Biopharma manufacturing today is being asked to move faster, accommodate increasingly complex modalities, and respond more readily to changing development timelines and demand forecasts — all while maintaining reliable, compliant, and cost-effective supply. In this episode of the Pharm Exec Podcast, Dave Maraldo, Ph.D., executive vice president and president of the Merck Manufacturing Division, draws on 27 years at the company to explore that evolution. He discusses Merck’s major U.S. capacity investments; its approach to balancing internal capabilities with strategic manufacturing partners; and the closer integration of research, development, and production.

Joining Mike Christel, group managing editor, MJH Life Sciences, Maraldo also examines the practical impact of digital tools and artificial intelligence and how Merck is building greater agility and resilience into its global supply network. He reflects ahead as well on what the next generation of manufacturing talent will require and why he thinks patient needs will move closer and closer to the shop floor.