Using Gene Therapy to Make a Difference

MBP Industrial Advisory Board member Vic Vinci talks about his work and how MBP is training students to succeed in an evolving field.

Vic Vinci is an experienced leader in the biopharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, where he has spent years focused on bioprocess development and drug product manufacturing. He's built diverse scientific and operations teams from nothing and also helped enhanced the performance of already existing teams to help achieve key business goals.

In his current role as Vice President of Product Development for Catalent’s Biologics division, Vinci oversees teams at five different sites that support client projects at Catalent's manufacturing sites.

Vinci also is a member of the Industrial Advisory Board for Northwestern's Master of Biotechnology program (MBP). He recently took the time to talk about his professional background, what traits he thinks all scientists and engineers should have, and how MBP prepares students to develop those key skills. 

How do you describe your role and responsibilities at Catalent?

Catalent is a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) in the pharmaceutical and gene therapy space. I am responsible for teams at five sites. The teams are engaged in development (process, bioanalytical, and formulation), project management, and Manufacturing Science and Technology (MS&T) in support of client projects at our manufacturing sites. We work on client projects from early phase development through commercial launch.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy that the work that my colleagues and I do ultimately helps patients with therapies that save or improve their lives. We spend years learning the science and engineering and work hard at our jobs. All of this is made that much more worthwhile due to the impact we can have. 

What are the biggest challenges you face?

The challenges include finding enough talent across our development, engineering and project management teams. We also work on complex processes that involve growing engineered cells that express complex proteins or delivery vehicles for gene therapy. The analytical methods are state-of-the-art and we must stay current with optimal tools. During manufacturing, we must use controlled equipment and manufacturing suites to be compliant and protect the product. My role is to assure that the planning and execution of the experimental and production work are done well.

What are the biggest misconceptions about gene therapy?

The work is very complex. As with recombinant protein processing, the work with living cells expressing complex molecules is a challenge. Currently, yields of viral vectors (for dosing patients) are very low and significant improvements are needed to meet patient needs and to reduce costs. Scientists and engineers will be challenged to solve these problems in a timely manner with a growing wave of therapies.

What do you think are the biggest differentiators of MBP?

I think there are some common skills that all engineers and biotechnology scientists should have, including:

  • Strong fundamental engineering understanding
  • Knowledge of biochemistry/biology
  • Statistical acumen
  • Bioanalytical working knowledge
  • Ability to operate within a team environment
  • Ability to communicate and write effectively
  • Basic business and regulatory awareness

MBP has done the best job of programs I am aware of in training students on those skills. 

What advice would you give to someone considering entering the pharmaceutical or gene therapy space?

Students and grads must understand that learning is a lifelong commitment. You will not learn everything you need in college or a grad program, but you must learn to think and adapt yourself to challenges. Be open to opportunities as they present themselves. You will not be able to plan out each career step and role that you will have. 

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

The training you receive in Northwestern's Master of Biotechnology program will serve you well. I have been impressed by the energy, knowledge and hard work from the students and full-time hires we have had at Catalent. Working in the biotech and pharma industry will be an exciting career.

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