Day 1 | Day 2
Monday, August 24, 2009
12:00pm Main Conference Registration
1:30 Opening Chairperson’s Remarks
Yvonne A. Reid, Ph.D., Collection/Research Scientist, Cell Biology Program, ATCC
1:40 Opening Keynote Presentation
Case Study: The Organization and Banking of Non-Clinical Biosamples
 Ashley Hayes, Ph.D., Manager, Roche Non-Clinical Biorepository, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG
Laboratories are increasingly collecting and producing biological samples for use in research. This is being driven by the availability of new technologies and analytical methods in molecular biology, genomics and proteomics. It is therefore time to start organizing the documentation, preservation, storage and sharing of the available material. In contrast to simple sample collections, Biorepositories maintain biosamples that may be used multiple times by multiple users over extended periods of time. Therefore, the material stored must be well documented and stored in order that experimental manipulations are consistent and reproducible between subsequent experiments and between different research sites. Biological repositories are not only a tremendous resource for current research but also for future research in areas we cannot envisage at the present time.
This presentation will outline our experience in establishing such a biorepository.
2:20 Featured Presentation
Detection, Treatment and Prevention of Mycoplasma Contamination of Cell Cultures
 Cord C. Uphoff, Ph.D., Department of Human and Animal Cell Lines, DSMZ - German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures
Although known for many years, a high proportion of scientists are not aware of the potential contamination of cell cultures with mycoplasmas. As seen in our cell repository, about 25% of the incoming cell lines are infected with mycoplasmas. Almost all of the infections are caused by 7 different species from human, porcine and bovine source. These commensalic or parasitic bacteria cannot be detected by rotine inspection of the cell cultures. Faulty cell culture technique appears to be also the main reason for the similarly high incidence of cross-contaminated cell lines.
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2:55 Fully Automated 3D Cell Culture Provides Standardized, Biologically Relevant, and High Production Human Cells
Robin A. Felder, Ph.D., Professor of Pathology, Associate Director, Clinical Chemistry, The University of Virginia
Research and stem cell culture for drug discovery and therapeutics face many challenges including the need for economical large-scale culture expansion and long-term maintenance of consistent quality. The majority of automated systems have focused on 2D cell culture formats, which have demonstrated limited capability in stem cell expansion and retention of pluripotency. We have created a unique pipettable magnetic 3D substrate that unifies stem cell culture, cryogenic storage, and packaging on existing liquid handling robotic platforms. Furthermore, our technology also supports direct from culture to assay 3D cell-based screening. Data will be presented that include cell yields, controlled differentiation, and biochemical response for a number of research and stem cells. Modern 3D cell culture techniques will be objectively discussed in the context of creating new standards for stem cell production and screening.
3:25 Networking Refreshment Break with Exhibit and Poster Viewing
4:05 Moderated Small-Group Breakout Discussions
Join with your colleagues to discuss the crucial issues associated with culturing mammalian cells and expressing protein using specialized host systems. Small-group discussions are a great way to network, exchange information, and develop collaborations. Each table topic is facilitated by an expert in the field, and discussions can be lively and spirited.
1. Minimum Requirements to Obtain Consistent and Reproducible Results in Cell-Based Assays
Moderator: Yvonne A. Reid, Ph.D., Collection/Research Scientist, Cell Biology Program, ATCC
2. Adopting Automation for 3D Cell Culture
Moderator: Robin A Felder, Ph.D., Professor, Pathology, Associate Director, Clinical Chemistry, The University of Virginia
This breakout session will provide practical knowledge that is derived from Dr. Felder’s podium presentation (“Fully Automated 3D Cell Culture Provides Standardized, Biologically Relevant, and High Production Human Cells”). Specifically, the discussion will focus on the critical success factors for converting from 2D to 3D cell culture and ultimately to fully-automated 3D cell culture and transitioning into the researcher’s workflow. Though many 3D formats have been discussed and/or introduced into the marketplace, the adoption of any technology must be based on practical techniques and ease of use.
3. Do’s and Don’ts for Cell Culture CRO’s and CMO’s
Moderator: Ed Lee, Ph.D., President, BioPharm Consulting
- Global CRO’s and CMO’s
- Global CMO Capacity
- Risks and Benefits of Outsourcing
- Managing CRO’s and CMO’s
- Conflicts of Interest
- How to Use a CRO or CMO Successfully
- How to Become a Successful CRO or CMO
4. Choosing a Production Platform in Mammalian Cell Culture
Moderator: Kathryn Golden, M.Eng., Associate Scientist III, Upstream Process Development, PERCIVIA
- The pros and cons of various production platforms
- Comparing and contrasting batch, fed-batch, XD, perfusion, etc.
- The parameters of cell culture performance
- Products of interest
- Process economics
5. Everlasting Myths Surrounding Modern Cell Culture
Moderator: Ferruccio Messi, Ph.D., Founder, President & CEO, Cell Culture Technologies
- Do cells require complex supplements (hydrolysates) to grow?
- My cells don't grow - is it always the culture medium?
- What are the essential nutrients for CHO cells?
- Does high titer equal high quality?
More Table Topics to be Added – If you would like to moderate a small-group discussion, please contact the Conference Director, Mary Ruberry at mruberry@healthtech.com
5:15 Roundtable Report Out – Each topic leader will present a brief report of the group’s discussion to the meeting delegates.
5:30 Reception in the Exhibit Hall (Sponsorship Available)
6:30 End of Day
For more information, please contact:
Mary Ruberry, Conference Director
Cambridge Healthtech Institute
Phone: 781-972-5421
E-mail: mruberry@healthtech.com
For sponsorship information, please contact:
Suzanne Carroll, Manager, Business Development
Cambridge Healthtech Institute
Phone: 781-972- 5452
E-mail: scarroll@healthtech.com