Redefining the Possible: How Just – Evotec Biologics is Decoding the Future of Biomanufacturing
By Achilleas Tyrovolas, Business Development Associate
April 23, 2026
The global biopharmaceutical industry is currently gathering for InterPhex 2026 (April 21-23) in New York, the leading global pharmaceutical and biotechnology event, focused on integrating new manufacturing technologies with professional development and process insights. Against this backdrop of high-stakes networking and discussions on the AI revolution in drug discovery, one primary challenge remains: how to bridge the gap between complex molecular design and affordable, large-scale production.
Guy Rachmuth, PhD
Photo taken by Benjamin Benschneider
Just-Evotec Biologics is focused on streamlining the path from molecular design to large-scale production.
Built on the mission to break down the scientific and economic barriers that limit patient access to biologics, the company has moved beyond traditional fed-batch constraints. By integrating AI-driven design with continuous manufacturing, they are transforming biomanufacturing from a capital-intensive gamble into a precise, intentional process.
Beyond the "Cutting Room Floor"
At the heart of this shift is a focus on molecules that were once considered "unmanufacturable." Traditional systems often struggle with complex biologics, such as bispecifics, which are highly susceptible to degradation.
Just Evotech’s approach is different. As highlighted in their recent strategic insights, they are effectively “saving molecules from the cutting room floor”. By maintaining cells at a constant density and continuously harvesting proteins before they can degrade, Just-Evotec Biologics ensures that life-saving innovation doesn't stall at the production phase.
J.DESIGN: The Architecture of Efficiency
The engine driving this transformation is the J.DESIGN™ platform. This end-to-end integration of AI/ ML - driven antibody selection and sequence optimization allows for a level of performance that traditional facilities simply cannot match. Beyond the computational model, the achieved efficiency is validated through measurable KPIs and productions outputs. The process followed, enabled by J.CHO™ High Expression system, results in higher mass per cell and superior product quality, compared to standard fed-batch protocols
In a standout demonstration of the platform's power, the company recently produced over 30 kilograms of antibody from a single 1,000-liter continuous run. This output is driven by the continuous perfusion of cells with fresh media, maintaining constant density and allowing for the harvesting of drug substances between 4-5 g/L/day. The same volumetric productivity in a traditional setting, would typically require a facility 10x times the size.
"Our mission is to help customers bring antibodies and next-generation biologics to market faster and at a lower cost," the company states, emphasizing a shift toward a "productized" approach to continuous manufacturing.
Dr. Roger Lias, President of Ventures Accelerated in the US and advisor to the biomanufacturing marketplace stated: "The continuous manufacturing platform developed by Just-Evotec Biologics is generating remarkable data. This technology and approach can be highly disruptive and has the potential to transform the manufacture of biologics by delivering a highly attractive COGS that could not only deliver attractive margins but, perhaps more importantly, has the potential to extend product life cycles and to open new global markets for biologic products."
A Blueprint for Global Access
The physical manifestation of this vision is the J.POD® facility. In contrast to traditional large-scale stainless-steel facilities, J.POD® units occupy a significantly smaller footprint, to achieve higher volumetric productivity and improve environmental sustainability.
This scalability has made Just – Evotec Biologics a trusted partner for global health crises and high-stakes collaborations. From working with the Gates Foundation to partnering with the U.S. Department of Defense, the company has proven that their modular, intensified process is the key to rapid, large-scale response.
"We are excited to now be in a position to bring the J.POD® and J.TRAIN™ concepts to a broader audience" added Guy Rachmuth, SVP, Global Head of Strategic BD and Partnerships at Just-Evotec Biologics, "We are entertaining direct discussions with industry leaders regarding highly capital-efficient access to the platform, as well as providing access via our established CDMO operations in the Seattle, WA area".
Roadmap to 2027: Solidifying Leadership
Efforts are currently centered on achieving key development milestones. The biomanufacturing industry stands at a crossroad, facing high R&D costs and supply-chain vulnerabilities. Just-Evotec Biologics is addressing these challenges head-on by further refining its J.Train™ technology and expanding its network of partners, which already includes over 30 organizations and more than 100 programs across modalities (mAbs, bi-Specifics, fc-Fusion, IgG1, IgG4).
With the company on track to manufacture FDA-approved commercial drug substances within the next year, the focus remains clear: ensuring that the most advanced medicines reach the patients who need them most, regardless of geography or economic status.
As the industry continues to evolve, Just-Evotec Biologics isn’t just watching the change - they are the ones designing it.