With the advent in recombinant DNA technology and increasing number of expiring patents for biopharmaceutical proteins, there are now many opportunities for biosimilar products. However, one of the major hurdles in developing such products is immunogenicity. The AAPS Therapeutic Immunogenicity focus group is presenting for the first time a novel program where eminent scientists from industry will visit the nearby schools to provide an update about unwanted immune responses to therapeutic proteins. This program will focus on various challenges in this field and numerous career opportunities for young scientists.
Objectives
- This initiative is aimed at achieving awareness about immunogenicity of biologics. It is specifically designed to provide free education based on the following objectives:
- Provide a platform where scientists from industry can visit nearby schools
- Help students to gain updated knowledge of immunogenicity related topics and to allow them to expand their wings in related research
- Inform students about career opportunities in the pharmaceutical-Biotech industry
- Provide colleges and their faculty an access to industry experts for free
- Foster sharing of knowledge between academia and industry scientists
Key Player 1: Scientists from Industry
The program involves volunteers who are experienced scientists from such various disciplines in industry such as analysis and pharmaceutical quality, biotechnology, immunology, clinical sciences, pharmaceutics and biologics delivery, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and protein metabolism, and preformulation scientists in protein research. The scientists from industry will share their knowledge/research in this field with budding scientists as well as discover the research carried out in academia.
Key Player 2: Graduate Schools
Schools with research interest in biologics / protein formulations / vaccines / immunology.
Program Guidelines
Interested scientists from industry are requested to provide their contact information and research expertise along with the local area where they can access schools for free. The applicable schools are required to provide their specific topics of interests. Upon receipt of this information, the program organizers will coordinate with scientists and schools to decide upon schedule for the visit.
Expenses
There is no cost to the schools. Because the scientists will be visiting nearby schools, the expenses involved in travelling should be minimal, and thus, it will not demand any travel expense reimbursement.
How to Participate
If you would like participate in this initiative, please contact the student representatives, Tarik Khan or Suprita Tawde.