Cambridge Healthtech Institute's 27th International
Biodetection Technologies
Biothreat and Pathogen Detection
June 17-18, 2019
The 27th International Biodetection Technologies: Biothreat and Pathogen Detection is an internationally recognized meeting for experts in detection & identification of biological threats. This conference will address the key topics
in pathogen detection and present the latest R&D and technological innovation in ready-to-market systems. In addition, this meeting will focus on the latest strategies to overcoming the hurdles to the identification of global biological threats
and translational gaps in bringing technologies from lab to field. This conference will feature stimulating discussions, perspectives of end users, high quality case studies and provides the opportunity to network with the leading experts in biodefense
from around the globe.
This event is in conjunction with our 27th International Biodetection Technologies: Point-of-Care for Biodefense as well as our 8th Annual Biosurveillance Integration conference. Together, these events will provide three full days of programming around
biodetection technologies and biosurveillance in both the field and the lab.
Final Agenda
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MONDAY, JUNE 17
7:30 AM Registration and Morning Coffee
8:25 Chairperson’s Opening Remarks
Chris Taitt, PhD, Research Biologist, United States Naval Research Laboratory
8:30 Harnessing Evolution: Designing Advanced Phage-Based Tools for Bacteria Detection
Sam Nugen, PhD, Associate
Professor, Food Science, Cornell University
We can take advantage of the ability of bacteriophages, the naturally evolved predators of bacteria, to design rapid and specific tools to detect bacteria. Advances in genetic engineering and synthetic biology allow the development of synthetic phages
which can infect specific hosts and deliver genetic payloads encoding custom and sensitive reporter probes. This has allowed the development of phage-based assays which can provide rapid and low-cost detection of viable bacteria.
9:00 xMAP® Multiplex Detection: Getting Beyond Detection to Include Built-In Confirmation, Characterization, and the Ability to Distinguish between Unanticipated Homologous Analytes
Eric Garber, Research
Scientist, ORS, FDA CFSAN
Antibody-based assays enable the detection of analytes, though cross-reactivity with homologous analytes is a problem. Multiplex methods to generate antigenic profiles and other secondary endpoints provide built-in confirmation, recognition, and characterization,
along with the detection of novel analytes. This approach was applied to the detection of toxins and then food allergens to address the complexity of a global marketplace and the prevalence of food allergies.
9:30 FEATURED PRESENTATION: The BioACER Project: Biological Automated Collector/Detector for Expeditionary Reconnaissance
Cory Bernhards, PhD, Research Microbiologist, CBR, Defense Threat Reduction Agency
Remote biothreat identification technologies are needed to reduce risk to military operators and improve decision making during a biological attack/incident. As a proof-of-concept, a prototype is currently being designed for the identification of Yersinia
pestis. This future-forward technology will provide new capabilities to survey the battlefield and operational environments remotely, providing real-time data for integrated early warning.
10:00 Networking Coffee Break
10:30 A Novel Multiplex Assay for Detection of Orthopoxvirus (OPV)
Neeraja Venkateswaran, PhD, Senior Scientist, R&D, TetraCore, Inc.
Vaccinia virus (VACV) is an enveloped DNA virus belonging to genus orthopoxvirus (OPV), family Poxviridae. VACV and other closely related members, variola virus (VARV), monkeypox (MPXV) and cowpox (CPXV) may cause human febrile disease with rash which
may range from being a single localized lesion to a severe fatal systemic infection such as smallpox. We have developed mouse monoclonal and rabbit polyclonal antibodies to VACV that were used to develop a novel multiplex assay for detection of OPV.
11:00 PANEL DISCUSSION: Detecting Infectious Disease Threat (IDTs) Where it is Needed
Moderator: Willy Valdivia-Granda, Founder & CEO, Orion Integrated Biosciences, Inc.
Periodically previously unknown infectious diseases emerge to affect human, animals and plants; similarly, pathogens present in a population at low levels have re-emerged rapidly in incidence and geographic range with equally grave consequences. Given
the dynamics of environmental change, travel and the ability of different governments to detect IDTs is key to develop integrative policies to accurately detect infectious diseases. This panel will discuss the challenges that more 1500 IDTs pose
to human, animal or plant health and how different technologies can be applied in diverse operational environments. The practical requirements, regulatory issues and policy challenges will be discussed.
Panelists:
Chris Taitt, PhD, Research Biologist, United States Naval Research Laboratory
Wiriya Rutvisuttinunt, Lead Molecular Genomics Core, Viral Diseases Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research
David Stiefel, National Security Policy Analyst, Office of Homeland Security, USDA
Kay van der Horst, Director, Applied Biological Research Laboratory, Penn State University
Francisco Veas, PhD, Professor, French Research Institute for Development (IRD); Head of the Comparative Molecular Immuno-Physiopathology Lab, French Ministry of Defense
12:00 PM A Rapid, Direct-from-Blood Diagnostic to Address Infections from Multidrug Resistance Organisms (MDROs)
Tom Lowery, PhD, CSO, T2 Biosystems
Increased prevalence of multidrug resistant organisms (MDRO) is recognized as a serious public health threat. Rapid, direct-from-blood diagnostic can help slow the spread of MDROs, accelerate new antibiotic clinical trials, and improve patient outcomes
by rapidly identifying genes and species associated with antibiotic resistance. T2MR has enabled the first ever FDA-cleared direct-from-blood diagnostics for detection of pathogens. Here we present how clinical use of T2MR is advancing patient
care and address MDRO public health threat.
12:30 Luncheon Presentation (Sponsorship Opportunity Available) or Enjoy Lunch on Your Own
1:55 Chairperson’s Remarks
Willy Valdivia-Granda, Founder and CEO, Orion Integrated Biosciences, Inc.
2:00 KEYNOTE PRESENTATION: Perspectives on AI Disruptions for Biodefense
Jason Paragas, PhD, Director, Innovation, Lawrence Livermore National Lab
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a rapidly evolving technology that is significantly disrupting many sectors of the economy. Recently, AI-based technologies have been revealing new insights in the health and biopharmaceutical sectors. Biodefense is
not immune and will be influenced by AI-based tools and the likely effects will advance our biodefense apertures. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory has partnerships in basic science, drug discovery and development, vaccine design, and clinical
medicine that serve as pathfinders in the new AI-driven science and technology landscapes.
2:30 Diagnostics in Resource-Limited Environments - An Update from Our 2018 Trials
Chris Taitt, PhD, Research Biochemist, Center for Bio Molecular Science & Engineering, U.S. Naval Research Lab
In collaboration with clinical researchers in Sierra Leone, West Africa, we have characterized a number of diagnostic platforms ranging from simple lateral flow tests to multi-step PCRs, while also determining the prevalence of several vector- and
soil-borne diseases. Operation of even simple platforms in resource-limited environments can be challenging and we will describe our own experiences with test performance and information management, a critical aspect of diagnostic or clinical
lab.
3:00 Opening Refreshment Break in Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing
4:00 Mistaken Identity – The FBI Laboratory’s Experience with Field Biodetection Technologies
Cary Rue, Microbiologist, Microbiology, FBI Lab
First responders need tools to help them make informed decisions concerning evacuations, medical treatments, decontaminiation and other matters. Real-world experience shows that the selection of appropriate technologies, the maturity of the technologies
they are based on, and human factors are continuing to be challenges for responders. Case studies involving the use of various instruments for the detection of biological threats will be discussed.
4:30 Behind-the-Scenes of Genomic Sequencing in Surveillance and Clinical Projects
Wiriya Rutvisuttinunt, Lead Molecular Genomics Core, Viral Diseases Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research
Our standard procedures for sequencing are designed to generate complete genomes from samples with large host genomic backgrounds. Herein, we will present several technical obstacles that have challenged our scientific goals and we will discuss experimental
approaches used in our laboratory to overcome these problems. These results will highlight how Viral Disease Branch-WRAIR utilizes the flexibility and pushes the boundaries of NGS methods in order to generate specific data to answer complex questions
in both clinical and research settings.
5:00 Metagenomic Sequencing of Air Filter Samples towards Biosurveillance in South Korea Using Nanopore Sensing Technology
Timothy Reed, Microbiologist, 20th Command CARA, US Army
In a collaboration effort with ECBC, DTRA, JPEO and the 20th Command CARA, we are developing a workflow pipeline to analyze air filter samples from Dry Filter Units (DFUs) for biothreat agents in under eight hours. This will allow orthogonal testing
method for theater validation labs in South Korea and provide additional information that traditional PCR could miss or leave unclear. The use of nanopore sensing technology provides the portable, low cost and rapid library preparation needed
to provide metagenomic sequencing capabilities in South Korea.
5:30 Welcome Reception in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing
6:30 End of Day
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TUESDAY, JUNE 18
8:00-8:55am Roundtable Discussions with Continental Breakfast
Participants choose a specific breakout discussion group to join. Each group has a moderator to ensure focused discussions around key issues within the topic. This format allows participants to meet potential collaborators, share examples from their
work, vet ideas with peers and be part of a group problem-solving endeavor. The discussions provide an informal exchange of ideas and are not meant to be a corporate or specific product discussion.
TABLE 1 - Biodetection In the Real World
Moderator: Chris Taitt, PhD, Research Biochemist, Center for Bio Molecular Science & Engineering, U.S. Naval Research Lab
- Testing in advance of deployment - what is the best strategy?
- Are abbreviated instructions sufficient to inform technicians and how do we account for mis-handling, untrained users?
- How can we decrease costs associated with development, manufacturing, and testing so that tests are affordable by developing nations?
- How can we account for underlying health issues encountered in developing nations?
TABLE 2 - The Future of Continuous Environmental Monitoring Biodetection- The Next “Biowatch”
Moderator: Luther Lindler, PhD, Chief Scientist & Advisor, Chemical & Biological Defense, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- What are the key challenges for biodetection both indoors and outdoors.
- Improvements in sensitivity and specificity (new biosensors).
- Indoor challenges/outdoor challenges.
- The need for improved data analytics to identify biological releases.
- What might a future detection system look like?
TABLE 3 - How to Deal with Using Microbial Genomics To Identify Potential Bioterrorism Attacks.
Moderator: David Ussery, PhD, Helen Adams & The Arkansas Research Alliance Chair in Biomedical Informatics, Director, Arkansas Center for Genomic Epidemiology & Medicine, Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
- How do we address the issue with taxonomy, which has been rapidly changing.
- How do we classify potential pathogens “in the wild’, vs. ’terrorist GMOs’ vs. ‘environmental harmless bacteria’ is not as easy as it sounds.
Table 4: Detecting Infectious Disease Threats (IDTs) Where it is Needed
Moderator: Willy Valdivia-Granda, Founder & CEO, Orion Integrated Biosciences, Inc.
- Periodically previously unknown infectious diseases emerge to affect human, animals and plants; similarly, pathogens present in a population at low levels have re-emerged rapidly in incidence and geographic range with equally grave consequences.
- Given the dynamics of environmental change, travel and the ability of different governments to detect IDTs is key to develop integrative policies to accurately detect infectious diseases.
- The challenges that more 1500 IDTs pose to human, animal or plant health and how different technologies can be applied in diverse operational environments.
- What are the practical requirements, regulatory issues and policy challenges.
TABLE 5 - Understanding The Hurdles to Introducing POC Technologies to Established Medical Facilities
Moderator: Joany Jackman, PhD, Senior Scientist, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
- With whom do you need to be talking to get your device into a medical facility?
- What impact do you expect your device to have in its operating environment?
- How do you compare to the established technologies?
- Who pays for your test and what are they willing to pay?
- This early morning session is intended to be a discussion of the questions you should be thinking about as your technology moves toward commercialization.
TABLE 6: Agnostic Biosensing - Removing the Situational And Syndromic Components Of Biodetection And Diagnostics
Moderator: Harshini Mukundan, Principal Investigator & Team Leader, Chemistry for Biomedical Applications, Los Alamos National Laboratory
- What are the syndromic and situational information that influence diagnostics and detection
- What is the cost of this bias - in terms of decisions on the choice of sample, method, assay, and time to result
- Strategies to remove the bias from the diagnostics equation
- Role of big data and analytics in this response
TABLE 7: Epic Failures in Research And Development; Share Your Experience To Help Others Feel Better About Themselves
Moderator: Dave Alburty, CEO, InnovaPrep LLC
- What happened?
- What was learned?
- Would you try it again?
- Did it lead to something else that was great?
- Was there collateral damage or benefits?
- How much did it cost?
8:55 Chairperson’s Remarks
Cory Bernhards, PhD, Research Microbiologist, Defense Threat Reduction Agency, CCDC Chemical Biological Center
9:00 Challenges and Opportunities in Agricultural Biodetection Deployment and Adoption
Alan Rudolph,
Vice President for Research, Colorado State University
The agricultural industry has experienced significant losses and economic consequences, estimated in the billions of dollars, from infectious disease outbreaks in animals and plants caused by pathogens. This session will provide an overview of the
state of the challenges associated with agricultural threat and pathogen detection; new policies and investments in the United States for agricultural biosecurity; and a discussion of the challenges and opportunities of deployment and adoption
of new biodetection technologies within communities of use, including the socio-cultural barriers in the introduction and adoption of new biodetection technologies and practices.
9:30 Genomic Characterization of Known and Unknown Organisms in Terrestrial and Aquatic Environments
Willy Valdivia-Granda, Founder & CEO, Orion Integrated Biosciences, Inc.
In this talk we will present a new approach for the sensitive detection and characterization of known and unknown organisms using second and third generation DNA sequencing technologies. Our approach will discuss the characterization with resolution
at strain level and the implications in the assessment of threat level using plasmid information, virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance profiles. The accuracy of different sequencing platforms and benchmarking of available analysis tools
against RIGEL-MTP will be highlighted.
10:00 Mobile Sequencing to Enable…
James Brayer, Associate Director of Marketing Development, Oxford Nanopore Technologies Ltd.
Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) has developed a disruptive mobile platform that is enabling researchers to generate NGS data for novel applications where portability, simplicity and real time data acquisition are critical. Learn about recent advancements
to our platform where increased accuracy and output will further expand the applications that our devices will enable. ONT has developed new chemistry and library prep kits that will improve our raw accuracy and simplicity to go from biological
samples to sequence ready molecules.
10:30 Coffee Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing
11:15 Adapting New Technologies for the Molecular Diagnostics of High Consequence and Regulatory Plant Pathogens
Yazmin Rivera,
Molecular Biologist, PPQ S&T, US Department of Agriculture APHIS
The USDA APHIS PPQ Center for Plant Health Science and Technology focuses on using the latest technology for the molecular detection and diagnostics of plant pathogens of high consequence for the United States. Over the years, technologies like CANARY,
isothermal amplification, and high throughput sequencing have been used to support decisions that safeguard United States agriculture and trade. This presentation will discuss the successes and challenges in the diagnosis of plant pathogens, and
current efforts using the latest technologies.
11:45 U.S. Navy Efforts in Field-Forward DNA Sequencing
Nathanael Reynolds, CBMSE, US Naval Research Lab
Recent natural infectious diseases outbreaks and proliferation of dual-use bio-technologies have elevated the risk of biological threats to the military and global heath. To enhance the U.S. Navy’s ability to detect and identify infectious disease
agents within a mobile setting, the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) in collaboration with the Biological Defense Research Directorate (BDRD) is developing a field-forward DNA sequencing capability. Utilizing the Oxford Nanopore Technology’s
MinION sequencer, we have demonstrated bacterial bio-agent identification within a field-forward mobile laboratory setting through amplicon-based sequencing. Efforts are underway to demonstrate expanded DNA amplicon and metagenomic sequencing
capabilities for comprehensive biothreat identification in a deployed mobile laboratory and shipboard environment.
12:15 PM End of Biodetection Technologies: Biothreat and Pathogen Detection
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