Conference topics will feature speakers and panels on animal models, bioinformatics challenges, intellectual property management, investment deals and approaches, pharma deals in the microbiome space, and the need for standards.
MINNEAPOLIS, November 28, 2017– Arrowhead Publishers unveils a growing roster of speakers for its 4th Annual Translational Microbiome Conference, to take place April 18-20 at Boston Marriott Long Wharf. The conference is designed to connect scientists at the forefront of microbiome research with pioneering companies investing to apply microbiome-based findings to innovate medical solutions. With a broad focus spanning multiple disease states (oncology, dermatology, inflammatory disorders, among others) attendees will have the opportunity to hear leading companies discuss the work they have underway and how they are meeting these challenges head-on to apply recent discoveries to a variety of disease processes, restoration of health, and improved outcomes.
“The topics and speakers for this year’s conference offer real education, insights and benefits our attendees can apply within their own organizations,” said John Waslif, Managing Director of Arrowhead Publishers and Conferences.
Speakers already confirmed for the conference include:
Peter Christey, Ph.D.
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, General Automation Lab Technologies (GALT)
GALT’s innovative high-throughput microbiology platform can isolate multiple species from complex samples, such as soil and stool, allowing researchers to rapidly screen whole populations or engineered libraries. Dr. Christey is leveraging GALT tools to revolutionize how microbial studies are conducted, opening previously unreachable territories for scientists to explore.
Olga Danilchanka, Ph.D.
Microbiome Lead, Exploratory Science Center, Merck
Dr. Danilchanka serves as Microbiome Lead for Merck’s Exploratory Science Center, which focuses on the earliest stages of discovery research to better understand the underlying biology of human disease. Dr. Danilchanka’s team explores the most promising areas of emerging disease biology, including the role of the microbiome in disease, and works to gain new insights to inform Merck’s ongoing drug discovery.
Pinaki Panigrahi, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Pediatrics; Director of Center for Global Health and Development, University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Public Health
An elected fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, Dr. Panigrahi has studied neonatal and child health issues in developed nations and in the developing world. His expertise spans necrotizing enterocolitis, neonatal infections, diarrhea, malaria, birth asphyxia, prematurity, stillbirths and nutrition.
Mark Smith, Ph.D.,
Chief Executive Officer, Finch Therapeutics
Finch uses machine-learning algorithms informed by high-throughput molecular data to reverse-engineer successful clinical experience with fecal transplantation. Rather than relying on in-vitro screening of a library of microbes, Finch uses this human-first discovery approach to identify strains that drive clinical outcomes and to develop therapies that deliver these microbial communities to patients.
Paul Giannasca, Ph.D.
Global Scientific Lead, GI Health, Nestle Health Science
Dr. Giannasca identifies and manages new nutritional and technological platforms relevant for the Gastrointestinal Health strategy for Nestle Health Science. Dr. Giannasca holds multiple U.S. patents covering active and passive immunization against Clostridium difficile disease and has published more than 25 papers in the areas of infectious diseases, vaccine development, active and passive immunization and vaccine-induced protection.
Other notable speakers participating in the 2018 conference include:
* David Kyle, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer, Evolve Biosystems
* Ingmar Claes, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer, Yun Probiotherapy
* Veronika Oudova, Chief Executive Officer, S Biomedic
* Travis Whitfill, Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer, Azitra
* Jennifer A. Wargo, M.D., Associate Professor, Department of Surgical Oncology, Division of Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
New additions to the conference this year are topic-focused tracks for nutrition and for skin. A parallel consumer track will again be offered. Each track will be closely focused on key issues in its specific industry and the challenges common to companies trying to enter the microbiome space in that area.
Keynote address for the conference will be delivered by Emeran Mayer, M.D., Ph.D.
Director, UCLA Gail and Gerald Oppenheimer Family Center for Neurobiology of Stress; Professor, Medicine; Professor, Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences; Professor, Digestive Diseases/Gastroenterology; Co-Director, CURE: Digestive Diseases Research Center; Professor, Physiology, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine
Dr. Mayer has a career-long interest in clinical and research aspects of brain-body interactions, with a focus on brain-gut interactions in health and disease. A widely recognized expert for functional GI disorders, he is also recognized as one of the leading investigators in the world of chronic visceral pain and of the brain-gut axis.
Further information about the 4th Annual Translational Microbiome Conference can be found at www.microbiomeconference.com.
