Discovery and development of complex or combination molecules, biologics, vaccines and other innovative therapies require more sophisticated analytical, bioanalytical and immunology services. As demand for challenging assays and custom solutions increases – particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic – providing the right support and tools is increasingly important. 

In response to a drug development landscape that was already shifting before the pandemic, Charles River recently made changes to various sites, extending capabilities, capacity (both in staff and lab space), technology and scientific expertise for its lab services on a global scale.

Rob Stachlewitz, Corporate Vice President, Science and Strategy, Global Lab Sciences at Charles River discusses shifting drug development strategies, and the areas the company is adding and expanding services as a result. –KB

Contract Pharma: How is the COVID-19 pandemic shifting drug development strategies?

Rob Stachlewitz: During the pandemic, many pharmaceutical and biotech companies decreased their internal operations but worked to keep as many of their research and development programs as possible on track.  This meant that clients looked to outsource more work, including assays, that they typically kept in-house.  Additionally, companies are racing to develop COVID-19 vaccines and therapies; looking for prioritized slots and accelerated project timelines.

Our global team executed our business continuity plans very early, which allowed us to operate essentially at normal capacities while protecting our employees and meeting our client’s needs for vital research products and services including accelerating many COVID-19 programs.

CP: In what service areas are you seeing greater demand from pharma/biopharma?

RS: Demand across our portfolio (Discovery, Safety Assessment and Manufacturing Support services) has been quite robust from pharma, biopharma and agrochemical companies. We have been very pleased that we have been able to meet that demand.

CP: In what areas is Charles River adding services/expanding?

RS: The COVID-19 pandemic changed the world of international travel almost instantaneously, so we had to quickly execute adding capabilities for clients to be able to better monitor their studies remotely. We established internal study monitors to help clients monitor critical study phases, and have enabled remote site auditing and review to allow our clients to review and approve sites for use. We have also been releasing more virtual content in the form of webinars, podcasts, and scientific series about our expansions and new services to keep them updated while working remotely. Finally, we are adding lab assays to support COVID-19 therapy development; including a qPCR assay for detecting SARS-Cov-2 and an ELISA assay for detecting IgG antibodies in humans to SARS-Cov-2.
 

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Rob Stachlewitz is currently Corporate Vice President, Science and Strategy, Global Laboratory Sciences at Charles River. Rob oversees the scientific quality and the strategic plan for growth for Laboratory Sciences across the Safety Assessment sites and partners with the Discovery organization to further develop analytical capabilities. Rob has been the toxicology representative on multiple project teams for small molecules, novel biologics and biosimilars in all stages of development in immunology, metabolism, oncology and cardiovascular indications. He is also currently a member of the Advisory Board for the College of Sciences at University of Nevada and serves as Treasurer and Board member for Coral Academy of Sciences in Reno. Rob has co-authored over 30 scientific publications.