Tuesday 16th September - Main Conference Day OneTuesday, 16 September 2025 - ET (Eastern Time, GMT-05:00)

Round Table Session 1: Host Cell Proteins (HCPs): The Unseen Challenge

• Focus: Managing HCPs throughout the bioprocessing lifecycle.
• Key Discussion Points:
  • HCP Characterization and Detection: Advancements in analytical methods for identifying and quantifying HCPs, including challenges with low-level detection and diverse HCP populations. Discuss the use of orthogonal methods.
  • Impact of HCPs on Product Quality: Explore the mechanisms by which HCPs can affect product stability, efficacy, and immunogenicity. Focus on specific examples and case studies.
  • HCP Removal Strategies: Evaluate current HCP removal technologies (chromatography, filtration) and discuss emerging approaches (e.g., novel resins, targeted removal). Consider the challenges of removing specific "high-risk" HCPs (lipases, proteases).
  • HCP-Related Challenges in Different Product Modalities: Discuss specific HCP challenges associated with different types of biologics (e.g., antibodies, proteins, vaccines, cell therapies).
  • Setting HCP Acceptance Criteria: How do we determine appropriate levels of HCPs, and what factors influence these decisions? Discuss the role of regulatory guidance.
  • Future Directions in HCP Management: Explore innovative technologies and strategies for improved HCP control and monitoring. Discuss the role of AI/ML in predicting and managing HCP-related risks.

Round Table Session 2: Approach to complying with the latest FDA guidelines on Ethylene Glycol (EG) and Diethylene Glycol (DEG)

Roundtable Session 3: Polysorbate Degradation: Protecting Product Stability

• Focus: Understanding the mechanisms of polysorbate degradation and developing strategies to mitigate it.
• Key Discussion Points:
  • Mechanisms of Polysorbate Degradation: Discuss the various pathways of polysorbate degradation, including hydrolysis, oxidation, and enzymatic degradation (with a focus on lipase contamination).
  • Factors Influencing Degradation: Explore the factors that can influence polysorbate degradation, such as pH, temperature, oxygen levels, and the presence of specific HCPs (especially lipases).
  • Analytical Methods for Monitoring Degradation: Discuss analytical techniques for detecting and quantifying polysorbate degradation products.
  • Strategies for Mitigating Degradation: Explore strategies for preventing or minimizing polysorbate degradation, including process optimization, excipient selection, and the use of inhibitors.
  • Impact of Polysorbate Degradation on Product Quality: Discuss the potential consequences of polysorbate degradation on product stability, efficacy, and safety.
  • Case Studies of Polysorbate Degradation: Share real-world examples of polysorbate degradation challenges and the solutions implemented.
  • Future Directions in Polysorbate Management: Explore new approaches for stabilizing polysorbates and preventing degradation, including the use of novel excipients and formulation strategies. Discuss the potential of more sensitive analytical methods.