What We Took Home from ASGCT 2025: Science, Collaboration, and the Spirit of New Orleans
The 28th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ASGCT) in New Orleans was an event to remember for its scientific breakthroughs and the city's vibrant energy.
Almost 8000 researchers, innovators, and advocates came together to exchange ideas, share new data, and explore the future of cell and gene therapy. For our team at PROGEN, it was an inspiring blend of exciting science, unexpected conversations, and a few memorable ghost stories.
The Magic of New Orleans
A part of our team travelled to New Orleans from Germany to attend the event, and the city didn’t disappoint. From guided tours exploring voodoo legends, ghosts, and vampires in the French Quarter to walks through the picturesque Garden District, the city offered the perfect backdrop for the event. The team also cherished the opportunity to catch up with Jesse Kay, our Business Development manager in the U.S., in person.
Scientific Highlights and Industry Trends
At the conference, the PROGEN team engaged with gene therapy experts at our booth, shared new data during poster sessions, and connected with fellow exhibitors. The energy was palpable, reflecting the rapid pace of innovation across the field.
Standout Sessions
- Fyodor Urnov shared how his team is building a platform to rapidly design and manufacture CRISPR-based cures, aiming to deliver life-saving therapies within weeks for patients who can’t wait for traditional regulatory timelines.
- James Dahlman presented compelling data on lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation, emphasizing the importance of using non-human primate (NHP) models earlier in the screening process.
- Emily Daley, a third-year PhD student from the University of Pennsylvania, delivered an impressive oral presentation titled “Tailoring the adjuvancy of lipid nanoparticles by PEG lipid ratio and phospholipid modifications.” Her clarity and confidence stood out in the “Hot Topics in Molecular Therapy I” session.
Broader Trends
- Rare Disease Innovation: First-in-human data for engineered B cell therapies and an active pipeline for rare and autoimmune diseases.
- AAV Remains a Key Focus: Despite recent announcements from large pharma companies scaling back AAV programs, scientific sessions, posters, and exhibitor conversations at ASGCT showed strong momentum in the field. Key themes included optimizing AAV vector design, particularly engineered capsids that improve targeting, reduce immunogenicity, and boost transduction efficiency, as well as innovations in manufacturing and analytics to lower costs and improve safety.
- Solid Tumor Targeting: In the broader gene therapy landscape, oncology, especially strategies for targeting solid tumors, continues to gain momentum. While PROGEN is not yet active in this space, it's worth noting how fast the field is evolving.
- AI and Digitalization: From vector design to manufacturing, AI is reshaping gene therapy development.
PROGEN Moments & Poster Highlights
At Booth #1549, we had lively discussions with visitors and enjoyed connecting with people face to face, which is a first for some team members! One thing was clear: the need for robust, reliable, and rapid solutions continues to grow. Our conversations around tools like the Dip’n’Check kit resonated with researchers looking to streamline development workflows without compromising quality.
We also presented six posters:
- Anti-pan AAV – New Versatile Antibody for the Detection of Various AAV Serotypes Including Novel Capsids
- Rapid and Versatile Analysis of AAV Samples Using Lateral Flow Assays: Applications in Gene Therapy Development
- Comparative Analysis of Total Antibody Titer and Neutralizing Antibody Titer: Correlation and Implications for AAV-Based Gene Therapies
- AAV Serology ELISA: Testing Pre-existing Immunity to AAV
- Pre-existing Immunity to AAV: A Qualitative Comparison Between Different Neutralization Assay Methods
- Addressing Pre-Existing Immunity in AAV Gene Therapy: Automation of Serology ELISAs
Looking Ahead
ASGCT 2025 reinforced the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and the importance of challenging conventional models, whether in science or regulation. For PROGEN, these insights fuel our passion for supporting the cell and gene therapy community with innovative tools and expertise.
We left New Orleans inspired, connected, and more committed than ever to advancing the future of gene and cell therapy.
Until next year in Boston, ASGCT.
Curious to learn how a scientist integrated Dip’n’Check tests in to her workflow?
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