Wenxin Yang
University
Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
Company
Novo Nordisk A/S
Project title
Characterization of an industrial pharmaceutical precipitation process through experimental exploration of process parameters
Project description
A typical process for the core production of an API consists of three main stages: fermentation, recovery and purification. In the recovery step after removal of cells and initial up concentration the product is precipitated to isolate it further and prepare it for
storage. In the current state, this precipitation has varied performance and the exact resulting particle distribution as well as sensitivity to upstream changes are not fully understood. The opportunity to build deeper process knowledge and to find the optimal operating
conditions for this step should be investigated. In lab scale it will be possible to gain a deeper level of understanding of ideal process
conditions and the total operating space, as well as to examine how the precipitation develops over time. Which can assist in optimizing and improving the overall yield of the process.
What was your motivation for becoming a Helix Lab Fellow?
From the beginning of my academic journey, I have been eager to gain hands-on experience through collaboration with industry. When I learned about the Helix Lab during a public presentation at DTU, I was thrilled by the opportunity it offered to work closely with industry experts. This opportunity aligns perfectly with my passion, and I have been eagerly anticipating the chance to become part of the Helix Lab community.
What is the most exciting part of being a Helix Lab Fellow?
The most exciting aspect of being a Helix Lab Fellow is the unique combination of industrial and academic experiences it provides. Not only do I have the opportunity to live and learn alongside many talented Fellows, but I also get to engage directly with real-world production processes.
This hands-on experience allows me to learn from professionals and see how theoretical knowledge is applied in practice, which continually sparks my curiosity and inspires new ideas. If I can help with contribute to solving production challenges, thereby benefiting a larger number of patients, it would give me an immense sense of fulfillment.
What perspectives do you see for your future after being a Helix Lab Fellow?
As a Helix Lab Fellow, I will gain solid, hands-on knowledge of pharmaceutical production, bringing me one step closer to my dream of becoming a process engineer in the industry.
Beyond that, Helix Lab provides a great platform to connect with experienced professionals from various backgrounds, offering invaluable support when tackling complex production challenges. More importantly, I have met many intelligent and warm-hearted fellows, forming meaningful friendships that I will cherish for years to come.
This experience as a Helix Fellow will not only be a milestone in my career but also a transformative journey that shapes both my professional and personal growth.