Genentech, Fill and Finish Plant, Hillsboro, OR
company’s history.
Genentech focuses on developing new medications for unmet medical needs, which has led to an impressive track record of over 35 products on the market.
P3 student Marine Schmitt, President of OSU’s chapter of Industry Pharmacists Organization (IPhO), describes the tour “We were guided through the filling and packaging of commercial biotechnology therapeutics from bulk drug substances. We saw the sterilization process prior to filling, the double, triple and quadruple checking of filled products to ensure sterility was maintained, and the storage of medications once the previous two steps have been completed. It was interesting to see the three story freezer filled with metal vats full of freeze dried vials and the intense tracking that occurs for each batch and package. The eventual goal is to have the ability to track each individual vial the site fills and packages.”
Marine went on to say, “It was apparent throughout the tour that even in the filling and distribution part of Genentech, the focus is still on the patient. Pictures of Genentech’s patients could be found at the entrance and on at least one wall of each room. It serves as a nice reminder to the employees of who they are working for, and it seemed each employee had their favorite patient.”
We would like to thank our Pharmacy Partner, Genentech for providing our students with this unique and valuable opportunity to see this side of the pharmacy profession.