Next-Gen Immunoassay Platforms for Biomarkers

In this virtual meeting, we will cover the various immunoassay platforms, ranging from the full spectrum single analyte ELISA portfolio to large Multiplex panel platforms. We will also discuss the next-generation ultrasensitive technologies. A special focus will be placed on assay development and validation.

For many years biomarkers have been used in preclinical studies that yield preliminary efficacy, toxicity, pharmacokinetic and safety information to predict whether a drug is ready for clinical trial. Today, assays to monitor predictive biomarkers during drug development related clinical trials require flexible and customizable technology platforms and Immunoassay technologies are ideally suited for biomarker monitoring.

Characteristics in an immunoassay such as low sample volume requirements, reduced hands-on time and costs, have been further refined from the original ELISA principle, into large panel multiplex assays with the MILLIPLEX^® multiplexing kits based on the Luminex Corp xMAP^®technology.

Vendors have strived to complement existing technologies by adding next-generation, digital immunoassay platforms capable of ultra-sensitive detection at femtogram/mL biomarker concentrations such as the SMC™ Single Molecule Counting Technology.

Agenda / Presentations / Speakers :

Time: 9:00 – 9:10 (CET)

Welcome by Hosts - Claudia Müller & Dr.Jens Baron

Time: 9:15 – 10:00 (CET)

From the first immunoassay to Multiplex and their use in GLP-studies.
1950 to Multiplex - This presentation will give a journey through the development of immunoassays, as well as the use of immunoassays in regulatory studies.

Speaker: Dr. Jörg Lehmann - Head of Department Preclinical Development and Validation, Head of GLP Test Facility & Claudia Müller - Head of Inflammation and Tumor Models Unit, both Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI)

Time: 10:05 – 10:35 (CET)

Introduction to Merck’s Immunoassay Platform Solutions (IPS) Portfolio

Merck’s IPS portfolio ranges from HQ ELISAs to market-leading Multiplex panels and the next-generation, ultrasensitive SMC platform (single molecule counting). Rounded by custom assay development and validation services, Merck offers a brought and flexible solution to fulfill the needs of partners.

Speaker: Dr. Jens Baron - Protein and Biomarker Specialist, Immunoassay Platform Solutions, Merck

Break: 10:35 – 10:45 (CET)

Time: 10:45 – 11:30 (CET)

Immunology and inflammation applications on the MILLIPLEX^® and SMC™ Technology - from Screening to Stratification

Case studies in the drug discovery workflow. Studying immune checkpoint proteins and circulating cancer-immunity biomarkers in breast cancer, inflammation biomarkers in rheumatoid arthritis, and quantifying the biological inflammation time course following skeletal muscle injury.

Speaker: Daniel Garcia West, Sales Manager, Immunoassay Platform Solutions, Italy, Spain, Nordics and UK, Merck

Time: 11:35 – 12:20 (CET)

Merck’s Belysa Curve Fitting Software - Demo & Training

Quickly check replicate % CV’s and standard point recovery, check that plates ran consistently, confirm lot-to-lot similarity, analyze data from ELISA readers and Luminex^® or SMCxPRO^® instruments

Speaker: Robert Hardcastle, Instrument Field Applications Specialist, Immunoassay Platform Solutions, Merck