CPHI Frankfurt 2025: Advancing Innovation from Concept to Commercialization

For Jacob Werlinger from Bend Bioscience, turning innovative concepts into reality requires CDMOs to not just be service providers but more of a strategic scientific partner that can help advance the concept to commercialization using the right science tools.

Within the bio/pharma industry, there are numerous innovative companies developing exceptional concepts; however, the expertise required to turn these concepts into a reality is not always available in-house. “As a CDMO partner, the most critical upfront guidance we can provide [these innovators] is clarity, helping sponsors to find a feasible, data-driven development pathway that balances innovation with manufacturability” remarks Jacob Werlinger, Chief Operating Officer, Bend Bioscience.

For example, Werlinger points out the approach taken by Bend, which starts early on in the development lifecycle to ensure the right enabling technologies are selected that can unlock both performance and scalability. “This early science-led assessment prevents costly rework later in development,” he adds.

“Equally important is helping innovators visualize the full arc from idea to commercial, including realistic timelines, critical quality attributes, and technology transfer considerations,” Werlinger continues. “Ultimately, our role as a CDMO is not just to make product, it’s to translate vision into viable, scalable reality.”

Additionally, increasing complexity within the development pipeline is leading to an evolution in the sponsor–partner relationship, as innovators now need more of a strategic partner that can help to de-risk innovation, Werlinger confirms. “Innovators need more than just capacity, they need a partner who can integrate scientific depth of practical development and executive,” he says.

“Finally, success depends on collaboration,” Werlinger asserts. “We believe CDMOs should act as strategic scientific partners, not just as service providers. That means offering proactive technical guidance, early manufacturability assessments, and transparent project management. All of that underpinned by a culture that values scientific rigor, communication, and accountability. Ultimately, mitigating risk in drug development isn't about avoiding complexity. It's about advancing through it together with the right science tools, in a partnership mindset first grounded in trust, transparency, and execution.”

Click the video above to view the full interview

Bend Bioscience can be found in Hall 5.1 Booth #A49 at CPHI Frankfurt.

About the Speaker

Jacob Werlinger is the Chief Operating Officer of Bend Bioscience. Jacob is an accomplished executive and a multi-disciplined leader with more than 28 years of experience in manufacturing, quality, program management, research & development, commercial and supply chain all in the pharmaceutical and contract manufacturing industry. He has played a pivotal role in optimizing processes, ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality products, and fostering essential relationships with key stakeholders. His leadership has been instrumental in enhancing the overall performance and growth of the organizations he led.

Jacob’s leadership strategy focuses on integrating people, processes, and technology to achieve organizational success. He believes in empowering his team through continuous learning and development, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. By leveraging these techniques, Jacob has streamlined operations and improved decision-making processes, resulting in increased efficiency and productivity.

Prior to Bend Jacob had various levels of increasing responsibilities at Abbott Laboratories, and Hospira Inc. and most recently as the Vice President of Supply Chain at Merz Aesthetics

Jacob holds a degree from University Wisconsin – LaCrosse and certifications in Leadership (Harvard Leadership Academy) and Buisnes Management (Lake Forest School of Management).

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