October 20, 2024
2024’s Biotherapies Pavilion in the Exhibit Hall is bigger than ever, and on Saturday evening one of its crown jewels was the launch of AABB’s new book Getting Started in Processing for Biotherapies, written by Joseph (Yossi) Schwartz, MD, MPH; Garrett Booth, MD, MS; Laura Connelly-Smith, BPharm, MBBCh, DM; Jeremy W. Jacobs, MD, MHS; Ashley Krull, PhD; Salyka Sengsayadeth, MD; and Ronit Reich-Slotky, PhD, MSc, CABP.
Jeff Wren, AABB’s vice president of biotherapies, discussed the book with Schwartz, who opened with a quote from Dwight D. Eisenhower: “Plans are worthless; but planning is everything.” Wren asked questions that allowed Schwartz to elaborate on the components of the book and explain why it is an essential resource for anyone planning for a new or expanded biotherapies laboratory. The book outlines the major processes to be considered in doing so and shares how to move it through from conception to reality.
At the end of this well-attended event, members of the audience got the opportunity to ask questions, many focusing on roadblocks and difficulties they have faced with getting a lab up and running. After that, they lined up to have Schwartz sign their book copies and chat casually with him about their experiences.