Conference Recap, ISPE Raleigh 2025: Unlocking RTP’s Potential for Pharma
The 2025 ISPE CaSA conference kicked off with a powerful keynote panel, Thriving in the Triangle: Leveraging RTP’s Ecosystem for Facility Success. Moderated by Jacob Greenwood, Vice President of Project Farma, the session featured industry leaders from Advanced Medicine Partners, Amgen, Biogen, Eli Lilly, and FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies. Among the thousands of attendees, Filter Holdings, Inc.’s own Paul Silverthorne volunteered at the event and met with customers. FHI has supported active pharmaceutical ingredient (“API”) and oral solid dosage (“OSD”) manufacturers with fluid bed dryer and other filters for over twenty years and has many installations across the Southeast.
Maximizing Facility Success in RTP
One panel explored how challenges in facility design, construction, and operations can become opportunities for innovation. Panelists shared insights on risk-based approaches for ensuring operational readiness and regulatory compliance, drawing from their experiences in building large-scale, award-winning facilities. A key theme was how North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park (RTP) offers a unique ecosystem that accelerates speed to market for complex biologics manufacturing.
From initial facility planning to global expansion, the discussion provided actionable strategies for companies looking to optimize their operations within RTP. With a shared mission to advance life-saving treatments, the panelists underscored the importance of collaboration, technical excellence, and strategic execution.
Educational Sessions: Insights on Innovation and Sustainability
Beyond the keynote, the conference featured a range of educational sessions, highlighting critical trends in facility development and pharmaceutical manufacturing:
- Novo Nordisk Fill & Finish Expansion Panel – Experts from Novo Nordisk, Hanbury, HIPP Design + Consulting, and BE&K explored sustainable innovation and cross-industry collaboration in facility design and expansion.
- AI in Life Sciences – A discussion on balancing regulation, innovation, and real-world applications of AI, featuring industry leaders and an invited FDA representative.
- Facility Re-Qualification Case Study – Astellas Gene Therapies shared insights on building a comprehensive re-qualification program from the ground up at their Sanford, NC site.
- cGMP and Sustainability – United Therapeutics’ Project Lightyear showcased strategies for achieving cGMP compliance while transitioning to fossil fuel-free operations.
Leadership and Professional Development
The conference also emphasized career growth, with an Emerging Leaders Panel focused on professional certifications and training programs. Additionally, the Women in Pharma session featured Jamie Valvano, daughter of legendary coach Jim Valvano, inspiring attendees to pursue extraordinary careers in life sciences.
With a diverse lineup of industry experts, the ISPE CaSA conference reinforced RTP’s position as a hub for pharmaceutical innovation. Whether through cutting-edge AI applications, sustainable facility design, or workforce development, the event provided invaluable insights for shaping the future of life sciences manufacturing.
Contact FHI for Fluid Bed Dryer and Sewn Filter Needs
“We will definitely be back at more ISPE events,” said Paul when asked about the event. If you’re in need of fluid bed dryer, jet mill collection bags, transition skirts, connecting sleeves, centrifuge liners and bags, product collection bags, air relief bags, filter circles, or dust collection bags and cartridges – please reach out to us.