Companies presenting in 2024: 
Agenda |
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9:45am – 10:00am |
Arrive and Check-in |
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10:00am – 10:30am |
Networking and Coffee/Tea |
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10:30am – 10:45am |
Symposium Begins—Welcome |
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10:45am – 11:15am |
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Abstract: Successful discovery of therapeutic antibodies with desired biological function centers around finding a suitable antibody candidate with epitope that influences the function of the target protein. By prioritizing affinity-based selections over epitope-based selections important functional epitopes could go unidentified. With the help of array-SPR Carterra platform high-throughput epitope binning analysis on a large mAb panel could be performed in the early drug discovery stage. The combination of epitope binning results with kinetics and sequence analysis can provide an efficient way of selecting high affinity antibodies representing a diverse set of sequence families and epitopes. These studies may further provide an effective way of identifying domain specific antibody binders. The detailed analysis would be discussed at the upcoming symposium. |
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11:15am – 11:45am |
Daniel Bedinger, PhD, Application Science Manager, Carterra |
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Abstract: Carterra’s LSA® and LSAXT platforms have changed the landscape of drug discovery. Across small and large molecule therapies as well as vaccines, the power of high throughput multiplexing and innovative assay configurations is enabling new strategies to tackle the undruggable space and discover novel medicines. This talk will emphasize areas where HT-SPR technology continues to push the boundaries of real-time, label-free binding. With HT-SPR, research workflows benefit from seamless data integrations and the necessary breadth and depth of data to deliver on the promises of AI/ML-based drug discovery. |
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11:45am – Noon |
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Abstract: Optimal, high-quality and accelerated antibody discovery workflows are employed at Curia to provide capabilities and technology combine to provide First-to-Human antibody discovery, development and clinical manufacturing. Speed, scientific expertise and efficiency can surmount the high attrition rates of early antibody discovery and achieve first-to-market delivery of new therapeutics. Our technology platform includes hybridoma, single B cell with the Beacon system, phage display, and yeast display. Our integrated services include immunizations, panning and screening, cloning, NGS and Sanger sequencing, sequence diversity and therapeutic developability analysis, humanization, and affinity maturation. We have over 230+ successful antibody discovery campaigns performed, and we have antibodies discovered and/or engineered with Curia’s platform technology in the clinic. The development of enhanced mouse systems for antibody generation and high-throughput single B cell screening, combined with next generation sequencing (NGS) and rapid recombinant production of milligram to gram quantities of purified monoclonal antibody (mAb), significantly accelerates identification of development candidate leads. |
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Noon – 1:00pm |
Lunch and Networking |
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1:00pm – 1:30pm |
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Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the importance of fast therapeutic antibody discovery/development for emergency authorization use. Here we describe the rapid discovery and characterization of SARS-CoV-2 Delta spike-binding antibodies. High plasma titers were quickly achieved via PentaMice® immunizations, which was followed by single B cell optofluidics-based antibody recovery (Bruker® Beacon®). HTP recombinant production was performed using TunaCHO® cells. Subsequent binding kinetics and epitope binning was performed by the Carterra® LSA®. A diverse set of 19 distinct epitope-binding bins were identified for the 96 mAbs tested, with functional neutralizing mAbs largely clustered together within two bins of Delta spike S1 domain binders. |
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1:30pm – 2:00pm |
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Abstract: Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is an early signal in the development of T-lymphocyte helper type 1 (Th1) responses. Interleukin-18 binding protein (IL-18BP) binds IL-18 and neutralizes its activity, thus acting as a natural inhibitor of IL-18-induced IFNg and suppressing the Th1 response. We hypothesized that antibodies that block IL-18BP can increase effective concentrations of IL-18, diminish tumor associated macrophages’ suppressive capability, slow tumor growth, increase CD8+ T-cell infiltration, and augment anti-PD-1/PD-L1 in cancer immunotherapy. We will present the utility of Carterra LSA in our discovery campaign, including identifying a panel of cross-species reactive anti-IL-18BP antibodies, evaluating their receptor blocking activity, binning the antibodies by isoform binding profiles, and allowing stratification of candidates based on affinity. Antibody BP-04, which exhibited desired proinflammatory phenotype in multiple in vivo models, was selected for humanization and affinity maturation, with the LSA binding analyses driving the down-selection of candidates. The resulting antibodies BP-04.03, BP-04.05, and BP-4.07 displayed enhanced affinity and in vitro efficacy compared to their murine parent clone. |
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2:00pm – 2:30pm |
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Abstract: In the rapidly advancing landscape of therapeutic antibody discovery, the integration of High Throughput Surface Plasmon Resonance (HT-SPR) technology early in the screening process represents a transformative approach to identifying candidates with optimal characteristics. HT-SPR is instrumental in efficiently gathering critical data on antibody on-rates, cross-specificity, and epitope mapping from a diverse array of epitope bins. By leveraging this technology, researchers can swiftly pinpoint antibodies that not only exhibit desirable properties but are also prime candidates for affinity maturation, ensuring a robust pipeline of therapeutics. |
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2:30pm – 3:00pm |
Networking & Refreshments |
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3:00pm |
Symposium Ends |
Roger Wong, PhD, MBA, Head of Business Development, Biologics Discovery, Curia
Xiaomei Ge, PhD, Senior Scientist, Curia
Margaret Tang, MS, Senior Scientist, Alector
Stephanie Armstrong, MA, Senior Scientist, Sutro Biopharma