Cambridge Healthtech Institute’s 18th Annual

Optimising Expression Platforms

Employing Cell Factories for the Enhanced Production of Recombinant Proteins

12 November 2025 ALL TIMES WET (GMT/UTC)

The growing use of recombinant proteins for research in structure, targets, and therapeutics demands efficient expression and production strategies that balance yield, quality, time, and cost. With no universal system ensuring high yields, selecting the optimal host requires a deep understanding of the desired protein’s characteristics as every protein itself causes its own expression and production concerns. At PEGS Europe Cambridge Healthtech Institute’s 18th Annual Optimising Expression Platforms explores case studies comparing and evaluating expression systems, highlighting strategies to match proteins with the right hosts and overcoming production challenges. Join leading scientists as they share solutions to enhance protein expression efficiency and streamline biotherapeutic and research applications.

Wednesday, 12 November

07:30Registration and Morning Coffee

SELECTING, ENGINEERING, AND OPTIMISING HOSTS

08:10

Chairperson's Remarks

Bjørn Voldborg, MSc, Head, National Biologics Facility, DTU Bioengineering, Technical University of Denmark

08:15 FEATURED PRESENTATION:

Baculovirus Expression Vector System: Old Dog, New Tricks

Imre Berger, PhD, Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Max Planck Centre Director, University of Bristol

The Baculovirus Expression Vector System (BEVS) has long been a staple for recombinant production of proteins and their complexes for a range of applications, but recent advances are enhancing its capabilities beyond traditional use. This presentation will explore emerging innovations that are transforming BEVS into a versatile platform for genome engineering, biologics production and gene therapy. We will explore how BEVS is being retooled to meet the complex demands of next-generation biologics and therapeutic pipelines and address limitations in yield and scalability, and touch on future directions for BEVS as a next-generation vector platform.

08:45

Reimagining CHO Cell Metabolism

Hooman Hefzi, PhD, Associate Professor, Advanced Mammalian Cell Engineering Group, Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark

Despite advances in process intensity and efficiency, universal mammalian cell phenotypes such as lactate and ammonia production, as well as the obligate requirement for numerous media components CHO cannot natively synthesize, have led to challenges in process optimisation without a one-size-fits-all solution. Over the last 9 years, we have developed genetic engineering strategies fundamentally reimagining these ubiquitous phenotypes in CHO and will present case studies around each in turn.

09:15 Overcoming Constitutive Expression Limits with Optogenetics for Scalable Complex Biologics

Kiana Mohajeri-Stickels, Head of Synthetic Biology, Prolific Machines

Prolific Machines’ Photomolecular Platform uses molecular optogenetics to dynamically regulate gene expression in mammalian cell lines using light. Our platform enables novel solutions for the production of next-generation biologics, including tunable control of target genes and genes that facilitate PTMs. Data will showcase gains in yields and manufacturability, paving the way for scalable, low-COGS production of complex biologics.

09:30

Improvement on the Detection of High-Risk Host Cell Proteins with Optimised CHO SWATH-MS Spectral Library

Sochi Ogbonna, PhD, Researcher, Manufacturing Technology Association of Biologics

Efficient detection and analysis of high-risk host cell proteins (HCPs) are important for the production of high-quality biopharmaceuticals. In this study, we employed an optimised CHO SWATH-MS spectral library for the analysis of high-risk HCPs across various Chinese Hamster-derived cell lines, aiming to minimise false negatives and enhance HCP detection.

10:00 Unleashing the Power of Cell-Free: PUREfrex for Protein Engineering and Discovery

Takashi Ebihara, COO, GeneFrontier Corporation

PUREfrex is a revolutionary, fully reconstituted cell-free protein expression system designed to redefine protein production. Its unparalleled flexibility suits a wide range of applications, including the production of difficult-to-express/therapeutic proteins and high-throughput screening. PUREfrex enables efficient in vitro display, facilitating the discovery of novel antibodies and cyclic peptides, and combined with AI/ML, PUREfrex accelerates the development of next-generation biologics.

10:15 Biopharma Meets Glycosylation: Strategies for Targeted Molecule Sweetness in Biopharmaceutical Development

Abdullah Karacorluoglu, Business Development Manager, FyoniBio GmbH

Biopharmaceuticals are complex molecules with unique properties, known as critical quality attributes (CQAs), that are shaped by post-translational modifications in the cellular environment. Glycosylation, a key CQA, significantly influences the activity, efficacy, and half-life of biopharmaceuticals. During biopharmaceutical development, various process steps can affect the final glycan profile of a protein drug, providing opportunities to fine-tune the glycan species in the final product. Here we present a strategy that combines host cell selection and engineering, bioprocess optimisation combined with targeted analytical techniques to ultimately achieve desired glycan profiles in commercial manufacturing processes.

10:30Coffee Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing

11:15

Novel Technologies for Enhanced Antibody Expression, Faster Cell Line Development, and Improved Stability in CHO Cells

Zhiwei Song, PhD, CSO, Nexa Biologics, Singapore

The new antibody expression vector combines two technologies that boost antibody yield, accelerate cell line development, and improve stability: (1) an attenuated Glutamine Synthetase (GS) mutant as selectin marker, and (2) an enhanced CMV promoter that, together with GS mutants, achieves a 4–5 fold expression increase at the bulk pool stage.

ENHANCING EXPRESSION: PROTEIN COMPLEXES

11:45

Preparation of Human Multi-Protein Assemblies for Structural Investigations: Recombinant Expression or Purification from Endogenous Sources?

Arnaud Poterszman, PhD, Research Director, Integrated Structural Biology, IGBMC

Production/characterisation of multi-protein complexes is becoming increasingly important as the focus of molecular/structural biology progresses from analysis of individual proteins to that of multi-subunit assemblies. We will discuss the production of recombinant mid-size (3-9 subunits) complexes using multi-host plasmids libraries and streamlined procedures to assemble multi-gene expression constructs. We will also illustrate the use of a CRISPR-based approach to affinity-tag large macromolecular assemblies and facilitate their purification from endogenous source.

12:15 LUNCHEON PRESENTATION: A Data-Driven AI Approach for Multi-Parameter Antibody Therapeutic Design

Robert Ford, Field Application Scientist, GenScript

Weian Zhao, CEO, Aureka Biotechnologies

Aureka Biotechnologies develops life-saving antibody therapeutics at scale, powered by generative models and high-throughput proprietary data generation platform.

This presentation will showcase the design of differentiated antibody therapeutics that would otherwise be difficult to identify with traditional discovery methods, including agonists, epitope-specific design, and pH-dependent recycling antibodies.

12:45Luncheon in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing

ENHANCING EXPRESSION: COMPLEX PROTEINS

13:45

Chairperson's Remarks

Maren Schubert, PhD, Junior Research Group Leader, Virus-Like-Particle Based Technologies, Helmholtz Center for Infection Research

13:50

Optimising Vector Design for High-Quality Multispecific Antibody Production

Jose Miguel Escandell Planells, PhD, Principal Scientist, iBET (Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica)

Multispecific antibodies (MsAbs) provide expanded therapeutic potential by engaging multiple disease targets simultaneously, but their complex multi-chain architecture poses challenges for efficient manufacturing. In this study, we systematically evaluated over 40 parameters in transposase-mediated CHO-GS cell line development, including vector number, ratio, topology, chain design, and selection strategy. Using advanced analytics to measure productivity, transcript levels, and product quality—such as correct MsAb assembly versus byproducts—we identified conditions that significantly improved both yield and purity. These findings offer valuable insights into vector engineering and process optimisation, enabling the reliable generation of high-producing clones for the manufacturing of complex MsAb therapeutics.

14:20

Virus-Like Particle Production and Characterisation for Use in Biologics Discovery Campaigns

Amberley Stephens, PhD, Associate Principal Scientist, Biologics Engineering, AstraZeneca

High quality VLPs are challenging to produce and QC, yet are an excellent display format for complex membrane proteins with small extracellular domains. I present a comprehensive VLP QC package, including methods such as flow virometry and TEM with machine learning, for downstream standardisation with an example case study of a biologics discovery campaign.

14:50 Diversifying Protein Expression at Syngenta: Cell-Free Solutions for Challenging Soluble and Membrane Targets

Ruben Tomas, Tech Marketing Manager, Nuclera

Xinghao Zhou, Senior Protein Scientist, Syngenta Crop Protection AG

Shradha Singh, Protein Science Lead, Bioscience, Syngenta Crop Protection AG

Syngenta's protein production uses cell-free systems to accelerate discovery. In this talk, Shradha Singh and Xinghao Zhou will show how we use the eProtein Discovery™ system and digital microfluidics. This allows us to multiplex screen constructs and chemistries for challenging soluble and membrane proteins within 24 hours. Shradha will cover pipeline adoption; Xinghao will present case studies. This approach drastically reduces cycle time and expands target tractability for crop protection programs.

15:20Transition to Keynote Session

PLENARY DEEP DIVE

15:30 PANEL DISCUSSION:

Future of Biologic Therapeutics: Will Half-Life Extended Peptides Replace Multispecific Antibodies?

PANEL MODERATOR:

Daniel Chen, MD, PhD, Founder & CEO, Synthetic Design Lab

  • Describe the technology and Data-Engineered Antibodies and Engineered Peptides
  • Discuss, compare, and contrast data
  • Discuss forward-looking future applications?
PANELISTS:

Paul J. Carter, PhD, Genentech Fellow, Antibody Engineering, Genentech

G. Jonah Rainey, PhD, Associate Vice President, Eli Lilly and Company

Janine Schuurman, PhD, Biotech Consultant, Lust for Life Science B.V.

16:35Refreshment Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing

17:15 Driving Efficiency in Biotherapeutic Protein Expression with Innovative Vector Technology

Jin Lu, Senior Tech Support Manager, Biologics & Licensing, Lonza

The development of biotherapeutic products is complex and the growing prevalence of next-generation and difficult-to-express formats places increasing demands on CHO expression systems to deliver high yield, scalable, and quality consistent bioproduction. Maximising the potential of an expression system requires precise coordination between various elements of upstream production, starting with the crucial first step of DNA vector design. In this presentation, we detail how Lonza has developed advanced GS expression vector technology that can power high titers, excellent product quality and long-term expression stability for a range of product types. We’ll cover how implementing a proven expression system early in development, alongside early de-risking strategies can help pave the way for successful biotherapeutic drug development, whatever the molecule type.

17:45

Insect Cell-Based Virus-Like-Particle Technologies for Antibody Generation

Maren Schubert, PhD, Junior Research Group Leader, Virus-Like-Particle Based Technologies, Helmholtz Center for Infection Research

Virus-like-particles (VLP) resemble a complete viral surface but do not contain viral genetic information, rendering them safe to work with. Plasmid-based expression in insect cells of VLP is a valuable alternative to the standard Baculovirus expression system. It results in similar yields while avoiding Baculovirus inherent bottlenecks like co-expression of baculoviral proteins or particles. One of the VLP applications is to facilitate antibody generation: They can serve as target in phage display and are a valuable tool for a high-throughput screening for antibody validation.

18:15 TranspoEase Platform: A Comprehensive Approach to Cell Line Development Success

Amelie Mahe, Dir Cell Line Characterization, KBI Biopharma

The successful development of biotherapeutic molecules begins with the generation of a robust cell line. Choosing the right Cell Line Development (CLD) path is essential and should be focused on both comprehensive analysis of protein-to-be-expressed attributes and specific programs needs assessment. To reach this goal, KBI Biopharma has leveraged the Selexis’ proprietary CHO-M™ and CHOKOL8™ (afucosylated) cell lines to design comprehensive and modular CLD workflows without compromising the successful inherited assets from our former random expression platform. We have developed a transposase-based expression platform that overcomes CLD challenges and deliver high-expressing cell lines up to 12 g/L with stability over 60 generations. In this “trust our experts” approach, we offer flexible and scalable solutions to ensure the best cell line development path for easy and difficult-to-express (DTE) molecules.

18:45

Producing Human Membrane Proteins in High-Throughput and Large-Scale

David B. Sauer, PhD, Principal Investigator, Membrane Protein Structural & Chemical Biology, University of Oxford

Solute carriers (SLCs) import and export a range of substrates, including nutrients, neurotransmitters, and pharmaceuticals. Despite being attractive therapeutic targets, this protein superfamily is relatively under-drugged. Therapeutic discovery is impeded by difficulties in the expression and purification of these membrane-embedded proteins. Here, we demonstrate methods to obtain high-purity, milligram quantities of human SLC transporter proteins suitable for structure determination, target engagement assays, and high-throughput screening.

19:15Close of Optimising Expression Platforms Conference





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