Accelerating Viral Vector Manufacturing: The Use of Automation from Early Stage to QC Release

André Raposo, PhD, Director, Innovation Department, OXB

André Raposo, PhD, is a Director at OXB in the Innovation Department. He leads a group of scientists delivering cutting-edge research in the field of cell and gene therapy supported by computer-aided biology and high-throughput automation.

He has extensive experience in technology development, upstream process development, DoE strategies, analytical development, robotics and associated regulatory compliance. Prior to OXB, Dr. Raposo worked within the Transduction Sciences CGT Platform CMC at GSK. Dr. Raposo holds a PhD from the University of Oxford and specialized in the understanding of host restriction factors controlling HIV replication and the mechanisms leading to HIV persistence and latency during his postdoc at the University of California, San Francisco, and George Washington University, USA.

Gareth McCathie, PhD, Group Lead, OXB

Gareth McCathie, PhD, is a Group Lead at OXB in the Innovation Department. He is responsible for driving the implementation and continual improvement of lab automation and digital tools to enable bench scientists to work more efficiently, accelerate the delivery of results and ensure the robustness of data.

Gareth has 10 years of experience in analytical development, 7 of which were focussed specifically on automation and process efficiencies. He is proficient in the integration of robotics and automated data processing tools, assay development and method transfers, GxP-compliant validation and inter-disciplinary communication and change management.

Before transitioning to industry, Gareth earned his PhD from The University of Sheffield, where he investigated the molecular and cellular signaling processes in appendage regeneration.

Thomas Evans, Principal Scientist, OXB

Thomas Evans is a Principal Scientist at OXB in the Innovation Department. He specialises in data-driven modelling, statistical analysis and bioinformatics. He emphasises human-in-the-loop methods for optimisation, troubleshooting and characterisation, enabling automation throughout study design, execution, data analysis and reporting.

Tom has almost a decade experience carrying out DoE methods and is a keen proprietor of intensified, mechanistic and hybrid DoE applications in life sciences. Before joining OXB, Tom spent a number of years working in biomechanics and biomaterials. He also holds multiple degrees in mathematics, statistics and biosciences, bringing a cross-disciplinary approach to advancing scientific research.