How Life Science and Pharmaceutical Labs Use Modular Buildings

Transformed by new technologies, breakthroughs, and increased global demand, the life science industry is always looking to innovate. Driven by innovation, pharmaceutical labs need more efficient and cost-effective ways to research, develop, and distribute new medicines. 

The solution is modular labs and office spaces. Organizations using modular labs are cutting costs, shortening timelines, and staying flexible. In this blog, we will outline how life science and pharmaceutical labs are becoming better with modular. 

Pharmaceutical labs research, develop, and distribute new medicines globally. It is projected that the U.S. pharmaceutical manufacturing market will reach 635 million dollars in sales by 2024. Throughout the pandemic, the industry has learned adaptability and resilience are keys to success in the future. 

A biotechnology company is different because it will produce a range of commercial products and use the processes of living organisms to solve challenges. As with nearly every field in the life science industry, biotech firms' revenue will increase drastically by 2025. 

Medical device companies develop medical instruments to assist doctors in diagnosing, monitoring, and treating patients. This sector has seen a rise in demand as more and more patients are coming in with unique needs. 

With the rise of all life science industries, companies are searching for a flexible, smart, and enhanced way to meet the needs of the growing industry. Which is why they are turning to modular pharmaceutical labs as an option for their next space.

The demand for more space within the life science industry was skyrocketing, even before the pandemic. Now more than ever, companies need an efficient and cost-effective way to create durable spaces for new research, treatments, and distributions. 

The Modular Facilities in Pharmaceutical/Biotechnology Industry, 2017 - 2030 Report indicates the pharmaceutical labs market is expected to grow by 8.9% in the next ten years. With this growing market, a lot of companies are turning to prefabricated laboratory units to expand their working environment. 

1. Customize, Expand, and Renew 

Prefabricated laboratories follow all building codes and standards but are made to be customizable to maximize your success. Since modular spaces are made in a controlled environment, you’ll be able to adjust the size, shape, and design features of your prefab lab. 

Modular allows companies to easily enhance their laboratories, and stay flexible and portable. Especially with pharmaceutical companies, the market needs are constantly changing. To combat this, you’ll want a pharmaceutical lab that you can easily expand and reconfigure. 

2. Environmentally Friendly 

Modular spaces are the greenest path to construction. Modular construction produces less waste and pollution since everything is constructed in a controlled factory setting. In this controlled environment, the building materials are not exposed to high levels of moisture so there is less chance of turmoil down the road. 

The prefabricated labs are also able to be reused and recycled from customer to customer or adjusted when your organization’s needs change. Each module can be disassembled or relocated without the use of additional raw materials, which overall reduces the amount of energy needed for each project. 

Plus, life science and pharmaceutical labs need to maintain a clean and sanitary atmosphere and are not interested in the disruptions of a construction site. Modular laboratories are constructed off-site so your team can stay focused on daily operations. 

3. An Efficient Process

Since modular laboratories are constructed in a controlled environment, like a factory, you don’t have to expect the unexpected. Compared to work done on a traditional construction site, prefabricated laboratories are quicker to produce and are delivered to your final build with most components already in place. 

With the faster process, costs are also reduced. Design, engineering, and construction times are more efficient and use a low-cost material. This allows life science and pharmaceutical companies to put more of their budget into research and development. 

Even though the process is shorter, you can trust that you will receive a durable, quality product. The prefab lab is perfect for collaboration and is a versatile space for you and your team to excel in the life science industry. 

Life science and pharmaceutical labs are constantly looking for innovative ways to get ahead in the industry. With the use of prefab labs, organizations can expand and evolve quickly and stay focused on finding the next breakthrough. 

In recent years, the surge of demand for COVID-19 vaccines has left pharmaceutical companies scrambling for space. Prefab labs have played a vital role in the research, development, and distribution of the vaccine.  

A cleanroom is an environment used for producing medical equipment or pharmaceutical products. These rooms filter out pollutants and are classified depending on what particles are allowed. 

Modular cleanrooms are preferred because an organization can place the room in an optimal spot for easy installation. Just like all modular labs, they can be easily renovated for upgrades. When compared to a traditionally-constructed clean room, modular rooms have the best air pollution control, since accuracy and efficiency are the main priority.

A wet lab is used when biological matter like chemicals and drugs are analyzed and tested by different liquids. These types of labs need specialized ventilation, plumbing, electrical, and technological connectivity. Wet labs need very specific environmental conditions and need to be designed to eliminate the chances of spillage of any hazardous material. 

With high specifications, modular wet labs are considered beneficial because they are made within a controlled environment. The construction of your specific modular lab can be customizable to fit the needs of your organization. 

As the pharmaceutical industry is becoming more popular as a potential work field, it is imperative that schools and educational programs have the necessary tools to help students succeed. Institutions like Penn State and The University of Delaware, have introduced modular labs into their curriculum. 

Programs want to incorporate the best technology and supplies into their training, but often don’t have the budget to do so. With portable labs, schools can cut costs on construction materials, reduce the building timeline, and have more space for their programs. 

Nationwide, organizations have realized the benefits of prefab labs and started integrating them into their work environment. Below are some examples of life science companies using modular labs in different ways.

Cardiovascular Solutions wanted an additional space to examine and treat patients. They went with a modular design to help eliminate construction distractions and have the ability to still use existing facilities. The new medical facility has exam rooms, waitings areas, nurse stations, and an imaging room.

One of the leading companies in the life sciences industry, Pfizer has turned to using modular pods for manufacturing. For example, they have pods for processing equipment, control systems, and clean rooms. Pfizer uses these pods because of their affordability, quick timelines, and ability to quicken the process development cycle.

Bristol Myers Squibb directed their efforts toward modular labs to strengthen collaboration between their departments. They incorporated hubs that connect research and office modules, as well as a café area. The modular labs allowed Bristol to stay flexible with their placement of the labs and office space.

Sanofi wanted multiple modular buildings to aid them in the development of vaccine research and development. The layout of their workspace was very important to them, they wanted a space that influenced positive attitudes and employee satisfaction. For them, that meant integrating the lab and office space into a modular setting.