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PANEL DISCUSSION

A novel 3D approach to imaging gene therapy expression and vector biodistribution

Gene therapy has shown exceptional promise and realization in curing genetic diseases. New vectors are in development to improve their efficacy, including biodistribution and transduction, while minimizing off-target or safety liabilities. Unbiased visualization of vector biodistribution and subsequent gene transduction in preclinical models are crucial in early-stage research; however, these critical studies are challenging to do using standard imaging modalities. In this webinar, we introduce cryo-fluorescence tomography (CFT) and Xerra™, a 3D imaging technology that allows whole-body detection and visualization of vector biodistribution and vector-mediated gene expression, in high-resolution and with high-sensitivity.

We present the results of a study conducted in collaboration with REGENXBIO, a leading gene therapy company. CFT with Emit Imaging’s Xerra system provided unbiased characterization of NAV® AAV7 expression in mice, enabling detection of protein expression in target and non-target organs, thus opening an avenue for treatment of new disease indications.

Our experts share:

  • An overview of CFT with an introduction to Xerra
  • Several key applications in discovery research
  • Results from a preclinical gene therapy study conducted with REGENXBIO
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Speaker information below.

 

 

Access On-Demand Below:

About The Speakers

Matthew Silva, PhD
CEO, Emit Imaging

Matthew Silva, Ph.D., is the CEO of Emit Imaging, the leader in Cryo-Fluorescence Tomography (CFT) imaging. Previously, he served as CEO of Invicro, a global imaging CRO and led the strategic vision and mission to support the drug discovery and development community with diverse imaging services spanning preclinical and clinical applications. Prior to Invicro, he led imaging biomarker groups at Vertex, Amgen, Millennium and Takeda Pharmaceuticals. Matt holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Hemi Dimant, PhD
Sr. Director, Scientific and Business Development, Invicro

Hemi Dimant, Ph.D., is Senior Director, Scientific and Business Development at Invicro. In his role, he works closely with sponsors to design preclinical research studies and provide scientific guidance and data interpretation. Dr. Dimant also serves as a Scientific Advisor for Emit Imaging and leads Invicro’s Cryo-fluorescence tomography (CFT) contract research services, responsible for the development and implementation of new applications across various disease areas. Dr. Dimant holds a Ph.D. in Biotechnology from Tel Aviv University, with a focus in neuroscience. Prior to Invicro, Dr. Dimant was a founding team member of Voyager Therapeutics.

Jared B. Smith, PhD
Principal Scientist, Head of CNS Research, Research and Early Development, Regenxbio Inc

Jared B. Smith, Ph.D., is Principal Scientist in Research and Early Development at REGENXBIO developing gene therapy treatments for diseases of the central nervous system and advancing AAV technology for gene delivery. Prior to joining RGNX in 2019, Dr. Smith was a Research Associate in the Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, CA and recipient of a K99 Pathway to Independence grant, awarded by the NIH to study the role of the basal ganglia in learning and attention. Dr. Smith received his Ph.D. in systems neuroscience from Penn State College of Medicine, where his research focused on sensory neurophysiology and mapping neural circuitry. He also completed post-doctoral studies in the Center for Neural Engineering at Penn State University, developing advanced methods for non-invasive neuroimaging. He also holds a B.S. in chemistry from Bucknell University.

Dr. Smith’s work has been published in top journals including Nature, Nature Neuroscience, Neuron, Current Biology, eLife, and Journal of Neuroscience. He is a member of the editorial board for numerous journals and has served as a reviewer for numerous peer-reviewed journals and funding agencies. He is also a co-founder and member of the Board of Directors for a non-profit research organization, the Society for Claustrum Research, raising awareness for research into the claustrum, the last brain region with no known function.

Kari Abitbol
Director, Client Success, Endpoints News

As head of the client success team at Endpoints News, Kari oversees campaign delivery for all advertising and client-directed webinars.