Blog: A Look into Leading cGMP Manufacturing: Colleague Spotlight on Fareed Mohammed

At Abzena’s San Diego biologics development and manufacturing facility, the Head of Manufacturing is critical in ensuring projects are delivered on time and to the highest degree of quality.

Fareed Mohammed fills these important shoes, bringing nearly two decades of experience in global manufacturing and end-to-end supply chain management across the pharmaceutical and bio-engineering sectors. With a track record in innovative drug development, Fareed ensures that Abzena’s manufacturing operations are not only efficient, but also aligned with the strategic growth of the organization.

Fareed’s journey into the world of biopharmaceuticals began with a strong family background in healthcare. He obtained his BSc in Biochemical Engineering from the University of California, Davis, and later enhanced his expertise with an MBA in Finance and Operations from DePaul University in Chicago. This unique combination of technical and business education has equipped Fareed with the skills to navigate the complexities of drug substance manufacturing in the biotech industry.

Fareed’s role as Head of Manufacturing at Abzena encompasses not only the oversight of GMP operations but also the leadership of teams ranging in size from one to 200 people throughout his career. His approach to leadership focuses on building strong relationships with team members to foster individual growth and overall company success. In his current role, Fareed is responsible for managing the Upstream and Downstream Departments, supported by the Production Services Department, which plays a vital role in Abzena’s production process.

His leadership extends across departments and sites, ensuring all teams work collaboratively to meet customer specifications and timelines. His ability to manage complex processes and guide cross-departmental efforts is crucial in delivering high-quality biologics that align with Abzena’s strategic goals.

“My work at Abzena gives me the pleasure of helping to make medicines that can transform the lives of patients. Through our customers’ products and Abzena’s technology, I fulfil my passion for helping others,” Fareed explains, emphasizing the fulfilment he finds in his work.

“Everything we do, we do for the patient,” he asserts, highlighting the deep sense of responsibility and commitment that guides the decisions he makes every day.

Beyond the office, Fareed is a dedicated family man, enjoying life with his wife and three young children, alongside their two Newfoundland dogs. He balances his professional life with a passion for continuous learning and entrepreneurship, constantly seeking new knowledge and opportunities to teach and mentor others.

Behind the Scenes with the Head of Manufacturing

At Abzena, the role of the Head of Manufacturing is crucial to the success of the company’s operations. Fareed’s work ensures that all customer-driven projects are executed efficiently, meeting stringent quality standards and regulatory requirements. Fareed’s ability to navigate complex challenges and streamline manufacturing processes is essential in delivering high-quality biologics. His leadership and commitment to continuous improvement not only enhance operational efficiency but also drive innovation within the company.

A Closer Look at Fareed’s Responsibilities:

• Overseeing cGMP manufacturing- Fareed ensures that all customer-driven clinical and commercial phase cGMP Manufacturing processes meet the highest standards of quality and efficiency.
• Customer relations- Fareed is responsible for delivering what the customer asks for, on time and to specification, emphasizing reliability and precision in meeting a customer’s timelines, goals and budget.
• Strategic alignment- He integrates manufacturing processes with Abzena’s overall mission and values, ensuring that production aligns with the company’s strategic objectives.

Considering a Career with Abzena?

If you’re inspired by Fareed’s work and you have a passion for making a difference in the biologics space, we would love to hear from you. We value expertise in life sciences and engineering and a proven track record in project management for biopharmaceutical programs.

We invite you to share your CV with us through the Abzena Careers Portal. Together, we can continue to innovate and lead in the industry, one project at a time.