The 5th and final episode in the Cutting Edge Conversation series for 2021 features Dr. Morad Nakhleh, Natalie Smith, and Dr. Bhavika Patel as they discuss industry challenges and innovations surrounding biomarkers in life science research and precision medicine.
Morad Nakhleh, PhD, Head Commercial Biomarker Strategist, Owlstone Medical
Dr. Morad Nakhled presents on how exhaled Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) hold the potential to be effective non-invasive biomarkers for diagnostics and precision medicine. The success of biomarker discovery studies in the field heavily relies on optimized sample acquisition and analysis. That includes, but is not limited to, maximizing the number of biologically relevant on-breath compounds detectable by the analytical platform, and reducing process variability. Developing a fit for purpose end-to-end breath sampling and analysis platform is a significant challenge, particularly due to the complex nature of the breath matrix and external sources of VOCs contaminating the samples. This presentation aims to provide data-driven insights, gained through the development of the OMNI Assay, towards enhancement of global biomarker discovery capabilities and data quality. They focus on the optimization of approaches for sample acquisition, analysis and quality control.
Natalie Smith, Senior Pharma and Translational Genomics Manager, Eurofins Genomics
Natalie Smith discusses how a single company expert in Genomics can discover and validate biomarkers with large portfolio and up to date technologies. This method is unique within the market and other companies within the industry have responded positively to this integrated approach. These experts save time, money and do not have to coordinate with many suppliers in order to operate effectively. 
Bhavika Patel, PhD, Scientist, Lanterne Dx
Dr. Patel discusses how it is possible to obtain an advanced understanding of tumor microenvironment by utilizing multiplex immunofluorescence. As immune profiling develops into an increasingly utilized tool in immunotherapy, biomarkers that detect the tumor and tumor microenvironment have gained increasing relevance and usage. They allow for the development of strategies that accelerate the development of treatments which can enhance a patient's immune system. As a collaborative effort with Akoya Biosciences, Dr. Patel demonstrates the use of the MOTiF PD-1/PD-L1 Panel kit in multiple tissue types, and explain their role and relevance within the biomarker space. 
Presenters
Bhavika Patel
Dr. Bhavika Patel is currently a Scientist at Lanterne Dx. She has experience with immunohistochemistry, fluorescent microscopy including multiplex imaging, and digital image analysis using various platforms.
Morad Nakhleh
Morad K. Nakhleh Joined Owlstone Medical in 2018 and performs as Head Commercial Biomarker Strategist.
Natalie Smith
Natalie has over 18 years of experience in managing technical projects with large international scientific companies specializing in pharmacogenomics, bioinformatics, pharmaceutical drug release and genomics technologies.
Sponsor
Lanterne Dx
Owlstone Medical
Eurofins Genomics
Content Partners
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