SOMERSET, NJ, April 27, 2012 – Michael Merges, Director of Biopharmaceutical Support Services, and Michael Sadick, Ph.D., Senior Manager of Biopharmaceutical Characterization, Development and Analytical Services, Catalent Pharma Solutions, will be presenting “Bioassay Development Basics 101,” at the Biological Assay Development, Validation & Maintenance Conference in Boston, MA on Monday, April 30, 2012, at 1:30 p.m.
Mr. Merges and Dr. Sadick will center the workshop on the concept that biological assays can be precise and easy to perform by providing an overview of the basic tools required for biological assay success. The technical team will present case studies to support and discuss practical approaches to designing assay formats, system suitability, and preparation for bioassay transfer. Specific areas of focus include:
? Analyst Training
? Critical Reagent Maintenance/Care
? Assay Formats, including use of novel assay systems
? Cells
? Setting and Use of Proper Assay Acceptance Criteria
? Laboratory/Equipment Set-Up
? Regulatory Expectations for Phase l,ll & lll Clinical Trials
? Team with a CRO?
Michael Merges is Director of Catalent’s Biopharmaceutical Support Services focusing on the transfer, development, validation, and performance of bioassays. Mr. Merges has experience with many techniques including cell-based (primary cells and cell lines) bioassays, immunological/neutralization assays, ELISA, and Flow Cytometry. He joined Catalent from Lonza where he was Associate Director of Bioservices. Prior to that, he was at the University of Maryland’s Institute of Human Virology where he served as the Institute’s Research Supervisor. He has also conducted viral immunology research at the National Cancer Institute and Johns Hopkins University. He obtained his Bachelors Degree in Microbiology from The Pennsylvania State University and his Masters Degree in Microbiology/Virology from Hood College.
In 2012, Dr. Sadick joined Catalent as Senior Manager of Biopharmaceutical Characterization Services. His team is responsible for transfer, development, validation, and performance of bioassays and the development, validation, and performance of molecular biological approaches, including qPCR and cell engineering. In addition, his group is responsible for transfer, development, validation, and performance of electro-separation techniques, including slab-gel electrophoresis and capillary electrophoresis. Dr. Sadick received his Bachelors Degree. in Biology from Johns Hopkins University and his Masters Degree and Ph.D. in Immunology from the University of Washington. He worked as research faculty at UCSF Medical Center for five years. Following his work at UCSF Medical Center, Dr, Sadick then worked for 10 years at Genentech in South San Francisco as a Senior Scientist in the Bioassay Group supporting Pharmaceutical Science efforts (Phases I - III). Dr. Sadick then worked for Eli Lilly and Co. as a Research Advisor to help lead biotechnology efforts, including the Bioassay Groups, Molecular Biology and Virology in support of Phase I-III projects, as well as providing guidance for commercial bioassay testing, all on a global level, working with FDA and EMEA regulatory agencies, as well as serving on several conference scientific steering and review committees.
To arrange a follow-up interview with Mr. Merges and/or Dr. Sadick, please contact Patricia McGee at media@catalent.com.
For more information or to register for the conference, click here
To learn more about Catalent’s Development and Analytical Solutions, click here
About Catalent
From drug and biologic development services to delivery technologies to supply solutions, Catalent Pharma Solutions has the deepest expertise, the broadest offerings and the most unique technologies in the industry. With over 75 years of experience, Catalent helps customers get more molecules to market faster, enhance product performance, and provide superior, reliable manufacturing and packaging solutions. Catalent employs approximately 9,400 people at 29 facilities worldwide and in fiscal year 2011 generated more than $1.6 billion in annual revenue. Catalent is headquartered in Somerset, NJ. For more information, visit www.catalent.com.
more products. better treatments. reliably supplied.™
Media Contact:
Patricia McGee
T +1(732) 537 6407
patricia.mcgee@catalent.com
