Pharmaceutical Technology

Women in STEM: Unique Impacts in Rare Disease Development

Klaudia Lechowska, a business‑development specialist at Mabion Biologics, highlighted how STEM education equips women with both technical and commercial skills essential for biotech careers. She noted that women comprise about 60% of the pharma workforce but hold only a quarter of senior roles, underscoring a leadership gap. Mabion’s biosimilar MabionCD20 recently earned FDA orphan‑drug designation for membranous nephropathy and autoimmune hemolytic anemia, illustrating the company’s focus on rare‑disease therapeutics. Lechowska also emphasized emerging innovations in advanced biologics and personalized medicine as the industry pivots toward quality and safety.