Amol Thote, Ph.D.
About Amol Thote, Ph.D.
Amol Thote, Ph.D., serves as the Head of Process Development Team Leads at Kite Pharma, bringing 18 years of experience in biotech process development and management. He has held various roles at Bayer and other companies, focusing on cell therapy, project management, and digital innovation.
Work at Kite Pharma
Amol Thote, Ph.D., serves as the Head of Process Development Team Leads at Kite Pharma, a role he has held since 2023. In this position, he is responsible for overseeing the development of processes critical to the company's operations in Santa Monica, California. His expertise includes managing project portfolios related to development, compliance, and regulatory projects, which are essential for the advancement of Kite Pharma's innovative therapies.
Previous Experience at Bayer
Thote's tenure at Bayer spanned multiple roles from 2007 to 2023. He began as a Senior Scientist and progressed to various leadership positions, including Sr. Director of Cell Therapy Capability and Associate Director of Global Launch Management. His work involved managing operations and strategy for cell and gene therapy, as well as overseeing process validation and compliance. He conceptualized a patient-centric IoT-based digital platform aimed at enhancing clinical trial models.
Education and Expertise
Amol Thote holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Auburn University, which he completed from 2000 to 2005. He also earned a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Mumbai between 1996 and 2000. Additionally, he has pursued further education at the University of California, Berkeley, where he completed a certification program in Advanced Biosciences and a certification in Biopharmaceutical Business. Thote is an ASQ Certified Six-Sigma Black Belt, demonstrating his proficiency in process improvement.
Background in Biotech
With 18 years of experience in the biotech industry, Amol Thote has developed a strong background in early-stage process development, late-stage technology transfer, and manufacturing implementation. His career includes roles in various companies, including Novartis and Tanox, Inc., where he contributed to scientific research and operational management. His diverse experience has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in bringing biopharmaceutical products to market.
Achievements in Process Development
Throughout his career, Thote has made significant contributions to process development and validation in the biotech sector. He established digital capabilities for the Cell Therapy CMC platform processes, focusing on process knowledge and control strategies. His work has been pivotal in advancing the operational frameworks necessary for successful product launches and compliance within the highly regulated biotech environment.