ADC Generation Using SMARTag™ Technology Presented At World ADC Congress
Somerset, N.J.– October 21, 2014 — Dr. David Rabuka, Catalent Pharma Solutions’ Global Head of R&D Chemical Biology, is to present “Site Specific Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) Generation using SMARTagTM Technology” at the forthcoming World ADC Congress, which takes place from 26th to 29th October 2014, at the San Diego Marriott Marquis Hotel, San Diego, California.
Dr. Rabuka’s presentation, on Monday 27th October at 11 am, will explain how Catalent’s SMARTag technology platform enables precise and programmable site specific chemical protein modification and the development of novel conjugation chemistry resulting in ADCs with enhanced stability. He will also highlight specialized linker chemistry that optimizes the potency of the cytotoxic payload.
Catalent announced in October 2014 that it had purchased the remaining stake in SMARTag technology’s creator, Redwood Bioscience Inc., following the successful achievement of in vivo and in vitro proof of concept milestones, recent compelling in vivo toxicology data, and strong customer interest in the technology.
The novel, site-specific SMARTag technology enables the generation of homogenous bioconjugates, engineered to improve performance and ease of manufacturing. Combined with Catalent’s proprietary GPEx® cell line expression system, its new state-of-the-art biomanufacturing Center of Excellence in Madison, Wisconsin, and broad range of analytical and fill-finish services, Catalent helps its customers to develop more and better biologics treatments.
Dr. Rabuka assumed the role of Catalent Pharma Solutions’ Global Head of R&D Chemical Biology in October 2014, following Catalent’s acquisition of Redwood Bioscience Inc., where he had previously acted as President and Chief Scientific Officer. He received a Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley as a Chevron Fellow in the lab of Professor Carolyn Bertozzi. His research included developing and applying Redwood’s platform technology to cell surface modifications. Prior to joining Professor Bertozzi’s lab, Dr. Rabuka worked at the Burnham Institute, synthesizing complex glycans, followed by Optimer Pharmaceuticals, where he was an early employee, focused on the development of glycan and macrolide based antibiotics. He graduated with a double honors B.S. in Chemistry and Biochemistry from the University of Saskatchewan where he received the Dean’s Science Award and holds an M.S. in Chemistry from the University of Alberta. Dr. Rabuka is an author on over 20 major publications, as well as numerous book chapters and patents.
Media Contacts:
Chris Halling
+44 (0)7580 041073
chris.halling@catalent.com
Richard Kerns
+44 (0)161 728 5880
richard@nepr.eu
About Catalent
Catalent Pharma Solutions, is the leading global provider of advanced delivery technologies and development solutions for drugs, biologics and consumer health products. With over 80 years serving the industry, Catalent has proven expertise in bringing more customer products to market faster, enhancing product performance and ensuring reliable clinical and commercial product supply. Catalent employs approximately 8,000 people, including over 1,000 scientists, at nearly 30 facilities across 5 continents and in fiscal 2014 generated more than $1.8 billion in annual revenue. Catalent is headquartered in Somerset, N.J. For more information, visit www.catalent.com