Skip to Content
Merck
CN
HomeWebinarsAdventitious Agent Testing by NGS: A Comprehensive Solution with Targeted and Non-targeted Methods

Adventitious Agent Testing by NGS: A Comprehensive Solution with Targeted and Non-targeted Methods



WEBINAR

An important aspect of viral safety assurance for biologics is a panel of orthogonal virus detection assays performed during cell line characterization. Increasingly, regulations are being updated to recommend the use of molecular methods for biosafety testing, especially to replace outdated animal-based testing.

In this context, the correct selection of assays is critical to retain sufficient breadth of virus detection and sensitivity to mitigate the risk of contamination events. In this webinar, we explore the use of non-targeted next generation sequencing (NGS), combined with targeted molecular methods, to encompass a suitable range of viruses to meet specific regulatory expectations.

In this webinar, you will learn:

  • What regulators expect from your cell line characterization package for adventitious virus testing
  • Different methods employed in targeted and non-targeted approaches
  • How our orthogonal NGS approaches comply with ICH Q5A(R2) and other recent regulatory updates
  • How molecular methods can support sustainability and 3R initiatives by replacing animal testing

Speakers

Anna Woodward, Ph.D.

Anna Woodward, Ph.D.

Merck

Technical Consultant

Anna Woodward joined the organization in 2019 and has 20 years’ experience providing technical support to developers and manufacturers of small molecules and biologics. In her current role as a Technical Consultant, Anna supports the BioReliance® services portfolio and works closely with clients and internal colleagues to provide scientific and regulatory guidance on biosafety testing packages. Anna holds a PhD in cell biology from the University of Dundee, Scotland.

Leyla Diaz, Ph.D.

Leyla Diaz, Ph.D.

Merck

Technical Consultant, Scientific and Regulatory Consultancy

Leyla Diaz, PhD is a Technical Consultant in Scientific and Regulatory Consultancy supporting the BioReliance® Contract Testing Services. She provides scientific and regulatory support in biosafety testing and characterization of biological therapeutic products for global customers. Leyla has 20 years of industry experience in product and assay development of therapeutic antibodies and vaccines. Leyla received her doctorate in Microbiology from the University of Maryland, College Park followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco.