilizing the latter's AI-based predictive maintenance software, C3 AI Reliability, to ensure the efficient operation of manufacturing equipment and timely delivery of biologics to patients.