MERCK
Overcoming cost and timeline challenges in AAV and lentivirus manufacturing
David Bohonak (United States)
Program
Congress of the Brazilian Association of Cell and Gene Therapy
Prodigy Santos Dumont · Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Industry workshops
45 min presentation
Overcoming cost and timeline challenges in AAV and lentivirus manufacturing
David Bohonak (United States)
Coffee break
Opening Session
Room 1
Chair: Martin Bonamino
INCA / Fiocruz · Brazil
Gemma Therapeutics · United States
Genetic Medicine Platforms for Rare Disease
Chair: Lucia Silla
HCPA-UFRGS · Brazil
University of Southern Denmark · Denmark
Overcoming TIL limitations via epigenetic therapy
Einstein Hospital Israelita · Brazil
Establishing an Advanced Cell Therapy Platform for TIL-Based Immunotherapy
Industry workshops
45 min presentation
VectorBuilder: A Partner for Drug Development
Andrew Alcock (United Kingdom)
Competence Center for mRNA Vaccines and Therapies
Chair: Pedro Guimaraes
UFMG · Brazil
UFMG · Brazil
mRNA vaccines for Chagas disease
Einstein Hospital Israelita · Brazil
Expanding the reach of mRNA-LNP therapeutics: Cancer vaccines and beyond
United States
Artificial Intelligence in the Design of Personalized Therapies and Vaccines
IMASP
Chair: Roberto Giugliani
HCPA · Brazil
Gemma Therapeutics · United States
Gene Therapy in Developing Countries: Challenges and Prospects
Fiocruz-BA · Brazil
Immunomodulation by genetically engineered mesenchymal stromal cells
UNICAMP · Brazil
The Molecular Architecture of Epilepsy: Integrating Genomics, Multi-omics and Single-Cell Technologies
Chair: Vinicius de Toledo Ribas
UFMG · Brazil
Instituto Leloir · Argentina
Adenovirus-Based Gene Therapy for Cancer: From Targeted Delivery to Antitumor Immunity
CNPEM · Brazil
Engineering Next-Generation Cancer Immunotherapies: From Gene Delivery to Immunomodulatory Nanoplatforms
Oral presentation · Abstract 80 · Brazil
Neurogenin 2 overexpression in corticospinal neurons modulates early neuronal and microglial responses after spinal cord injury
Oral presentation · Abstract 153 · Brazil
AAV-mediated overexpression of cannabinoid CB1 receptors preserves functional responses in a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa: Perspectives for a nationally developed gene therapy in a rare disease
Chair: Stevens Rehen
Instituto D'Or · Brazil
INCA-RJ · Brazil
Modeling Leukemic Transformation In Vitro Using iPSCs
USP · Brazil
Decoding Neuroviral Impact on Brain Development Using Human iPSC-Derived Organoids
Oral presentation · Abstract 37 · Brazil
Bioengineering a human lung-on-a-chip platform toward immune-informed preclinical modeling of pulmonary advanced therapies
Oral presentation · Abstract 66 · Brazil
Development and Validation of a CAPN1 Knockout SH-SY5Y Cell Model via CRISPR-Cas9 for SPG76 Studies
Coffee break
INCT-TOP
Chair: Virginia Picanço-Castro
Hemocentro Ribeirão Preto · Brazil
FMRP-USP · Brazil
Academic CAR-T in Clinical Practice: Implementation, Challenges, and Real-World Outcomes in Ribeirão Preto
FMRP-USP · Brazil
CAR-T Beyond Cancer: Immune Reset Strategies for Autoimmune Diseases
FMRP-USP · Brazil
CD33-Targeted Immunotherapies in AML: Engineering CAR-T and CAR-NK Strategies
Chair: Monize Caiado Decarli
Netherlands
UFRJ · Brazil
Bioengineering of diseased livers: lessons for liver transplantation
FCF-USP · Brazil
Engineering Human Skin Models: From Preclinical Disease Modelling to Personalised Melanoma Immunotherapy
Oral presentation · Abstract 19 · Brazil
Experimental evolution of Zika virus for adaptation in differentiated cells of glioblastoma to enhance oncolytic activity
Oral presentation · Abstract 24 · Brazil
Air-Jet-Generated Alginate Microgels Enable Controlled and Functional Release of AAV Vectors for Gene Therapy Applications
Networking
Chair: Martin Bonamino
INCA / Fiocruz · Brazil
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital · United States
Base editor RNPs for fetal hemoglobin induction: preclinical development of SAGES2 for sickle cell disease
CMRI / Gene2Cure · Australia
AAV-based Gene Therapy Revolution: How did we get here and what is next?
Poster Session I
Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Industry workshops
45 min presentation
ABTCel-Gen (ABTA) General Assembly
Characterizing EV-Based Therapeutics: Analytical Strategies and the Role of Nanoflow Cytometry
Bruno Solano de Freitas Souza (Brazil)
The MaxCyte Genome Engineering Journey: From Guide Selection to Clinical Cell Therapy Manufacturing
Nitin Kulkarni (United States)
Chair: Thyago Leal Calvo
Instituto D'Or · Brazil
CNPEM · Brazil
From Disease Models to Precision Gene Therapy: CRISPR and Prime Editing in Mucopolysaccharidosis Type I (Hurler Syndrome)
Einstein Hospital Israelita · Brazil
Toward Safer Base Editors: Rewiring the Deaminase-Cas Architecture
Oral presentation · Abstract 107 · Brazil
Sustained reactivation of fetal hemoglobin by adenine base editors in human hematopoietic stem cells for sickle cell disease
Oral presentation · Abstract 28 · Brazil
Gene Therapy with Adeno-Associated Viral Vector Serotype 9 in Cellular Models for Glutaric Acidemia Type I Developed via CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing
Chair: Amanda Mizukami Martins
Hemocentro Ribeirão Preto · Brazil
HCPA-UFRGS · Brazil
NK cell adoptive Immunotherapy for Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Einstein Hospital Israelita · Brazil
From Research to GMP: The role of a Cleanroom Facility in Advanced Therapy Development
Oral presentation · Abstract 88 · Brazil
Lentiviral Vector Platform based on Packaging Cell Line Engineering and GMP-Oriented Process Development
Oral presentation · Abstract 76 · Brazil
Establishing GMP-Compliant CAR-T Cell Manufacturing at INCA: Infrastructure Adaptation and Manufacturing Readiness for an Upcoming Pediatric Clinical Trial in Brazil
Coffee break
Chair: Roberta Sessa Stilhano Yamaguchi
Sta. Casa SP · Brazil
University of Antwerp · Belgium
Delivering Regeneration: Non-Viral Gene Transfer Across Immunomodulatory and Regenerative Strategies
Biomanguinhos · Brazil
Nanoparticles for Advanced Therapy Delivery: Towards In Vivo CAR-T Cell Generation
Oral presentation · Abstract 170 · Brazil
Optimization and Preclinical Validation of an mRNA-LNP Vaccine Candidate Against Chikungunya Virus
Oral presentation · Abstract 57 · Brazil
Scaling up the non-viral production of CD19 CAR-T cells using a minicircle-based Sleeping Beauty transposon system.
Chair: Antônio Carlos Campos de Carvalho
UFRJ · Brazil
ANVISA · Brazil
Advancing ATMP Regulation in Brazil: Innovation, Challenges and Opportunities
ARO-EINSTEIN · Brazil
Clinical Research Regulatory Landscape: Recent Updates
Industry workshops
45 min presentation
Automated Cell Expansion System: From Research to Cell Therapy Manufacturing
Gloria Alejandra Bernal Ramos (Mexico)
NUTERA-RP and NUTERA-SP: A Project for Technological Sovereignty in the Production of and Access to Advanced Therapies in Brazil
Vanderson Rocha (Brazil) / Diego Clé (Brazil)
INTERGEN
Chair: Bryan Eric Strauss
ICESP · Brazil
MD Anderson Cancer Center · United States
The Emerging Field of Viroimmunotherapy for Pediatric Brain Tumors
MD Anderson Cancer Center · United States
From Glioma Cartography to Clinic: Mapping the Tumor Ecosystem to Predict Survival after Oncolytic Virus Therapy
UNICAMP · Brazil
Nanotechnological Platforms in Immuno-Oncology: Innovation and Therapeutic Impact
CCTA-EMBRAPII
Chair: Raquel de Melo Alves Paiva
Einstein Hospital Israelita · Brazil
Einstein Hospital Israelita · Brazil
The Brazilian Experience in Academic CAR-T Cell Manufacturing: Operational, Regulatory, and Clinical Challenges
Einstein Hospital Israelita · Brazil
Innovation Ecosystems in Advanced Therapies: Partnerships, Local Manufacturing, and Competitiveness
Einstein Hospital Israelita · Brazil
The New Innovation Triad: Industry, Academia, and Patients
Chair: Kelen Malmegrim de Farias
FCFRP-USP · Brazil
UNESP · Araraquara · Brazil
CAR application for the treatment of invasive fungal infections
Instituto D'Or · Brazil
Generation of human CD34+ derived-macrophages expressing CARs for solid tumors control.
Oral presentation · Abstract 14 · Brazil
A Lentiviral EDV Platform for simultaneous CAR Engineering and CRISPR Gene Editing in Primary T and NK Cells
Oral presentation · Abstract 79 · Brazil
Cell therapy targeting fungal pathogens: optimization of Mannan-Specific Chimeric Antigen Receptor (M-CAR)
Chair: Leonardo Martin
University of Antwerp · Belgium
UnB · Brazil
RNA-Based Therapeutics for Genetic Neurological Diseases: Promises, Challenges, and Future Directions
Fiocruz · Brazil
Network-Guided RNA Therapeutics: Using siRNA to Validate Novel Targets for Precision Oncology
Oral presentation · Abstract 42 · Brazil
Isoform-resolved lncRNA remodeling as a secondary readout of SCN2A dosage and CRISPRa-mediated activation in human iPSC-derived cortical excitatory neurons
Oral presentation · Abstract 34 · Brazil
From cells to patients: gene therapy with p14ARF and interferon-β reveals antitumor and immunomodulatory mechanisms in canine neoplasms
Coffee break
Chair: Tatiana Maron Gutierrez
Fiocruz · Brazil
University of Vermont · United States
MSCs: Why Aren't they Working in Clinical Trials
UFRJ · Brazil
Beyond Stem Cells: Extracellular Vesicles as a Novel Therapeutic Strategy for ARDS
Chair: Bruno Solano de Freitas Souza
Instituto D'Or · Brazil
Innovative Genomics Institute · United States
Peptide-enabled ribonucleoprotein delivery for CRISPR engineering (PERC) in primary human immune cells and hematopoietic stem cells
Instituto D'Or · Brazil
Human Brain Organoids at the Crossroads of Viruses, Psychedelics, and Artificial Intelligence
Poster Session II
Thursday, November 5, 2026
Industry workshops
45 min presentation
Illumina Solutions for Sequencing and Multiomics Analysis Applied to Advanced Therapies
Rafael Carvalho (Brazil)
Clinical-scale manufacturing of CD137+ enriched tumor-reactive T cells for glioblastoma in the CliniMACS Prodigy
Ian Hardy (Germany)
Chair: Ana Helena Paz
UFRGS · Brazil
UFRJ · Brazil
Extracellular vesicles derived from MSCs for Lung Diseases - Preclinical Evidences
Instituto D'Or · Brazil
When the Secretome Becomes the Product: Translating MSC-Derived Extracellular Vesicles into an ARDS Clinical Trial
Oral presentation · Abstract 59 · Brazil
Investigation of the neuroprotective role of extracellular vesicles from physical exercise and associated with FNDC5/irisin in preclinical models of Alzheimer's disease
Oral presentation · Abstract 104 · Brazil
3D Bioprinted Wound Dressings Containing 5-Azacytidine-Preconditioned Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stromal Cells for the Treatment of Severe Cutaneous Wounds in a Murine Model of Sickle Cell Disease
Chair: Ricardo Weinlich
Einstein Hospital Israelita · Brazil
UFRJ · Brazil
Agnostic Gene Therapy
UFRGS · Brazil
Gene therapy for inborn errors of metabolism
Oral presentation · Abstract 17 · Brazil
Construction and evaluation of an HSV-1-based oncolytic virus expressing the pro-apoptotic protein sfTRAIL, for the treatment of head and neck tumors.
Oral presentation · Abstract 146 · Brazil
Therapeutic DNA Vaccination Targeting HPV16 E5 and E7 Oncoproteins: Evaluation of Different Immunization Regimens in a Preclinical Tumor Model
Coffee break
Chair: Hilda Petrs Silva
UFRJ · Brazil
University of Florida · United States
Need for the development of capsid- and genome-modified next generation of AAV vectors
France
From Capsid Development to the Clinic
Industry workshops
45 min presentation
G-Rex®: The Past, Present, and Future of ex vivo CGT
Tony Pnewski (United States)
Streamlining Cell Therapy Development and Manufacturing with Closed, Modular & Automated Solutions
Jenifer Nowatzki (Brazil)
Chair: Samuel Couto
Instituto Butantan · Brazil
CHOP · United States
Transferring Point-of-Care CAR-T Manufacturing Between Institutions: What Travels and What Has to Be Rebuilt
University College London · United Kingdom
From Concept to Clinic: Challenges in the Translation of Next-Generation CAR T Cell Therapies
Oral presentation · Abstract 142 · Brazil
Phage display selection of scFvs specific for the HER2 S310F mutation from rationally designed libraries based on pertuzumab
Oral presentation · Abstract 6 · Brazil
Engineering CAR-T Cells to Enhance Tumor Infiltration in Solid Tumors
Chair: Guilherme Baldo
UFRGS · Brazil
Escola Paulista de Medicina · Brazil
Advanced Therapies in Ophthalmology
UFRGS · Brazil
Gene Therapies in Practice: From Clinical Care to Early-Phase Clinical Trials
Oral presentation · Abstract 187 · Brazil
Will It Reach Patients? An AI Model Predicts Clinical Translation of Gene Therapies from Modifiable Preclinical Design Choices
Oral presentation · Abstract 198 · Brazil
Safety and Preliminary Efficacy of a Brazil-Developed CMV pp65-Specific T-Cell Therapy for Clinically Significant CMV Infection After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Interim Results of a Phase I Study
ONCOTTGEN
Chair: André Salim Khayat
Brazil
PUC-RJ · Brazil
Rational Design of Inhibitors and Silencers of Cancer-Associated Genes Using Artificial Intelligence
UFSC · Brazil
What are the primary obstacles to achieving tissue- or tumor-selective gene therapy?
UFMG · Brazil
Nanoparticle-based cancer immunotherapy for nucleic acid delivery
INCT-Model3D
Chair: Vanessa Morais Freitas
USP · Brazil
USP · Brazil
Flow-Driven Regulation of Endothelial Morphology and Tumor Extracellular Vesicle Dynamics
Brazil
Organ-on-a-Chip Platforms: New Frontiers in CNS Disease Modeling
UNICAMP · Brazil
Use of 3D cellular models to study the dysregulation of chemotactic signaling and neuronal migration in autism
Closing Session - Award Announcements
Room 1