Tuesday 16th September - Main Conference Day One - ET (Eastern Time, GMT-05:00)
- Kartik Subramanian, Ph.D. - Vice President, Biologics Product Development, Science and Technology, AbbVie
- Zhengqi Zhang - Senior Scientist, Merck
- Rajeev Boregowda - Associate Director, Bioassay & Molecular Analytical Development, Genomic Medicine CMC, Sanofi
- Kevin Zen, PhD - CMC Technical Operations, Opthea
- Lior Shaltiel - CEO, NurExone Biologic
Regulatory expectations for potency and release testing are evolving, particularly with the rise of advanced biologics such as CGTs, ADCs, and bispecific antibodies. Companies must navigate challenges in assay standardization, surrogate potency methods, and comparability assessments while ensuring compliance with global regulatory frameworks. This session, led by industry experts and regulatory specialists, will provide practical insights into meeting the latest standards, including ICH Q6B (Specifications for Biotechnological/Biological Products), USP General Chapter <1032> (Design and Development of Biological Assays), and FDA guidance on potency testing for gene therapy products. Attendees will gain actionable strategies for improving assay validation, reducing variability, and streamlining regulatory approval pathways.
Round Table Session 1: Tackling Variability in Cell-Based Bioassays: Strategies for Achieving Consistent and Reliable Results
Cell-based bioassays are crucial for potency testing, yet their inherent variability can lead to batch failures and regulatory delays. This roundtable explores best practices and innovative strategies for achieving consistent and reliable results. Standardization efforts are critical for improving accuracy and global harmonization of potency testing.
Key discussion points:
Optimizing assay conditions to enhance batch-to-batch reproducibility.-
- Data-driven approaches, utilizing statistical modelling and real-time monitoring, to minimize variability.
- Leveraging AI tools for unbiased cell analysis, automated gating in flow cytometry, and improved data insights
- Understanding and meeting regulatory expectations to ensure compliance and reduce rework.
- The impact of AI-driven automation for increasing throughput while maintaining assay integrity
- Case studies showcasing successful strategies for minimizing variability and improving assay performance.
Round Table Session 2: Accelerating Product Release – Overcoming Challenges in Real-Time Release Testing (RTRT)
Real-Time Release Testing (RTRT) is a transformative approach to batch release, offering faster turnaround times, cost reduction, and improved process control. However, many companies struggle with RTRT implementation, regulatory acceptance, and aligning process analytical technology (PAT) with manufacturing workflows Participants will gain practical insights into integrating RTRT into their workflows, helping to accelerate product release and enhance overall biomanufacturing efficiency.
Key Discussion Points:
- Leveraging PAT and advanced data analytics to enable RTRT in GMP environments
- Overcoming regulatory and technical barriers to RTRT adoption
- Case studies on successful RTRT implementation, demonstrating how companies have improved efficiency and compliance.
- Linda Yi - Associate Director, Analytical Development, Biogen