Next-Generation Analytical Methods
New Technologies for Characterization and Formulation of Complex Biotherapeutics
19/03/2025 - 20 March 2025 ALL TIMES CET
Biotherapeutic development is now entering an interesting stage, where a progression of increasingly complex therapeutic modalities and precision manufacturing approaches is demanding more capabilities from the analytical tools used throughout development. CHI's inaugural Next-Generation Analytical Methods conference offers protein scientists and analytical specialists the opportunity to explore the latest technologies and methods for problem-solving in this dynamic field. Two full days of presentations will explore emerging technologies, the needs for new modality-specific solutions, the evolution of core analytical methods, new applications of spectroscopic methods, and exciting advances in process analytics. The formal conference presentations will be augmented by moderated small-group discussions, scientific posters, and abundant opportunities for networking.

Wednesday, 19 March

Registration Open

PLENARY KEYNOTE: ADAPTING TO GLOBAL DEMANDS AND EVOLVING PIPELINES

Chairperson's Remarks

Alois Jungbauer, PhD, Professor & Head, Biotechnology, Institute of Bioprocess Science and Engineering, BOKU University , Prof & Head, Biotechnology , BOKU University , University of Natural Resources & Life Sciences

PLENARY PRESENTATION:
CMC Strategies for Diverse Pipelines and Complex Modalities

Photo of Christian Hunzinger, PhD, Senior Director and Head, CMC Development Proteins, ADCs and Chemical Entities, BioNTech , Senior Director, and Head , CMC Development Proteins, ADCs and Chemical Entities , BioNTech
Christian Hunzinger, PhD, Senior Director and Head, CMC Development Proteins, ADCs and Chemical Entities, BioNTech , Senior Director, and Head , CMC Development Proteins, ADCs and Chemical Entities , BioNTech

Biopharmaceutical treatment paradigms are shifting from monotherapy towards multi-target approaches with complex multimodal entities. This complexity also translates into increasingly complex CMC development and manufacturing strategies. The talk will provide a general overview on recent developments, challenges, and opportunities, along with examples from various stages of the CMC development lifecycle.

PLENARY PRESENTATION:
Enhancing Process Development: Balancing Yields with Downstream Efficiency and Emerging Technologies

Photo of Oliver Kaltenbrunner, PhD, Scientific Director, Process Development, Amgen Inc. , Scientific Director , Process Development , Amgen Inc
Oliver Kaltenbrunner, PhD, Scientific Director, Process Development, Amgen Inc. , Scientific Director , Process Development , Amgen Inc

Explore the evolving landscape of process development, emphasising the critical balance between maximising yields and optimising downstream processing. This presentation will delve into the impact of upstream processes on primary recovery, integrating cutting-edge technologies like Process Analytical Technology (PAT), advanced modelling, and artificial intelligence. Supported by real-world examples, we'll examine how these innovations are reshaping process efficiency and performance in the industry.

Session Break

Networking Lunch in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing

NEW MS APPLICATIONS AND TECHNOLOGIES

Chairperson’s Remarks

Hristo Svilenov, PhD, Associate Professor, TUM , Associate Professor , School of Life Sciences , Technical University of Munich

Process Analytics Using an Integrated Autonomous System

Photo of Jonathan Bones, PhD, Principal Investigator, Characterisation and Comparability Laboratory, National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) , Principal Investigator , Characterisaton and Comparability , National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training
Jonathan Bones, PhD, Principal Investigator, Characterisation and Comparability Laboratory, National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) , Principal Investigator , Characterisaton and Comparability , National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training

Development and application of an integrated autonomous system for process analytical monitoring of upstream processes producing monoclonal antibodies will be described. Our platform uses automated aseptic sampling and distribution to analytical destinations, including integrated LC-MS for near real-time product quality assessment. Supporting at-line analytics using various MS analyses were also performed for deeper process characterisation. Application for optimisation of mAb galactosylation using a design of experiments approach will be discussed.

Expanding the LCMS Toolbox for HCP Analytics: Use of Activity-Based Protein Profiling for Identification of Active Polysorbate/Protein Degrading Enzymes

Photo of Veronika Reisinger, PhD, Lab Head, Physico Chemical Characterization, Novartis AG , Lab Head , Physico Chemical Characterization , Novartis AG
Veronika Reisinger, PhD, Lab Head, Physico Chemical Characterization, Novartis AG , Lab Head , Physico Chemical Characterization , Novartis AG

Residual host cell proteins (HCPs) can impact patient safety and/or product quality. As the standard ELISA methods are usually not capable of identifying/quantifying single HCPs, LCMS-based methods were established as orthogonal methods over the recent years. But neither the current ELISA nor LCMS methods can selectively identify enzymatically active HCPs (e.g., polysorbate or protein degrading enzymes). Methods combining the enrichment of enzymatically active HCPs and their identification can close this gap. Here, we present a combination of activity-based protein profiling and LCMS analysis, enabling the set-up of targeted MS-based methods to support process development in a subsequent step.

KEYNOTE PRESENTATION: Merging Automatic Peak Fractionation with a Multitude of MS Workflows—In-Depth Characterisation of ADCs & Other Complex Formats

Photo of Dan Bach Kristensen, PhD, Scientific Director, Symphogen , Scientific Director , Analytical Dev , Symphogen
Dan Bach Kristensen, PhD, Scientific Director, Symphogen , Scientific Director , Analytical Dev , Symphogen

During biopharmaceutical development, product quality is monitored by a range of impurity methods, including liquid chromatography (LC) methods such as size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), reversed-phase chromatography (RPC), and ion-exchange chromatography (IEX). Simultaneously, mass spectrometry is a well-established and essential analytical tool for characterisation of biopharmaceutical product impurities. Here, we present the merger of automated peak fractionation of any type of LC method with any type of MS characterisation, including intact mass analysis and peptide mapping by LC MS. Case studies will include MS characterisation of biopharmaceutical product variants, including ADCs and other complex formats, separated by SEC, CIEX, and RPC.

Enabling Broader Adoption of MAM: Comparison of MAM vs.Conventional Methods

Photo of Diane McCarthy, PhD, Vice President, Global Biologics, US Pharmacopeia , Vice President , Global Biologics , USP
Diane McCarthy, PhD, Vice President, Global Biologics, US Pharmacopeia , Vice President , Global Biologics , USP

While the multi-attribute method (MAM) has potential to improve the efficiency andspecificity of analytical testing, comparison to conventional methods is critical forimplementation in QC. Through a cooperative agreement with US FDA, we haveevaluated the performance of MAM versus conventional methods in detectingdifferences between thermally degraded therapeutic proteins from multiplesources. This presentation will share results and an implementation roadmap tofacilitate broader adoption of MAM.

Refreshment Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing

Panel Moderator:

PANEL DISCUSSION:
AI and Big Data Tools in the Analytical Function and Beyond

Angela Botros, PhD, Process Modeling Expert, DataHow AG , Process Modelling Scientist and Machine Learning Expert , DataHow AG

Panelists:

Jens Traenkle, PhD, Head, PAT & Automation, Product Supply, Pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG , Head, PAT & Automation , Product Supply, Pharmaceuticals , Bayer AG

Shahid Uddin, PhD, Senior Director, Formulation Development and Laboratory Operations, Immunocore , Dir Drug Product Formulation & Stability , Drug Product Formulation & Stability , Immunocore Ltd

Laurens Vergauwen, Process Development Scientist, Technical and Scientific Solutions, Merck , Sr Process Dev Scientist , EMEA , Merck Millipore SA

Sisi Zhang, Principal Scientist, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , Principal Scientist , Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc

Interactive Breakout Discussions

Interactive Breakout Discussions are informal, moderated discussions, allowing participants to exchange ideas and experiences and develop future collaborations around a focused topic. Each discussion will be led by a facilitator who keeps the discussion on track and the group engaged. To get the most out of this format, please come prepared to share examples from your work, be a part of a collective, problem-solving session, and participate in active idea sharing. Please visit the Interactive Breakout Discussions page on the conference website for a complete listing of topics and descriptions.

TABLE 8: IN-PERSON ONLY BREAKOUT:
Developability Assessment of Biotherapeutics – A Solved Problem or an Outstanding Challenge?

Hristo Svilenov, PhD, Associate Professor, TUM , Associate Professor , School of Life Sciences , Technical University of Munich

  • Common developability pitfalls for novel modalities (e.g., bispecifics, ADCs)
  • Strategies for mitigating aggregation, instability, and immunogenicity
  • Real-world constraints in applying developability frameworks
  • Evolving regulatory expectations for developability data​

Close of Day

Thursday, 20 March

Registration and Morning Coffee

ANALYTICAL METHODS FOR FORMULATION DEVELOPMENT

Chairperson’s Remarks

Dan Bach Kristensen, PhD, Scientific Director, Symphogen , Scientific Director , Analytical Dev , Symphogen

FEATURED PRESENTATION: Developability Assessment of Antibodies with a Focus on Interfacial Stability

Photo of Hristo Svilenov, PhD, Associate Professor, TUM , Associate Professor , School of Life Sciences , Technical University of Munich
Hristo Svilenov, PhD, Associate Professor, TUM , Associate Professor , School of Life Sciences , Technical University of Munich

Adsorption and aggregation of antibodies at interfaces presents a risk for developing antibody drug candidates. However, it is difficult to predict this molecule behaviour from the physicochemical properties of the antibodies. In this presentation, I will show our latest work on the developability assessment of antibody drug candidates with a focus on predicting protein adsorption and aggregation induced by interfaces.

Utilising Octanoic Acid to Quantitively Assess the Oxidation Status of Polysorbate 80

Photo of Sisi Zhang, Principal Scientist, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , Principal Scientist , Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc
Sisi Zhang, Principal Scientist, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , Principal Scientist , Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc

A PS80-oxidised product had been discovered and validated to reveal early signs of PS80 oxidation and quantitively describe the status of PS80 oxidation regardless of the stress condition and incubation time. The accuracy and precision of this PS80 oxidation marker measurement agreed with industry guidelines and therefore can be used to indicate the status of PS80 oxidation quantitively.

Enhancing Viral-Vector Stability in Manufacturing: Key Considerations

Photo of Angeles Mecate Zambrano, Senior Scientist, Viral Gene Therapy, Merck KGaA , Senior Scientist , Merck Life Science KGaA
Angeles Mecate Zambrano, Senior Scientist, Viral Gene Therapy, Merck KGaA , Senior Scientist , Merck Life Science KGaA

Viral gene therapy holds great promise for treating complex diseases, but its success depends on producing high-quality viral vectors. Manufacturing these vectors presents challenges, particularly in optimising yield and stability. Here, we delve into physiochemical process conditions that affect AAV particle stability and aggregation, and we provide insights into how additives can improve particle stability and resistance to critical manufacturing process conditions.

Attend Parallel Presentation

Coffee Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing

Nature's Blueprint for Better Drugs: Bioinspired Drug Design and Formulation Strategies

Photo of Iris Batalha, PhD, Associate Professor, Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, Life Sciences, University of Bath , Associate Professor in Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery , Department of Life Sciences , University of Bath
Iris Batalha, PhD, Associate Professor, Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, Life Sciences, University of Bath , Associate Professor in Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery , Department of Life Sciences , University of Bath

Many drugs, particularly novel modalities, face significant formulation and delivery challenges, such as stability, unwanted immunogenicity, and poor biodistribution. By leveraging the principles and structures found in nature, bioinspired drug design and formulation strategies offer a promising approach to address these issues.

EMERGING METHODS TO SUPPORT COMPLEX MODALITIES

Developability Analysis and Considerations for Bispecific Antibodies

Photo of Sean Keng Rui Chia, PhD, Associate Staff Scientist, Analytical Science & Technologies, A STAR , Assoc Staff Scientist , Analytical Science & Technologies , A STAR
Sean Keng Rui Chia, PhD, Associate Staff Scientist, Analytical Science & Technologies, A STAR , Assoc Staff Scientist , Analytical Science & Technologies , A STAR

Despite their therapeutic potential, bispecific antibodies present additional developability challenges compared to traditional monoclonal antibodies, due to their complex structures. Through case studies, we demonstrate how format changes can exacerbate developability issues for bispecific antibodies, such as their aggregation propensity and polyreactivity. Our findings provide new analytical approaches and perspectives to assess next-generation biologics, in the overall aim of driving their rational development.

Attend Parallel Presentation

Networking Lunch in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing

Chairperson’s Remarks

Jimmy Gaudreault, Researcher, Chemical Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal , Researcher , Chemical Engineering , Polytechnique Montréal

New Mass Spectrometry Methodology to Analyse Emerging Biotherapeutics

Photo of Thierry Besson, Principal Scientist, BRC, Novartis Pharma AG , Principal Scientist , BRC , Novartis Pharma AG
Thierry Besson, Principal Scientist, BRC, Novartis Pharma AG , Principal Scientist , BRC , Novartis Pharma AG

Biologics have now evolved from classical mAbs to proteins that are more difficult to analyse, such as therapeutic proteins, multispecifics, novel conjugates, siRNA—and even in the cell and gene therapy space with adeno-associated viruses, for example. With all these new modalities, state-of-the-art analytics must be developed to characterise them in detail, and MS is a major player in this area coupled with diverse liquid chromatography.

Towards Integration of SPR Measurements for at-Line Characterisation of mAb Glycosylation

Photo of Jimmy Gaudreault, Researcher, Chemical Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal , Researcher , Chemical Engineering , Polytechnique Montréal
Jimmy Gaudreault, Researcher, Chemical Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal , Researcher , Chemical Engineering , Polytechnique Montréal

N-glycosylation is a critical quality attribute of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) as it affects binding to Fcγ receptors (FcγR), which impacts the efficacy and safety of MAbs. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) represents a promising avenue for glycosylation monitoring online of a bioreactor, as SPR biosensors can record MAb-FcγR interactions in real-time and without labelling. Using FcγRIIA/B and a low experimental temperature, we suggest a rapid quantification method for galactosylation and fucosylation.

Close of Summit


For more details on the conference, please contact:

Kent Simmons

Senior Conference Director

Cambridge Healthtech Institute

Phone: (+1) 207-329-2964

Email: mailto:ksimmons@healthtech.com

 

For sponsorship information, please contact:

 

Companies A-K

Phillip Zakim-Yacouby

Senior Business Development Manager

Cambridge Healthtech Institute

Phone: (1+) 781-247-1815

Email: pzakim-yacouby@cambridgeinnovationinstitute.com

 

Companies L-Z

Aimee Croke

Business Development Manager

Cambridge Healthtech Institute

Phone: (1+) 781-292-0777

Email: acroke@cambridgeinnovationinstitute.com