In this episode of SCW for Pharma host Evren Ozkaya sits down with Audrey Greenberg, CEO and Founder of AG Capital Advisors, to explore the evolving landscape of CDMOs in the cell and gene therapy space.
Audrey, who brings a finance background and deep industry insight, outlines what it takes to build and scale a CDMO business—from managing high fixed costs and staffing GMP operations to raising capital and building trust. She explains why earning the first million dollars in this space is often the hardest, and how their end-to-end manufacturing model, housed under one roof, simplifies pharma supply chains and reduces complexity for clients.
Evren and Audrey explore the headwinds facing the industry, including geopolitical uncertainty, tariffs and capital scarcity. Audrey also highlights that, for gene and cell therapies, supply is currently outpacing demand. Despite the current uncertainties, she remains optimistic about company valuations and expects a rebound in the second half of 2025. In the meantime, she argues, digital transformation is not optional — it is the foundation for resilience and future valuation.
They dive into how data, automation, and AI improve efficiency, reduce errors, and increase revenue. In a high-skill, high-cost environment—where PhDs often run the production floor—robotics and standardization become essential. Audrey also makes the case that digital maturity is more than an operational upgrade: it enhances customer trust, boosts EBITDA, and improves a CDMO’s standing in an M&A-driven market.
The conversation also touches on reshoring and the role of digitalization in helping the U.S. expand capacity without spiking drug prices. Audrey notes that reshoring began before COVID-19 but has gained urgency with recent tariff policies.
The episode wraps with career advice for rising professionals: explore broadly, stay flexible, and understand both the operational and commercial sides of the business. Adaptability, Audrey says, is the most valuable skill in today’s pharma world.