Rizwan Manzer

Reported directly to the Vice President of Process Development, led drug development scientists and engineers in the development of mammalian cell lines and processes for clinical development and potential commercialization. Drove integration of findings into forward thinking research design, and collaborated across engineering groups and clinical development teams on systems-biology driven approach to drug development in oncology indications.
• Evaluated technology and vendors for outsourced GMP manufacturing and spearheaded negotiations with a Contract Manufacturing Organization (CMO) that yielded $100K savings.
• Championed development of proprietary media and new-generation parental cell lines to achieve significant improvements in process efficiency.
• Advised scientific and operations executives on scientific viability of potential targets during long-range strategy sessions and Blue Sky planning meetings.
• Applied commercialization and industry knowledge to advance scientific progress in line with business objectives, and presented actionable insight across multiple therapeutic indications to support future expansion.
• Established a presence within drug development and process engineering communities, and nurtured relationships with thought leaders, investors, and other influencers.
• Designed and documented upstream processes for robust, scalable and economical transition to a cGMP facility in preparation for late-stage clinical and commercialization phases.
• Drafted and edited relevant portions of IND filings for regulatory submission.

•Provided strategic support to Revenue Management initiative for product and service development.
•Conducted secondary market research; and supported business unit to conduct primary market research on Broker requirements and Payer perception.
-Identified objectives, designed questions, and analyzed data received.
•Completed payer’s premium analysis to determine the administrative cost in form of deliverable.

• Initiated development of rat model of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in collaboration with University of Colorado Health Sciences Center.
• Developed and maintained independent research project; and published findings in peer reviewed journals in field of respiratory medicine and immunology.
• Communicated and collaborated with researchers that ensure flow of accurate information through formal and informal presentations.
• Developed novel system for exposing lung cells to ozone; and studied innate immunity and metabolic responses to oxidant stress.
• Recruited, trained, and mentored lab personnel and provided second line of support.
• Implemented safety training and maintained inspection programs in laboratory; ensured compliance with all policies and procedures; and resolved health and safety issues.

dents in the Toxicology Program in the School of Pharmacy