Topical Presentation:    

Concept to Consumer: Development of a Modern Immunoassay

 
Speaker:     Dr. Frank Grenier
R&D Project Manager
Diagnostic Division
Abbott Laboratories

Date: Friday, September 20, 2002
Location:   Reza's Restaurant
(Same as main meeting)
Times:
Topical Group: 5:30-6:30 P.M. -- Note early starting time. Social Hour: 6:00- 7:00 P.M.
Dinner: 7:00 P.M.
Meeting: 8:00 P.M.

Abstract:

The immunoassay diagnostics industry can trace its roots to 1959 when Rosalyn Yalow and Solomon Berson described the first radioimmunoassay for plasma insulin. Harnessing the antibody molecule, with its firm yet selective handshake, was the insight that made immunoassays possible. The fundamental principles, elucidated by Yalow and Berson, remain unchanged and Rosalyn Yalow was awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1977. Over the last 40 years, the use of immunoassays in medicine has grown into a multibillion-dollar industry.

Development of a commercially successful immunoassay requires both an understanding of the principles governing antibody performance and an awareness of the assay characteristics important to the user. First and foremost, the immunoassay must have good sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and precision. The assay must measure what was intended and do it with good reproducibility. To serve the fast-paced and cost conscious medical laboratory, the assay reagents must also have good lot-to-lot consistency, excellent shelf life and be available with an instrument system that delivers high throughput and data handling capabilities.

Through the use of real-world examples, Dr. Grenier will describe the development process for state-of-the-art immunoassays.

Biography:

Dr. Grenier has been with Abbott for 17 years, during which he has worked on various aspects of the development of in vitro diagnostic immunoassays. Over his career he has successfully launched thirteen new immunoassays into worldwide markets. He has authored numerous technical papers and holds five U.S. patents. He received his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Michigan State University and held NIH and American Cancer Society Postdoctoral Fellowships at UC San Diego.





Updated 7/16/02