Workshops include an extended presentation and a Q&A from each host, followed by deep discussion sessions to gain a more thorough understanding of the subject, allowing greater time for collaboration compared to the main day conference presentations.
8:00 am Check-In & Coffee
Preclinical
9:00 am Demystifying Fundamental Mechanisms of Allogeneic Rejection to Understand Immune Responses & Enhance Therapeutic Success
Synopsis
As a central hurdle in the field, allogeneic rejection is a complex process with little understanding of the mechanisms behind it. Here, participants will gain an understanding of the immune pathways involved in allogeneic rejection and discuss emerging research aimed at improving the viability and efficacy of allogeneic therapies.
Join this workshop to:
- Define the biological mechanisms behind allogeneic rejection, including immune system recognition, activation, and effector phases
- Explore the role of T-cells, natural killer cells, and antibody-mediated responses in allogeneic rejection
- Understand the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and minor histocompatibility antigens (mHAs) and their roles in immune recognition of donor cells
- Review the latest research and potential future strategies for overcoming allogeneic rejection
Manufacturing & Process Development
9:00 am Strategic Donor Sourcing to Enhance Quality & Minimize Variability of Allogeneic Cells
Synopsis
Selecting the right donor is a critical first step in the manufacturing of allogeneic cell therapies, impacting both product consistency and patient outcomes. This workshop will explore the complexities of donor selection, covering best practices, regulatory considerations, and challenges in donor sourcing for scalable, high-quality cell therapies.
Join this workshop to:
- Explore criteria for donor selection to ensure safety, potency, and consistency in allogeneic therapies
- Understand the ethical, logistical, and regulatory considerations in donor sourcing for clinical applications
- Gain insights into how genetic and immunological profiling can optimize donor compatibility
- Learn about emerging technologies that streamline donor assessment and improve scalability
- Discuss strategies to address variability and supply chain challenges in sourcing healthy, reliable donors
12:00 pm Lunch Break & Networking
1:00 pm Navigating Challenges in Expanding Allogeneic Therapies into Solid Tumors to Capture Unmet Needs
Synopsis
In recent years, cell therapies have revolutionized the treatment landscape for hematologic malignancies, showcasing remarkable efficacy. However, translating these successes to solid tumors presents unique challenges but also, vast opportunities.
Join this workshop to:
- Gain insights into the unique challenges of targeting solid tumors with allogeneic therapies and the strategies to overcome them
- Understand the critical importance of selecting the right indications for allogeneic therapy expansion, maximizing impact on patient care
- Discuss the potential of engineering cell products tailored for solid tumor microenvironments and unmet indications
1:00 pm Consistency & Control in Cell Phenotypes: Ensuring Reliable Expansion for Scalable Manufacturing
Synopsis
As allogeneic developers prepare for pivotal scale-up, understanding how to maintain uniformity in cell characteristics becomes crucial. The workshop will explore the latest methodologies, technologies, and best practices for optimizing cell expansion processes.
Join this workshop to:
- Explore the complexities of achieving consistent cell phenotypes in the context of allogeneic therapies and understand the factors that contribute to variability
- Learn about the latest technologies and methods for isolating and purifying cells, balancing the need for consistency with the demands of time and cost
- Understand regulatory expectations for uniformity in cell manufacturing, and how these standards impact production processes
- Discuss the biological scaling challenges unique to cells, including how cell behavior changes when scaling from small batches to large-scale production