Ellen Brune

Ellen Brune addressed the problem of inefficiencies of the drug manufacturing process. Having invented a new technology that tackles this issue, Ellen founded Boston Mountain Biotech after earning a PhD at the University of Arkansas. As of 2015, the company has 8 employees. Two of them are scientists and the other 6 are involved in the various aspects of business, law and finance.

Increasing the efficiency

Boston Mountain Biotech developed a platform for manufacturing protein therapeutics using genetic engineering. By simplifying protein drug development, Ellen and her team were able to make the process doubly efficient. With the increased efficiency comes a waste minimisation. “Pharmaceutical companies are manufacturing more product with less waste that has to be cleaned up prior to being given to a patient.”

10 years to develop a new medicine

The process of developing a new therapeutic drug is long, expensive and sometimes inefficient. “Bringing a new medicine to the market can cost half a million to a million dollars in 10 years”, says Ellen. The efficiency of the manufacturing process is usually of 30%, which means pharmaceutical firms are creating 70% of waste while conducting research and development. As a contract research organization, Boston Mountain Biotech helps pharmaceutical companies make drugs faster, cheaper and with fewer losses.

Stepping out of one’s comfort zone

Fundraising for a start-up company can be a difficult task for entrepreneurs who are not familiar with finance. Nonetheless, Ellen was willing to try and enhance her business skills. “Coming out of graduate school we needed financing to help develop our invention in order to bring it to the market. I am trained in science, not in business. But the main quality needed to be a successful female entrepreneur is self-motivation. You have to be the one willing to step out of your comfort zone.”