Final Program - American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy

Program Schedule, Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Khursheed Anwer, PhD
IL-12 Gene Therapy: From Bench to Clinic
This presentation describes the clinical and preclinical development of EGEN-001, an interleukin-12 (IL-12) gene expression
plasmid formulated with a biocompatible delivery lipopolymer, PEG-PEI-Cholesterol (PPC), for the treatment of peritoneally
metastasized gynecological and gastrointestinal cancers. This cytokine expression of IL-12 is designed to increase the local
concentration of IL-12 with minimal escape into the systemic circulation thus minimizing the systemic toxicities associated with
the recombinant IL-12 therapy. Two Phase I trials of EGEN-001 administered as a single agent or in combination with standard
chemotherapy agents in advanced ovarian cancer patients have been completed, a Phase II trial of EGEN-001 as a single agent in the
platinum-resistant patient population is in progress, and a Phase I/II trial in combination with chemotherapy agents in metastatic
colorectal cancer patients has been initiated. The manufacturing of this investigational product has been successfully advanced
from bench scale to clinical scale and several cGMP lots have been successfully produced. A detailed description of EGEN-001
pharmacology/toxicology and pharmaceutical properties will be presented.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Education Session 123
1:15 pm - 2:45 pm
ROOM: 150 DEFG
Topical Review: Navigating a Dificult Funding Climate
This session will present NIH training and career opportunities for investigators as well as what type of support is available from
Foundations and Industry. In addition, two presentations will focus on how to write an application from the perspective of a senior and
junior investigator.
CO-CHAIRS: Scott Q. Harper, PhD and Sonia I. Skarlatos, PhD
SPEAKERS
Barry J. Byrne, MD, PhD
Scott Q. Harper, PhD
Startup Funds Don’t Last Forever: A Junior PI’s Path Toward Funding and Growing a New Lab
Many of us spend a decade or more training to become independent scientists. When the opportunity inally arrives, walking into
our own empty labs for the very irst time can be exhilarating and overwhelming. This moment also means the clock begins ticking
on the next stage of our careers. Arguably the most critical part of this next stage is acquiring independent funding to sustain and
grow our lab, which is no easy task in today’s economic climate. In this presentation, I will discuss my path for leveraging my lab
startup package into independent funding.
Drew E. Carlson, PhD
Fellowships and Career Awards: Stepping Stones to Research Independence
The NIH offers a myriad of fellowships and K awards to facilitate the pursuit of a career in biomedical research. Understanding the
objectives, eligibility requirements, review criteria, and process in selecting and applying for these funding opportunities is central
to the submission of a competitive proposal. This presentation will focus on the general principles that apply to these mechanisms
and how to navigate the intricacies of the NIH to identify the best options for your career stage and scientiic expertise.
Eric A. Pierce, MD, PhD
Funding from Foundations: Perspectives from the Foundation Fighting Blindness
The Foundation Fighting Blindness (FFB) is the largest non-governmental supporter of research related to inherited retinal
degenerations. The goal of this presentation is to describe the types of research funding available from FFB, which range from
Career Development Awards to Individual Investigator Awards to Research Center grants. The grant application process and review
processes will be described, with an emphasis on practical advice about preparing competitive proposals for foundations in general,
using FFB as an example.
Final Program SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH May 15–18, 2013
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