Plenary Keynote Sessions

Wednesday, January 15, 11:45 AM

Rethinking Transgene Design for Protein Expression
Jarrod ShiltsJarrod Shilts, PhD, R&D Lead Scientist, ExpressionEdits Ltd.
If you compare a typical human gene to the transgenes used to manufacture proteins, they have markedly different structures despite being foundational to the biotechnology industry. At ExpressionEdits, we have revised the paradigm for how a mammalian transgene should look by reintroducing introns back into the cDNA sequence. We have trained an AI model of "genetic syntax" to learn how to combine coding and non-coding DNA to improve protein expression.

Wednesday, January 15, 1:45 PM

PLENARY FIRESIDE CHAT

Navigating the Professional Landscape: Strategic Pathways to Biotech Success
The career trajectories of protein scientists are as intricate as the biological products they work with. Just as protein-protein interactions are crucial in science, so too are the human connections that shape successful careers. This session offers insights from researchers at all career stages within academia, biopharma, biotech and tool developers on how they are navigating their professional journeys.

Key discussion points include:

  • What draws professionals to a career in biotech?
  • How can strategic collaborations and mentorships guide your career at any stage?
  • Impact of DEI in the workplace?
  • Is there a growing trend toward diversifying scientists' roles, skills, and responsibilities? If so, why?
  • What motivates you to stay engaged in this dynamic industry?​

Keynote & Featured Speakers by Pipeline

PROTEIN EXPRESSION

Matthew DeLisaCell-Free Systems for the Production of Glycoproteins
Matthew DeLisa, PhD, Director, Cornell Institute of Biotechnology, Cornell University


Priyanka ChichiliMethod for Producing Multispecific Antigen-Binding Molecules with Additional Disulfide Bond
Priyanka Chichili, PhD, Principal Scientist, Chugai Pharmabody Research


HIGHER THROUGHPUT

James D. LoveAutomation and AI for Protein Engineering and Analysis
James D. Love, PhD, Vice President, Automation & Process Optimization, Novo Nordisk AS


Developability & Characterization

Sathya VenkataramaniOverview of the History and Progress of Therapeutic Neurotoxin Development
Sathya Venkataramani, PhD, Director, Protein Science, Abbvie


TARGETED THERAPIES

Jay SarkarNovel Drug Router Constructs for Large-Molecule Delivery
Jay Sarkar, PhD, Visiting Scholar, Stanford University


Mary JesselAdvancing Radiopharmaceuticals: Clinical Trials and Infrastructure for Therapeutic Success
Mary Jessel, PhD, Senior Vice President, Global Medical Affairs, Telix Pharmaceuticals


Jin WangOptimizing Payloads for Efficient Delivery of Degrader Antibody Conjugates (DACs)
Jin Wang, PhD, Director, Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine


ANTBODY ENGINEERING

Hitoshi KatadaDirected Assembly of Bispecific Antibody by Electrostatic Steering—Development of Platform and Application to Therapeutic Antibodies
Hitoshi Katada, PhD, Head of Biologics Engineering, Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.


 

* As of September 20. Please see individual agenda pages for most up-to-date agenda.