Pre-Conference Workshop Day - Tuesday | October 1, 2024

7:30 am Check-In & Coffee

8:30 – 10:30
Workshop A

Overcoming the Complex Nature of Macrophage Biology to Tackle Inconsistencies in Terminology & Categorization

Synopsis

Delving into the complex biology of macrophage to distinguish and categorize their interactions and signaling to other cell types, while addressing inconsistencies and oversimplification that often lead to confusion in this space.

Join this workshop to:

  • Benchmark standard terminology and categorization of macrophage biology to facilitate clearer communication
  • Refine macrophage categorization to better capture the complexities of macrophage biology
  • Align biopharma and academia on the latest advancements in defining macrophages

10:30 am Morning Break & Networking

11:00 – 1:00
Workshop B

Exploring Diverse Models & Assessing Their Suitability for Macrophage-Directed Therapies

  • Debashis Sahoo Associate Professor, University of California, San Diego

Synopsis

Navigating a range of models currently used to address the complexity of macrophage therapies within human scenarios, and delving into recent challenges faced in minding suitable models.

Join this workshop to:

  • Break down the current models in use, to reveal the scope of approaches in this space
  • Discuss the advantages and limitations of different models in their ability to reflect complex biology
  • Consider what models align seamlessly with your pipeline to select the best possible option

1:00 pm Lunch Break & Networking

2:00 – 4:00
Workshop C

Addressing Challenges in Manufacturing to Outline a Range of Cell Sources & Optimize Methods

  • David Rodgers Senior Director, Macrophage Cell Therapy, Shoreline Biosciences
  • Mary Keever Associate Director, Process Development, Inceptor Bio

Synopsis

Discussing the complexities and challenges of manufacturing macrophages and exploring various cell sources, including iPSC-derived and HSC-derived cells.

Join this workshop to:

  • Understand the manufacturing challenges posed by the non-proliferative nature of macrophages and explore techniques to reduce cell loss and maintain yield
  • Focus on the manufacturing of iPSC-derived Macrophages (iMacs) and assess their advantages
  • Explore the manufacturing of autologous HSC-derived monocyte cell therapies

4:00 pm End of Pre-Conference Workshop Day