Agenda
View Videos of the Conference:
Plenary Sessions Video
Concurrent Sessions Video
View Conference Photos
Photographs by Ed Cunicelli
Thursday, June 22, 2023
KEYNOTE | PLENARY SESSIONS | CONCURRENT SESSIONS | EXHIBITS
In-Person: Check-In
Breakfast, Visit Exhibit Hall and View Posters
Virtual: Log-In and Visit Virtual Exhibit Hall
Welcome Remarks
Carl H. June, MD | Penn Medicine | Symposium Co-Chair
John L. Jackson Jr., PhD | University of Pennsylvania
Joseph W. St. Geme, III, MD | Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Nucleoside-Modified mRNA-LNP Therapies
Drew Weissman, MD, PhD | Penn Medicine
Dr. Drew Weissman, a world-renowned expert in mRNA research, will give a talk on the development of nucleoside-modified mRNA-LNP (lipid nanoparticle) therapies. These therapies are a promising new approach to treating a wide range of diseases, including cancer, infectious diseases, and genetic disorders.
Discussion
Moderator: Carl H. June, MD | Penn Medicine | Symposium Co-Chair
PLENARY SESSION 1: Driving Clinical CAR's
Moderator: David L. Porter, MD | Penn Medicine | Symposium Co-Chair
3 Second Line DLBCL Studies, What Happened and Why
Stephen J. Schuster, MD | Penn Medicine
CAR T-Cell Therapy for T Cell ALL
David T. Teachey, MD | Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Optimizing Road Conditions to Get Everyone to the Finish Line
Krina K. Patel, MD, MSc | MD Anderson Cancer Center
Discussion
PLENARY SESSION 2: Gene Genies - Engineering Immune Effector Cells
Moderator: Bruce L. Levine, PhD | Penn Medicine | Symposium Co-Chair
DESCRIPTION
This session will explore the latest advances in CRISPR-based gene editing and its potential to revolutionize the treatment of genetic diseases. The speakers will discuss the use of base editing and prime editing to correct mutations in DNA, the development of new CRISPR-based tools for programming cellular machines to sense and treat disease, and the challenges and opportunities of scaling CRISPR-based gene editing to the clinic.
This session is relevant to a wide audience, including scientists, clinicians, and patients. It will provide an overview of the latest advances in CRISPR-based gene editing and its potential to improve the lives of people with genetic diseases.
Base Editing and Prime Editing: Correcting Mutations that Cause Genetic Disease in Cells, Animals, and Patients
David R. Liu, PhD | Broad Institute, Harvard University, and HHMI
Programming Cellular Machines to Sense and Treat Disease
Wendell Lim, PhD | University of California San Francisco
Scaling the Clinical Promise of CRISPR to the Challenge of N=1 Inborn Errors of Immunity
Fyodor D. Urnov, PhD | University of California, Berkeley
Discussion
CONCURRENT SESSIONS I
CHOOSE ONE
There are a total of 5 tracks. Scroll left and right to view all tracks.
Track 1
Pediatric Medical Care
CME-accredited
Track 2 Clinical & Business Operations
Track 3
Nursing Keynotes
CNE-accredited
Track 4
Present and Future Cell Therapies
CME-accredited
Track 5 $tuff You Should Know About Spinning Out and Financing a Cell and Gene Therapy Startup
Track 1
Pediatric Medical Care
CME-accredited
11:20 am EDT
Moderator:
Timothy S. Olson, MD, PhD
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
DESCRIPTION
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Dr. Olson will present recent updates in pathogenesis, biomarker development, and novel cell therapy approaches in the diagnosis of acquired aplastic anemia.
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Dr. Diorio will present how deep proteomics can provide novel insights into the pathophysiology and potential treatments for Cell Therapy associated cytokine release syndrome
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Dr. Doshi will present new strategies for the use of cell and drug therapies in targeting the elimination of antibodies that interfere with successful in vivo AAV-based gene therapy.
Immune Mediated Bone Marrow Failure
Timothy S. Olson, MD, PhD
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Proteomic Analysis of CRS
Caroline Diorio, MD, FRCPC, FAAP
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Novel Approaches for Eradication of AAV Neutralizing Antibodies
Bhavya S. Doshi, MD
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Discussion
Track 2 Clinical & Business Operations 11:20 am EDT
Moderator:
Robert (Robb) E. Richards, MS, MBA
University of Pennsylvania
DESCRIPTION
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Gain a better understanding of clinical, operational, and business challenges onboarding cell and gene therapies
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Considerations for starting/maintaining a cell and gene therapy program
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Recommendations for developing cell and gene therapy programs from both the academic and community hospital perspective
LEGAL
Know Your Cell and Gene Therapy Contracts
“Complexities in Agreement Terms” (CART)
Denene M. Wambach, Esq.
University of Pennsylvania
Joline A. Miceli-Mullen, Esq.
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Discussion
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Best practices (so far) of Developing Cell and Gene Therapy Programs
Onboarding and Centralizing New Cell and Gene Therapy Products
Mark Duckworth
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Jennifer Harding, MPA
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Expansion into Community
Kaitlyn Lyons
Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health
Lancaster General Health Experience with CAR T
Nik Buescher
Penn Medicine
Discussion
Track 3
Nursing Keynotes
CNE-accredited
11:20 am EDT
Moderators:
Patricia Mangan, MSN, CRNP
Penn Medicine
Diane Baniewicz, RN, MSN, CRNP
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
DESCRIPTION
In this session, we will learn how researchers are working to improve CAR T cell therapies by making them more effective, less toxic, and more accessible in treating a wider range of cancers. We will also discuss the fertility preservation options for transplant and immunotherapy patients.
Special Welcome Remarks
Lindsey Zinck, MSN, RN, OCN, NEA-BC
Penn Medicine
Wendy Hobbie, RN, MSN, CRNP, FAAN
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
KEYNOTES
Making Better CARTs: The progress continues
Jakub Svoboda, MD
Penn Medicine
Fertility Preservation
Alison W. Loren MD, MS
Penn Medicine
Jill P. Ginsberg, MD
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Discussion
Track 4
Present and Future Cell Therapies
CME-accredited
11:20 am EDT
Moderator:
Elizabeth O. Hexner, MD, MSTR
Penn Medicine
Cell Therapies of the Present
Toxicity and Toxicity Management
(CRS/Prophylactic and Neurotoxicity)
Noelle V. Frey, MD, MSCE
Penn Medicine
CAR T for Multiple Myeloma
Edward A. Stadtmauer, MD
Penn Medicine
CAR T Cells in CLL. Why or Why Not?
David L. Porter, MD
Penn Medicine
Mechanisms of Resistance?
Overcoming Resistance?
David B. Miklos, MD, PhD
Stanford University
Discussion
Track 5 $tuff You Should Know About Spinning Out and Financing a Cell and Gene Therapy Startup 11:20 am EDT
Moderator:
John S. Swartley, MBA, PhD
University of Pennsylvania
DESCRIPTION
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Hear from experts who have direct experience founding and financing cell and gene therapy companies
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Learn more about key steps for success and common pitfalls to avoid
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Thoughts on the future of the field and startup opportunities moving forward
$tuff You Should Know about Starting Up and Spinning Out a Cell and Gene Biotech
Panel Discussion
Haig Aghajanian, PhD
Capstan Therapeutics
Benjamin Dibling, PhD
University of Pennsylvania
Lauren Murdza, Esq.
DLA Piper
BREAK
Lunch | Visit Exhibits
CONCURRENT SESSIONS II
CHOOSE ONE
There are a total of 5 tracks. Scroll left and right to view all tracks.
Track 1
Pediatric Nursing Care
CNE-accredited
Track 2 Clinical & Business Operations
Track 3
Adult Nursing Care
CNE-accredited
Track 4
Present and Future Cell Therapies
CME-accredited
Track 5 $tuff You Should Know About Spinning Out and Financing a Cell and Gene Therapy Startup
Track 1
Pediatric Nursing Care
CNE-accredited
1:30 pm EDT
Moderators:
Anne Wohlschlaeger, MSN, RN CRNP
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Houston Roberson, BA
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
DESCRIPTION
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Considerations and challenges for pediatric patients with malignancies seeking CAR-T based therapies and patients with hemoglobinopathies seeking BMT or cellular based gene therapies
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Exciting pediatric case reviews of Viral CTL’s, NBL CART and CD19/22 CART
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An innovative, collaborative approach to the stem cell day infusion procedure
All speakers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Navigation and Coordination of These Complex Therapeutics
Considerations & Challenges for Patients with Malignancies Seeking CAR-T Based Therapies
Brooke Leibfreid, BSN, RN
Considerations & Challenges for Patients with Hemoglobinopathies Seeking BMT or Cellular Based Gene Therapies
Denise Belcher, MBA
Kelly E. Heffner, MSW
Elizabeth A. Worster MSN, CRNP
Case Reviews
Viral CTLs
Barbara McGlynn, BSN, RN
Samantha Barone, MSN, CPNP-AC, CPHON
NBL CART
Diane Baniewicz, RN, MSN, CRNP
CD19/22 CART
Colleen Callahan, RN, MSN, CRNP
Infusing Collaboration:
Stem Cell Infusion Day Procedures
Anna D’Aprile, MSN, RN
Tiffany Ivers, BSN, RN
Discussion
Track 2 Clinical & Business Operations 1:30 pm EDT
Moderator:
John Simpkins, MBA
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
DESCRIPTION
As the number of Cell and Gene Therapies rapidly emerge, hospital administrators and business teams continue to look for strategies and solutions to navigate this ever-changing treatment landscape. This session will discuss the challenges and best practices to:
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Onboard new cell and gene therapies
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How to deliver these products efficiently and safely
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Best practices and strategies for scaling your cell and gene therapy program
EDUCATION
How do you Organize/Develop Onboarding of Staff/Sites as Cell and Gene Therapy Expands?
Onboarding Staff and new Divisions as Cell and Gene Therapy Expands (Site Perspective)
Beth McBride
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Developing Tools to Widen Patient Access to Complex Therapies (Health System)
Robert (Robb) E. Richards, MS, MBA
University of Pennsylvania
Discussion
OPERATIONS
The Challenges of Operationalizing Cell and Gene Therapies
Strategies and Challenges facing Apheresis and Cell and Gene Therapy Labs
René Machietto, MS, MLS (ASCP)CM
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Mandy Shanahan
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Expanding Access to Cell Therapies: Integrating Advanced Treatments into Community Healthcare Settings
Carrie Marvill, MSN, RN, AOCNS, NE-BC
University of Pennsylvania
Discussion
Track 3
Adult Nursing Care
CNE-accredited
1:30 pm EDT
Moderator:
Patricia Mangan, MSN, CRNP
Penn Medicine | Symposium Co-Chair
DESCRIPTION
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Review the mechanism of action and nursing management of newly approved agents and those currently in clinical trials for hematology malignancies including bispecific antibodies
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Update on CAR T therapies with a focus on coordination of care of these patients
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Discuss new approaches to the management of graft vs host disease
All speakers from Penn Medicine
Bispecifics
Patricia Mangan, MSN, CRNP
Research in Real Time
Rachel Lundberg, PA-C
Case Reviews
Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease
Linda M. Perry, PA-C
Lymphoma Bispecific Antibody Therapy and Management of CRS
Danielle Land, MSN, CRNP
Mitchell E. Hughes, PharmD, BCOP
Navigating the Complexities of CAR-T Care
Elizabeth A. Weber, RN, BSN
Discussion
Track 4
Present and Future Cell Therapies
CME-accredited
1:30 pm EDT
Moderator:
Saar I. Gill, MD, PhD
Penn Medicine
DESCRIPTION
In this session, we will discuss next-generation applications and attributes of cell therapies, including cell engineering to facilitate previously undruggable targets and as novel delivery tools for gene therapy, and imaging infused cells to enhance our understanding of their in vivo behavior.
Cell Therapies of the Future
Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Their Exosomes for Gene Delivery
Elizabeth J. Shpall, MD
MD Anderson Cancer Center
More Than Just T Cells: CAR macrophage or gene engineering of stem cells to generate CAR T resistance
Saar I. Gill, MD, PhD
Penn Medicine
Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells for T Cell Malignancies
Marco Ruella, MD
Penn Medicine
IMAGEining CARs
Michael D. Farwell, MD
Penn Medicine
Discussion
Track 5 $tuff You Should Know About Spinning Out and Financing a Cell and Gene Therapy Startup 1:30 pm EDT
Moderator:
Asthika Goonewardene, MBA
Truist Securities
$tuff You Should Know about Financing a Cell and Gene Therapy Startup
Panel Discussion
Michael Allwin
Truist Securities
Christiana Bardon, MD, MBA
BioImpact Capital
Carter Caldwell, MBA
Penn Medicine
CONCURRENT SESSIONS III
CHOOSE ONE
There are a total of 2 tracks. Scroll left and right to view all tracks.
Track 1 Covering the Cost of Cell Therapy: Financing and Advocacy
Track 2 Hot Topics in CAR’s
Track 1 Covering the Cost of Cell Therapy: Financing and Advocacy 2:45 pm EDT
Moderator:
David L. Porter, MD | Penn Medicine | Symposium Co-Chair
DESCRIPTION
This session explores the challenges and opportunities of financing cell therapy, and how to advocate for equitable access to this promising treatment. Panelists will discuss the current state of provider solutions for cell therapy and where we need to go to ensure that all patients have access to this care.
Novel Payor Relationships
Kevin B. Mahoney, DBA | Penn Medicine
Provider Solutions - Where We Are and Where We Should Be?
Mark Trusheim, MS | NEWDIGS
Claire M. White, MSN, RN | Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Striving for Equitable Access – Challenges and Opportunities
Louis J. DeGennaro, PhD | Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Discussion
Track 2 Hot Topics in CAR’s 2:45 pm EDT
Moderator:
Bruce L. Levine, PhD | Penn Medicine | Symposium Co-Chair
DESCRIPTION
This session features leading experts presenting cutting-edge research on innovative approaches in the field of CAR-T therapy. Donald M. O'Rourke, MD, will discuss the promising application of bivalent CARs in treating Glioblastoma, highlighting their potential to enhance efficacy by targeting multiple antigens simultaneously. Neil C. Sheppard D.Phil will explore the exciting combination of CAR-T therapy with oncolytic viruses in solid tumors, demonstrating the synergistic effect of these therapies in improving tumor recognition and immune response. Additionally, Mike C. Milone, MD, PhD, will delve into the development of autoimmune targeted CARs, presenting strategies to engineer CAR-T cells that selectively target and treat autoimmune diseases, offering a new paradigm for precision immunotherapy.
Bivalent CAR’s in Glioblastoma
Donald M. O'Rourke, MD | Penn Medicine
Combination of CAR-T and Oncolytic Virus in Solid Tumors
Neil C. Sheppard, DPhil | Penn Medicine
Autoimmune Targeted CAR’s
Mike C. Milone, MD, PhD | Penn Medicine
Discussion
BREAK
Visit Exhibits
PLENARY SESSION 3: Global Expansion of CAR T-Cell Therapy
Moderator: Bruce L. Levine, PhD | Penn Medicine | Symposium Co-Chair
DESCRIPTION
The global expansion of CAR T-cell therapy is a rapidly growing field with the potential to revolutionize the treatment of cancer. This session will feature a panel of experts from around the world who will discuss the latest advances in CAR T-cell therapy and its potential to improve patient outcomes. The speakers will also discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with the global expansion of CAR T-cell therapy, and they will provide insights into the future of this promising treatment.