Published: 
By  Wende Whitman
Jose Tabora
Dr. Tabora, alum and senior scientific director at Bristol Myers Squibb, highlighted the latest modeling and analytical techniques in drug development at the annual Edward L. Paul lecture. (All photos by Tom Daly)

At the recent Edward L. Paul Lecture hosted by the University of Virginia’s Department of Chemical Engineering, Dr. Tabora, senior scientific director at Bristol Myers Squibb, delivered a compelling talk on uncertainty quantification in pharmaceutical development. Tabora, a UVA chemical engineering alumnus and newly named School of Engineering and Applied Science Alumnus of the Year, highlighted the importance of mathematical models and cognitive engineering tools to enhance decision-making in pharmaceutical processes.

Tabora's lecture emphasized the increasing importance of digital data management and advanced modeling techniques in optimizing pharmaceutical processes. He presented two case studies that demonstrated how predictive models could be used to enhance process reliability and optimization, even with a limited set of experimental data. A key component of his discussion was the use of Bayesian inference and Gaussian processes, which allow for the quantification of uncertainty and guide experimental design in research, particularly for crystallization processes in small molecule drug development. Crystallization processes are crucial in small molecule drug development for ensuring purity, stability, particle size control and consistent bioavailability.

Tabora also introduced innovative cognitive instruments like the "Garrido Projection," a tool developed in collaboration with Princeton University, which helps visualize and analyze multi-dimensional data in pharmaceutical experiments. He demonstrated how such tools can enhance efficiency and accuracy in scaling up drug candidates for clinical studies.

His lecture underscored the importance of robust mathematical models in drug development and the need for continual innovation in data analysis methods. With a career rooted in both scientific leadership and mentorship, Tabora continues to make significant contributions to the pharmaceutical industry, drawing inspiration from his early work with Dr. Edward Paul, a pioneer in the field of pharmaceutical mixing operations.

We are also proud to announce that Dr. Tabora was recently inducted into the National Academy of Engineering (NAE), further highlighting his remarkable contributions to the field.