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The Evidence Base Webinar

WEBINAR: Microsampling for illicit drug testing – VIEW ON DEMAND

This webinar will explore microsampling and its applications in the analysis of illicit drugs, with a focus on method development and validation.

Microsampling represents a powerful tool for minimally invasive bioanalysis. In this webinar, we will present an overview of the latest miniaturized technologies and workflows tailored for illicit drug testing. Applications will span from forensic and toxicological contexts to anti-doping analysis. The session will include an overview of the microsampling technologies used, insights into method development and validation, and real-world applications.

Of interest to:
  • Analytical and bioanalytical chemists
  • Toxicologists and forensic scientists
  • Clinical laboratory professionals
  • Researchers in pharmaco-toxicological analysis, medicinal chemistry, analytical chemistry, pharmaceutical analysis

What you will learn

  • Key technologies for modern microsampling
  • Applications in forensic, toxicological and anti-doping analysis
  • Method development and validation strategies
  • Examples of real-world implementation
  • Benefits and challenges of microsampling in illicit drug testing

Speakers

Laura Mercolini, PhD
Associate Professor of Medicinal Chemistry, Head of the Research Group of Pharmaco-Toxicological Analysis, Research Group of Pharmaco-Toxicological Analysis (PTA Lab), Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

Laura Mercolini is an Associate Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Bologna and Head of the Pharmaco-Toxicological Analysis Laboratory (PTA Lab). She is also the Director of the II-level Master’s degree in Forensic Chemical and Chemical-Toxicological Analysis (MASTFORCHEM). Her research focuses on advanced bioanalytical techniques, with a strong emphasis on microsampling approaches and their application in forensic, clinical, occupational, and anti-doping fields. She is the Chair of the WADA Dried Blood Spot Technical Working Group. She acts as Deputy Editor of Medicinal Research Reviews.


Michele Protti, PhD
Senior Assistant Professor of Medicinal Chemistry, Research Group of Pharmaco-Toxicological Analysis (PTA Lab), Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

Michele Protti is a Senior Assistant Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Bologna. He conducts his research at the Pharmaco-Toxicological Analysis Laboratory (PTA Lab), focusing on the development and validation of innovative analytical methods for bioactive compounds. His main areas of interest include microsampling technologies, miniaturised sample preparation, and method optimisation for clinical, forensic, and anti-doping applications. He has participated in several national and international research projects and collaborates with regulatory agencies, clinical labs, and anti-doping organizations to improve analytical workflows for illicit drug testing.


Moderator 

Neil Spooner
Founder, Patient Centric Sampling Interest Group
 

Located in Hertford, UK, Neil is the Chair and co-founder of the PCSIG. He also runs a consultancy company where one of the main drivers is to help Clients understand the benefits of patient centric blood sampling, develop appropriate technologies and workflows and implement them for the benefit of human wellbeing. Neil’s interest in these technologies began in 2007 whilst leading efforts at GlaxoSmithKline to find blood sampling and analysis approaches suitable for the measurement of pharmaceutical concentrations in samples obtained from children.


Sponsor information

 

Altasciences: Altasciences is an integrated drug development solution company offering pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies a proven, flexible approach to preclinical and clinical pharmacology studies, including formulation, manufacturing, and analytical services. For over 25 years, Altasciences has been partnering with sponsors to help support educated, faster, and more complete early drug development decisions. Altasciences’ integrated, full-service solutions include preclinical safety testingclinical pharmacology and proof of conceptbioanalysis, program management, medical writing, biostatistics, clinical monitoring, and data management, all customizable to specific sponsor requirements. Altasciences helps sponsors get better drugs to the people who need them, faster.

Alturas Analytics: Alturas Analytics provides expert GLP & non-GLP LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS bioanalytical and PK/TK analysis services of small and large molecules in any matrix for discovery through Phase IV clinical trials.

Artyc: Artyc's battery-powered cold chain packaging is purpose-built for remote microsample collection, featuring precise temperature and location monitoring to safely enable a wider range of tests (e.g., refrigerated) in remote settings.

Bento Biology Platforms: A leading self-service biosampling company, transforming the decentralized clinical trial and biorepository landscape. Bento’s Biology Boxes deliver best-in-class biosampling and biosensing tools to each patient’s doorstep and guide them every step of the way with 24/7 live support, all backed by a hyper-kitting facility and sophisticated kitting logistics software. Created and vetted with participant input all along the design path, powered by game economies and participate-to-earn wallet technology, our digital symptom diaries (PROMs) and pharmacovigilance tools build trust across all medical communities while also radically reducing costs, accelerating time-to-market, and significantly lowering cost per-patient-visit.

Boehringer Ingelheim: Boehringer Ingelheim is a research-driven group of companies dedicated to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of innovative health care products. Every day our scientists are charting new territory and continuing our commitment to innovation that has created exceptional medicines that have changed the lives of millions of patients. We embrace the power of partnership and diversity of minds across the life-science communities to realize even more innovation and incubate new ideas.”

Capitainer: Dried blood spots (DBS) is now quantitative with volumetric control through our microfluidic qDBS technology solution. Precision, accuracy, sample protection and ease of use both at sampling and in the lab are key features for us in all product development.

Charles River: Charles River Laboratories are a leading drug discovery and development contract research organization providing a broad spectrum of laboratory and data science support to the clinical development industry. This includes bioanalytical chemistry, immunology, biomarker services, immunoassay, genomics, vaccine development and ADME services. With over 1000 dedicated laboratory colleagues across a global footprint and expertise in traditional and advanced modalities, Charles River Laboratories are well placed to leverage scale and scope to support Clinical programs carried out anywhere in the world.

Genentech: Founded more than 40 years ago, Genentech is a leading biotechnology company that discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes medicines to treat patients with serious and life-threatening medical conditions. The company, a member of the Roche Group, has headquarters in South San Francisco, California. For additional information about the company, please visit gene.com.

GSK:We are a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together. We aim to positively impact the health of 2.5 billion people by the end of 2030. Our bold ambitions for patients are reflected in commitments to growth and a step-change in performance. We are a company where outstanding people can thrive.

IQVIA Laboratories: IQVIA Laboratories is a leading drug discovery and development laboratory services organization providing innovative solutions that encompass broad central laboratory and specialty biomarker services, including genomics, immunoassays, flow cytometry, anatomic pathology, precision medicine assays, vaccine assays, ADME and bioanalytical along with extensive offerings in antibody drug discovery, biomarker discovery, and decentralized clinical trial lab solutions. Through the Decentralized Clinical Trials group, IQVIA Laboratories is at the forefront of patient-centric sampling, offering a variety of self-collection methodologies and is validating multiple assays using micro-samples that are self-collected by study participants.

LabConnect: LabConnect is the world’s most agile central laboratory solutions partner supporting clinical trials of all sizes and complexity. With modern operations and strategic alliances with world-leading laboratories, LabConnect is uniquely positioned to provide access to the latest innovation and automation. LabConnect is the trusted partner for biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and clinical research organizations. 

MSD: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world.

Neoteryx: Neoteryx, a Trajan Scientific and Medical brand, offers remote microsampling devices designed for easy, reliable, cost-effective specimen collection in the clinic or field by healthcare professionals and end-users. Our innovative tools support decentralized research, remote monitoring, and personalized medicine, enabling streamlined sample collection and lab anaysis for pharmaceutical, clinical, and research sectors. Products like the Mitra® with gold-standard VAMS® technology for biological fluid sampling and the Harpera™ Microbiopsy Punch for skin sampling provide convenient, cost-effective solutions for advancing human health.

Pfizer:

RDi: Leveraging our expertise in data processing, technology, and automation, we are revolutionising the healthcare supply chain. Through fulfilment and traceable kitting, we’re changing the way pharmaceutical and medical companies operate and deliver as part of the medical supply chain.

RedDrop Dx: Next generation blood sampling solutions.

Resolian: Global bioanalytical and analytical sciences partner supporting drug development and multi-regional clinical trials. Resolian is a leading global Contract Research Organization providing specialized services in GxP and non-regulated bioanalysis, drug metabolism/pharmacokinetic, and GMP CMC analytical and materials science. Comprised of the former Alliance Pharma, Inc., Drug Development Solutions Ltd, and Denali Medpharma labs and powered by a team of more than 500 experts across the US, UK, Australia, and China, Resolian supports pharma and biotech companies’ programs throughout the entire drug development continuum. 

Roche: Doing now what patients need next.

SampleFacts: SampleFacts is a company that specializes in providing dried blood spot (DBS) sampling. We offer a solution that enables instant separation of blood cells and plasma from a single drop of blood. With these characteristics the product facilitates the opportunity to provide a reliable and efficient method for collecting and storing blood samples, addressing the growing demand for remote sampling and biobanking.

Slope: Slope is a global provider of biospecimen lifecycle software, data, and services for clinical trials. With a focus on tech-enabling the full biospecimen lifecycle, Slope offers expertise that empowers sponsors to make informed decisions using high-quality, real-time sample data. Slope has supported thousands of the most complex, sample-intensive trials worldwide and has been adopted by the vast majority of NCI-designated cancer centers. For more information, visit slopeclinical.com.  

Streck: Established in 1971, Streck develops quality control and sample stabilization products that give clinical and research laboratories worldwide confidence in the validity of their results and help make the world safer, healthier and more productive. Streck products are manufactured in La Vista, Nebraska, and delivered to thousands of labs across the globe. 

Takeda: We exist to create better health for people and a brighter future for the world. While the science and technology we advance are constantly evolving, our ambition remains. We move science forward, so we can transform more lives.

Tasso: Tasso is an emerging healthcare technology company that is transforming the traditional blood collection paradigm with a patient-centric approach. The company’s devices enable simple, convenient, and virtually painless blood collection for users. Tasso technology has the power to bring healthcare anywhere, any time.

Veloxity Labs: Veloxity Labs is a CRO focused on LC-MS bioanalysis. Our company is employee owned and operated, and offers start-up times and turn-around times in days by maintaining 80% capacity.

Waters Corporation: Waters Corporation, a global leader in analytical instruments, consumables, and software, has pioneered innovations in chromatography, mass spectrometry, and thermal analysis serving the life sciences market for more than 60 years. Waters Corporation aligns with PCSIG's mission, supporting collaboration among diverse stakeholders to advance pharmaceutical medicines development and elevating healthcare outcomes and decision-making through analytical innovation and precision.


In association with

For more info on the PCSIG, please visit www.pcsig.org and follow on LinkedIn here. 

If you are interested in partnering with The Evidence Base for future webinars, please contact [email protected].