A promotional image for a CGT webinar series by Pharmaron titled "A Holistic Approach to AAV Advanced Analytics." It features photos and titles of three speakers: Prof. Perdita Barran, Paul Getty, and Ellen Liggett from the University of Manchester, highlighting key topics like bioanalytical development.

A Holistic Approach to AAV Advanced Analytics

Recorded: April 2022

This webinar will discuss some of the AAV advanced analytical capabilities available to Pharmaron for AAV characterization.

View on demand

Key messages on AAV Advanced Analytics: 

  • AAV advanced analytical testing must overcome a range of challenges associated with the complexity of the viral vector format: ​
    • High molecular mass and level of heterogeneity (capsid composition, payload e.g., empty, partial, full)​
    • Diverse range of post-translational modifications​
    • Host cell protein from the expression system​
  • Techniques used routinely for the characterization of other advanced therapies do not necessarily translate to AAV analysis
  • Understanding of challenges posed based on serotype needs to be considered and addressed
  • New technologies will be critical in meeting some of the challenges of AAV analysis e.g., mass photometry, CDMS, IMS-MS

Agenda: 

  1. What are the challenges associated with AAV analytics?  (KOL)​
    • Heterogeneity and mass of AAV material​
    • Post-translation modifications and CQA identification​
    • Protease resistance of particular AAV serotypes​
    • HCP detection​
  2. What is Pharmaron's current approach? (Pharmaron)​
    • Peptide mapping approach for sequence and PTM determination​
    • Intact mass methods for identity confirmation and potential PTMs​
    • Innovative approach to protease digestion​
    • Leverage of wide-ranging technologies ​
    • Collaborative approach to method development and assessment of new technologies​
  3. Charge Detection Mass Spectrometry (CDMS) (University of Manchester)​
    • Introduction to CDMS​
    • Characterization of AAV Payload Status​
    • Future Developments

Moderated by: 

Angela Massey - Director, Analytical Sciences, Pharmaron Gene Therapy

Key Opinion Leader: 

Professor Perdita Barran - Chair of Mass Spectrometry at the School of Chemistry, University of Manchester 

Professor Perdita Barran is Chair of Mass Spectrometry at the School of Chemistry and Director of the Michael Barber Centre for Collaborative Mass Spectrometry at the University of Manchester. The Barran Group have developed IM-MS instrumentation to investigate changes in protein conformation and aim to understand biological systems using mass spectrometry-based techniques in collaboration with biologists and biomedical research groups. In 2009, in recognition of her achievements, Barran was awarded the inaugural Joseph Black Award by the RSC Analytical Division.

Speakers: 

Paul Getty - Senior Technical Scientist, Analytical Sciences, Pharmaron Gene Therapy

Paul is a Senior Technical Specialist within the Analytical Development Group at Pharmaron, Liverpool. He has 7 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, working on analytics of a wide range of therapeutics. In his current role, Paul is responsible for the identification/investigation of new technologies and developing analytical methods designed to support the characterization of viral vectors.

Ellen Liggett - PhD Student (Barran Group), BBSRC DTP CASE, Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester

Ellen is in the second year of her PhD in the Barran Group at the University of Manchester, funded by the BBSRC and linked with Pharmaron. Having gained Mass Spectrometry experience at both GlaxoSmithKline and Allergan Biologics (now Pharmaron), Ellen is now working with Ion Mobility and Mass Spectrometry techniques applied to the study of viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and AAVs in diagnostics and therapies, respectively.