Virtual Symposium: Gene Therapy Research in the Age of COVID-19

The global pandemic caused by the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and the disease it causes (COVID-19) have brought genetic research to the forefront. Currently available genetic engineering techniques and the single SARS-CoV-2 genome sequence provide a wealth of opportunities for research and development of new vaccines. In fact, the most prominent vaccine candidates contain engineered genetic material.

Gene therapy research continues its rapid expansion in the clinical setting, with 2019 marking an all-time high number of investigational new drug (IND) applications for gene therapy products. Areas like oncology, rare diseases, and infectious diseases have particularly benefited from this boom. The field has overcome many obstacles to reach its current state where the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has begun issuing approvals. While great strides have been made in genetic research, to continue, some remaining obstacles need to be addressed.

In an effort to begin conversations about these obstacles, Advarra presents its first virtual symposium, Gene Therapy Research in the Age of COVID-19: Study Startup Success for Infectious Disease, Oncology, and Rare Disease Research. The symposium will take place on Wednesday, June 3, at 1:00 pm EDT/10:00 am PDT, and features a virtual panel discussion on emerging issues in gene therapy research.

While SARS-CoV-2 vaccine development is currently at the forefront of researchers’ minds, gene therapy research is also important in oncology and rare diseases. Currently, about two-thirds of gene therapy studies are in oncology. Additionally, some of the greatest gene therapy advancements are in rare diseases, where gene therapy has the potential to provide dramatic improvements in therapeutics and patient quality of life. During this 90-minute symposium, attendees will gain insights into the role genetic engineering plays in oncology, rare disease, and infectious disease research.

Panelists will also share their tips on overcoming obstacles to optimize study startup and the impact of manufacturing challenges on a study startup. Advarra is committed to facilitating a supportive discussion between the panelists and research professionals alike, paving the way for designing and implementing clinical trials involving gene therapy.

The panelist lineup includes Daniel Eisenman, Director of Biosafety Services at Advarra, Meagan Vaughn, Senior Clinical Scientist at Translate Bio, J. Kaitlin Morrison, Clinical Development Manager at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Andrew Stober, Chief Manufacturing Officer at Encoded Therapeutics. Each of these panelists will brings their unique gene therapy research experience to the conversation, exploring the challenges gene therapy research poses for research sites, sponsors, CROs, and study participants.

Registration for this free June 3 event is now open – join us for this timely, engaging symposium. Don’t forget to submit a question during registration, ensuring the presentation and discussion are meaningful to all attendees. Panelists will then have the opportunity to answer questions during the live Q&A portion of the symposium or in a follow-up communication.

Advarra’s virtual symposium “Gene Therapy Research in the Age of COVID-19: Study Startup Success for Infectious Disease, Oncology, and Rare Disease Research” is on June 3 at 1:00 PM EDT/10:00 AM PDT. Save your seat for this free, exclusive event.

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