Short Courses*

Monday, October 23

Morning | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

SC1: Mechanism of Action and Risk Based Approach for Developing Neutralizing Ab Assays - Detailed Agenda

Instructors: Jim McNally, Ph.D., Associate Director, PDM Immunogenicity Expert, EMD Serono

Shan Chung, Ph.D., Senior Scientist, Bioanalytical Sciences, Genentech, Inc.

The development of neutralizing antibody assays is a daunting task that is complicated by the specific nature of each biotherapeutic. Many factors must be assessed to choose the proper assay format, to develop a robust assay, and to decide when to invest in the development and implementation of these assays. This short course will focus on these topics and provide examples of current industry practices and publications. Specific focus will be given to a mechanism of action based approach to selecting the assay format, and relevant case studies will be provided.

Afternoon | 2:30 - 5:30 PM

SC2: Overcoming Drug Target Interference in ADA Assays - Detailed Agenda

Instructors: Jim McNally, Ph.D., Associate Director,DM Immunogenicity Expert, EMD Serono

Jad Zoghbi, Ph.D., Senior Scientist, Biomarkers and Clinical Bioanalysis, Sanofi

Soluble drug or drug target can often interfere in the detection of anti-drug antibodies. Although not always straightforward, it can be addressed and mitigated in a properly designed immunoassay. This short course will give an overview of the different types of interferences and current methodologies and approaches being utilized to resolve or reduce them.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24

dinner SHORT COURSE | 6:30 - 9:30 PM

SC3: Validation of ADA Assays and Cut Point Calculations - Detailed Agenda

Instructors: Viswanath Devanarayan, Ph.D., Executive Director, Head of Global Statistics, Charles River Laboratories

Jim McNally, Ph.D., Associate Director, PDM Immunogenicity Expert, EMD Serono

This short course will focus on the validation of ADA assays and cut point evaluations. We will provide an in-depth overview of the basic considerations around ADA assay validation, with significant focus on the process of evaluating different types of cut-points, and the translation of the cut-point established during validation to real world implementation during a preclinical or clinical study.

Wednesday, October 25

dinner SHORT COURSE | 6:15 - 9:15 PM

SC4: Advice on Putting Together an Integrated Summary of Immunogenicity - Detailed Agenda

Instructors: Joao Pedras-Vasconcelos, Ph.D., Biotech Quality and Immunogenicity Reviewer, Office of Biotechnology Products, CDER-FDA

Bonnie Rup, Ph.D., Bonnie Rup Consulting LLC

The purpose of this workshop is to share experience gained in preparing and reviewing the “Integrated Summary of Immunogenicity”, and to provide case examples to illustrate the multi-disciplinary information that is most useful for the regulator assessing the scale of risk of undesirable immunogenicity for overall clinical benefit vs. risk. It will examine the sponsor team's role and provide examples of how to address potential issues (and avoid introducing any new ones!) by generating a well-thought-out and constructed integrated summary.

*Separate registration required.