Conference Day Two

Uncovering Model Complexity to Support Future Drug Development Workflows

9:20 am Chair’s Opening Remarks

9:30 am Fireside chat: How Complex Is Complex? Uncovering Unique Perspectives on Model Complexity

Synopsis

  • Exploring different perspectives across the industry on the optimal level of complexity in 3D tissue models for drug discovery
  • Delving into how different research objectives and disease contexts influence the choice of model complexity, considering organoids, spheroids, microphysiological systems, and organ-on-a-chip
  • Exploring potential innovations and technologies that could influence the evolving landscape of model complexity, with an emphasis on fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange

10:15 am Simplified High Throughput Imaging of Intact 3D Suspension Cultures Using Large Particle Cytometry

Synopsis

  • Explore how the Velocyt large particle imaging cytometer by BennuBio revolutionizes your 3D workflows, offering rapid imaging of hundreds to thousands of particles in under 5 minutes: Analyze the size, shape, and scatter properties of iPSC aggregates or other 3D samples directly from suspension cultures, eliminating the cumbersome steps of centrifugation or other sample preparation steps
  • Simplify the assessment of immune cell or nanoparticle penetration into organoids and spheroids, providing rapid insights into complex biological interactions
  • Delve into the Velocyt's automated total sample return functionality, facilitating further downstream or longitudinal studies reducing costs and saving time and resources

10:25 am Morning Break & Networking Coffee

Harnessing Organoids to Organ-On-A-Chip to Better Understand the Blood-Brain Barrier & Other Neurological Disorders

11:25 am Harnessing Complex in vitro models to Uncover Neuromuscular Disorders

  • Jason Ekert Head of Discovery Translational Technology, UCB S.A.

Synopsis

  • Showcasing the utilization of neuromuscular models to assess a spectrum of disorders potentially including mitochondrial diseases, or muscular dystrophy, or immune related responses
  • Evaluating the efficacy of candidates within the neuromuscular context through these chosen models
  • Discussing how the efficacy assessments in neuromuscular models contribute to the optimization of candidate treatments, paving the way for enhanced interventions in the field

11:55 am Mastermind Session: Uncovering Optimized Techniques That People Across the Industry Implement to Improve Their Models

Synopsis

  • Inspecting the latest techniques and advancements in organoid technology that enhance the accuracy of predicting adverse effects including proteomics, spatial biology techniques, AI/ML
  • Addressing challenges and presenting solutions in scaling up organoid-based models to meet the demands of high throughput screening
  • Examining strategies to enhance the translation of findings from organoid-based studies into clinical applications

12:55 pm Lunch Break

Moving To Newer Model Types to Improve Model Research & Drug Development

1:25 pm Panel: What Does the Future of 3D Tissue Modelling Look Like to You?

  • David Zhang Head of Bioengineering, ODDITY LABS
  • Max Friesen Postdoctoral Associate, Whitehead MIT
  • Muriel Lize Associate Director in vitro respiratory research, Boehringer Ingelheim

Synopsis

  • Discussing the exciting model developments that have recently gained traction
  • Uncovering the use of models for personalized medicine or personalized patient treatment regimes
  • Addressing the potential use of artificial intelligence to empower current workflows

2:10 pm Leveraging 3D Transwell Models to Uncover Deep Insights into Respiratory Antiviral Therapeutics

Synopsis

  • Highlighting the innovative features of the model, emphasizing its significance in providing valuable insights into the efficacy of antiviral interventions
  • Exploring the capabilities of the 3D transwell model in visualizing virus interactions within and on tissue
  • Discussing how findings from the model can contribute to the development of effective antiviral strategies, bridging the gap between benchtop research and clinical applications

2:40 pm Chair’s Closing Remarks & End of Summit