Session Abstract – PMWC 2023 Silicon Valley
The PMWC 2023 Clinical & Research Tools Showcase will provide a 15-minute time slot for selected companies in this space. The Clinical & Research Tools is a showcase for innovative technologies that are used for the analysis of genetic variation and function, helping to advance breakthroughs in genetic health, rare disease conditions on individuals of all ages, complex diseases and cancer care. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) and microarray technologies empower rapidly evolving genomic revolution.
Confirmed Presenting Companies:
Speaker Profile
Biography
Dr. Corina J Shtir holds a Ph.D. from the University of Southern California in Biostatistics with applications in Statistical Genetics and Epidemiology, a postdoctoral degree in neuroscience from the University of California Los Angeles, and a second postdoctoral degree in statistical genetics applied in diabetes at Cambridge, UK. Prior to her current role, Dr. Shtir was Global VP and Head of Precision Medicine at Thermo Fisher Scientific, where she led the growth of Thermo Fishers Precision Medicine segment into an operation encompassing more than 200 large or nationalscale programs, with a presence in 100+ countries. Dr. Shtir drives new business, strategy, and product development, expanding InterOmes global reach through multidisciplinary collaborations, joint ventures, and external partnerships.
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Clinical & Research Tools Showcase:
InterOme Inc
InterOme is a digital health company that combines >30 years of experience in public health and precision medicine, custom software development, management services, and large-scale system integration. We solve general systemic problems through highly specialized approaches and deploy single-user applications up to enterprise-wide business systems.
Rapid Operationalization of Environmental & Biothreat Surveillance
InterOme provides digital and industry framework to assess and evaluate public health through integrative and automated operations.
Speaker Profile
Biography
Applying his experience in technology assessment and immunoassay commercialization to the comprehensive liquid biopsy space, David joined Epic Sciences in the fall of 2020. Highlights over the past two years include advancements in prostate cancer assays as well as the development of the DefineMBC liquid biopsy for diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer. Prior to Epic Sciences, David spent 11 years at Thermo Fisher Scientific in the next-gen immunoassay arena for biomarker discovery-to-validation workflows. Highlights include serving as Sr. R&D Manager to lead development of the ProQuantum High Sensitivity Immunoassay, as well as holding roles in the Office of the Chief Scientific Officer, and the corporate COVID-19 diagnostic testing task force. Earlier in David’s career, he developed Luminex xMAP immunoassay automation platforms for PerkinElmer and spent time performing inflammatory disease research at Pfizer. David’s Ph.D. and postdoctoral fellowship research focused on G protein coupled receptor signaling and thrombosis.
Clinical & Research Tools Showcase:
Epic Sciences
Speaker Profile
Biography
Dr. Martis Cowles is a scientist / entrepreneur focused on the democratization and scaling of ultra-sensitive chromatin profiling technologies to unlock the full potential of epigenomics for drug development and clinical research. He first joined EpiCypher to lead their non-dilutive fund-raising efforts, which has been widely successful - securing >$45M in funding to support new technology development. Currently, Dr. Cowles leads EpiCyphers business segment, which oversees fund raising, partnering, licensing, and IP. Martis earned his PhD from the University of California San Diego, studying transcriptional networks that control adult neurogenesis and brain patterning. Prior to joining EpiCypher, Dr. Cowles studied developmental signaling pathways that underlie cortical stem cell function in the developing mouse brain.
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Clinical & Research Tools Showcase:
EpiCypher
EpiCypher continuously pushes technology boundaries to deliver innovative products and services to epigenetics and chromatin biology researchers. From our strong scientific expertise and rigor to our focus on customer success, EpiCypher is proud to be an epigenetics company For Scientists, By Scientists.
Leverage quantitative epigenomics for PM
EpiCypher's CUTANA® CUT&RUN/Tag technology is revolutionizing how epigenetic biomarkers can be identified for accelerated drug development.
Speaker Profile
Biography
Mr. Daniel J. Harma has more than 30 years of experience in the medical device industry, notably in in-vitro diagnostics, molecular diagnostics, and hematology markets. Prior to joining Pillar Biosciences, he served as Chief Commercial Officer at NeuMoDxTM where he led the commercial team and assisted in transitioning the business from research and development stage to full commercialization. Previously, he held multiple roles at Abbott Laboratories, Inc., in both the Diagnostics and Molecular divisions. His positions included oversight of product marketing, sales leadership, and commercial development. Mr. Harma received his MBA from Loyola University and his BBA in Marketing from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
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Clinical & Research Tools Showcase:
Pillar Biosciences
Pillar Biosciences is the leader in Decision Medicine™, which is the utilization of highly accurate and sensitive next-generation sequencing (NGS) testing technology to quickly and accurately generate data that optimizes selection of precision therapies for cancer patients.
Leveraging NGS To Enable Localized Decision Medicine
Pillar Biosciences is enabling "Decision Medicine" by enabling localized, more accurate, cost effective and efficient NGS testing.
Speaker Profile
Biography
Dr. Suma Shankar is a Professor in the Departments of Pediatrics and Ophthalmology and is Chief of Genomic Medicine at UC Davis. She is the Director of Precision Genomic Program and holds the Albert Rowe Endowed Chair of Genetics II. She graduated from Bangalore Medical College, India and has a PhD from UIowa. She is board certified in Medical Genetics from the American College of Medical Genetics & Genomics. She initiated the UC Davis Precision Genomics program to provide personalized health care to all in an equitable manner using state-of-the-art whole genome sequencing to determine the underlying genetic etiology in individuals with nonverbal autism/ neurodevelopmental disorders and in those going through “Diagnostic Odysseys.” Additionally, in collaboration with the Mouse Biology Program at UC Davis, she has initiated several small animal models resulting in new gene discovery, proving pathogenicity of several “variants of uncertain significance” and provided models for functional studies and translational research.
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Clinical & Research Tools Showcase:
UC Davis
Nationally renowned UC Davis Medical Center is a leading referral center for the most seriously injured or ill patients and the most medically complex cases. It is nationally ranked in nine adult and five pediatric specialty areas.
Advancing translational genomics in the clinic (ATGC)
Genome sequencing and translational research can end diagnostic odysseys resulting in precision care and management.
Speaker Profile
Biography
Experienced Application and Development Scientist with a demonstrated history of working in the life science industry. 10+ years of R&D/product development in molecular diagnostics industry. Now specializing in design and development for life science commercialization (NGS and Molecular Diagnostics).
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Clinical & Research Tools Showcase:
Launchworks
LaunchWorks CDMO is a FDA Registered, ISO 13485 Certified & cGMP Compliant CDMO offering comprehensive services covering product development, custom chemistry formulation, fulfillment, supply chain development and consultation. We are a reliable and fast-acting partner, driving speed to market for Life Sciences Businesses.
Commercialization in the Post COVID-19 Life Science Ecosystem
One of the main sources of risk during commercialization is the development of the products supply chain.
Speaker Profile
Biography
Tamas has a background in molecular biology and bioinformatics. He has been working in the area of precision medicine since 2002 when he joined a startup in Berlin developing tests for early detection and treatment response prediction using biomarkers for cancer based on DNA methylation. Within the 7 years at Epigenomics he held various roles involving bioinformatics, statistics, and technology development. After Epigenomics, Tamas focused on precision medicine approaches in ovarian cancer for a couple of years before joining Genedata. Tamas has been at Genedata for 13 years and lead to the formation of the Genedata Profiler business unit, focusing on digitalizing translational research and enabling efficient precision medicine development.
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Clinical & Research Tools Showcase:
Genedata AG
Genedata transforms data into intelligence with innovative software solutions incorporating extensive domain knowledge. Leading biopharmaceutical organizations rely on Genedata to digitalize and automate R&D processes. From discovery to clinic, Genedata solutions help maximize the ROI in R&D. Founded in 1997, Genedata is headquartered in Switzerland.
Digitalizing Biomarker R&D for Precision Medicine
How to Accelerate Translational & Clinical Research Through Digitalization
Speaker Profile
Biography
My mission at Sampled is to provide expert technical resources to clients, evaluate and adopt new technologies and to coordinate outreach initiatives designed to promote understanding of the services provided by Sampled to commercial and academic clients around the world. In my time at Sampled, I previously directed our Sample Processing Services laboratories, with oversight of all operations relating to blood fractionation, cell and stem cell culture and nucleic acid extraction. These laboratories have evolved to establish a new paradigm in SMART laboratory operations. I also helped to build the third largest SARS-CoV2 testing lab in the United States. I currently serve as the Director of the Sampled College of American Pathologists (CAP) Biorepository.
In my previous career I served on the faculties of Rutgers University and the Baylor College of Medicine with background training as a bench scientist in Genetics and Neurodevelopment.
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Clinical & Research Tools Showcase:
Sampled
Sampled SMART Labs mission is to be the lab behind every transformative health innovation. Our vision is a world where we make it faster and easier for health innovators to improve human health by providing comprehensive sample collection and processing solutions.
The Leading Global Integrated Analytical Biorepository
Sampled SMART lab services allow our clients to focus on the objectives of their research.
Speaker Profile
Biography
Scott joined CDD in early 2022 to help refine and grow the Pharma Knowledgebase(PharmaKB) business. Scott has over 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical research industry. His career has focused on the development and commercialization of informatics tools and services that improve the drug discovery & development process. Scott has served in multiple senior leadership roles including VP, GM at Tripos, Inc. a Computer Aided Molecular Design company, Co-Founder & CEO of ChemNavigator.com an online chemistry services company which was acquired by Sigma-Aldrich Inc., and Commercial Director of Elsevier Life Sciences Professional Services.
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Clinical & Research Tools Showcase:
CDD, Inc.
CDD advances science through better data management. It’s flagship product, CDD Vault®, is a hosted informatics solution that allows researchers to organize data and experiments and securely collaborate. CDD also offers the Pharma Knowledgebase(PharmaKB), providing semantic data on preclinical, clinical, and post-approval developments.
ML for Drug Profiles & Bioassay Registration
FAIR commercial Drug profile data and new ML technology for the automated annotation and registration of bioassays.
Speaker Profile
Biography
Ted has been leading new companies in the life science sector in C-Level roles for over 20 years. with a hybrid background in BioPharma Rx, Molecular Dx and medical device sectors. Focused primarily on commercialization of novel products for the oncology market, he has successfully built and led teams that have broken new ground in the field, leading to widespread adoption and value-based pricing.
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Clinical & Research Tools Showcase:
FormaPath
FormaPath is developing tools and systems to automate the pre-analytic workflow in AP Labs -- from scalpel to slide!
Census-level staging to improve surgical oncology
Introducing a novel device for AP labs that automates and standardizes nodal dissection, saving time & money
Speaker Profile
Biography
Chris is a drug hunter with 25+ years of experience in large pharma and biotech. He spent 20 years at Eli Lilly and Co. where he helped bring over 10 molecules into the clinic across multiple therapeutic areas and across both small and large molecule modalities. Prior to leaving Eli Lilly in 2019, Chris was Vice President of Quantitative Biology. Most recently Chris was CSO at Fulcrum Therapeutics, a clinical stage biotech focused on rare diseases, where he was responsible for the full range of drug discovery, translational science and early development activities including building and advancing the company’s preclinical portfolio through Phase 1 clinical trials. He was the scientific lead for FTX-6058 that is currently in phase 1 clinical testing for Sickle Cell Disease. Chris was instrumental in creating multiple business development partnerships and with engaging the investment community to achieve multiple rounds of financing for the company.
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Clinical & Research Tools Showcase:
Rarebase, PBC
Rarebase is a precision medicine company dedicated to efficiently discovering potential therapeutic opportunities for people living with rare genetic diseases.
Accelerating a Path Forward for Rare Disease Drug Discovery
Rarebase has built a platform to efficiently discover potential therapies for genetically defined rare diseases.
Speaker Profile
Biography
Eleanor has over 8 years of experience in the automated liquid handling industry along with a Masters of Science in Applied Genomics and a Bachelors of Science in Molecular and Cell Biology, both degrees from UCONN. She was at Tecan for just over a year as the western Applications Team Manager and prior to Tecan, was at Roche (Kapa Biosystems) for over six years as a Sr. Field Automation Scientist.
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Clinical & Research Tools Showcase:
Watchmaker Genomics
Watchmaker applies advanced enzymology to enable breakthroughs in reading, writing, and editing nucleic acids.
Improving DNA and RNA sequencing from FFPE
Watchmaker’s simple, rapid DNA and RNA NGS solutions deliver sensitive performance with FFPE samples
Speaker Profile
Biography
Respected authority in genomic research. Specialized expertise in recombinant protein expression modeling and in vitro diagnostic assay development for cancer mutations. Peerless focus on regulatory study design, analytical accuracy and specificity, execution management, protocol and report writing.
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Clinical & Research Tools Showcase:
Precision for Medicine
We provide the Biospecimens and Specialty Labs, a full-service CRO,and Regulatory Support needed for your diagnostic and therapeutic R&D globally. We have built one of the world’s most extensive biobanks and sample collection networks, capable of meeting the stringent needs of any disease research program.
Speaker Profile
Biography
Thomas has more than 25 years of experience and expertise as an entrepreneur working with companies that have a strong technological base. Before Pirche he was the co-founder and former CEO of the biopharmaceutical company "NOXXON Pharma" (EPA: ALNOX), based in Berlin. In 2004, Thomas was co-founder of Arcway (Berlin), the first spin-off from the Hasso-Plattner Institute in Potsdam and served as its chariman until it was sold in 2010. Additionally, Thomas established Be the Partner, LLC based in the USA in 2015 and served for 14 years as the business development advisor and legal representative for all clinical trials in Europe of "Pluristem" (NASDAQ: PSTI), Haifa, a leading provider of cell therapy products.
Clinical & Research Tools Showcase:
Pirche AG
Pirche is a digital diagnostic company working with industry leaders and over 650 clinics globally. With our patented, AI-powered epitope matching platform, we improve clinical outcomes for transplant and oncology patients by providing unparalleled decision support to medical professionals.
Future of Transplant Medicine
Introducing: PIRCHE®—an epitope matching technology using standard testing and cutting-edge artificial intelligence algorithms to support medical professionals.
Speaker Profile
Biography
Tim Fugmann holds a PhD from ETH Zurich and has directed the target discovery efforts at the Philogen group (CH) before becoming Prof. for mass spectrometry-based proteomics in Germany. He co-founded Alithea Bio to facilitate and accelerate development of peptide HLA-targeted therapeutics such as TCR mimics and TCR T cell therapies. With Alithea his vision is to create a holistic view on the HLA-presented peptides to understand and guide immune reactions in individuals. For this, Alithea has created a large HLA peptide database from 3000 samples covering 1.1 Million ligands and their abundance in health and disease. Further, Alithea can readily identify novel targets and potential on and off-target toxicities. Alithea finally has a collection of HLA-typed healthy tissue samples in which epitopes of interest can be quantified down to few molecules per cell.
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Clinical & Research Tools Showcase:
Alithea Bio UG
Alithea Bio focuses on HLA-presented peptides and facilitates highly sensitive detection and quantification for target discovery, validation and tox prediction. Alithea has a cloud-based HLA peptide database with >1.1 Million epitopes and their abundance in health and disease facilitating precision medicine applications
A holistic view on the HLA peptidome
Big data and highly sensitive MS technology facilitates detection and quantification of clinical HLA peptide targets