
XTEN: A Protein-Based, Biodegradable PEG Alternative with a Controlled Chemical Composition
Volker Schellenberger
Chief Scientific Officer, Amunix
Amunix has developed XTEN, a protein-based polymer that mimics the
biophysical properties of PEG, to extend the serum half-lives of attached
therapeutics. Peptides and other molecules can be conjugated to XTEN
through amino and/or thiol groups included in the XTEN sequence. XTEN is
produced in large quantities by microbial fermentation, and subsequent
purification yields homogenous polymer. Whereas reagent PEG is provided as
a heterogeneous mixture, XTEN and its conjugates are distinct molecular
species observable by ESI-MS, permitting the efficient monitoring of
coupling reactions. This monodisperse nature of XTEN also facilitates the
purification and analysis of XTEN peptide conjugates by HPLC.
XTEN has been fused to multiple approved biopharmaceuticals to extend serum
half-life while retaining in vivo potency. The XTEN polypeptide is stable
in serum but, unlike PEG, does not accumulate in cells, eliminating the
risk of kidney vacuolation. Multiple preclinical studies have yielded no
evidence of XTEN immunogenicity, and clinical evaluation of two XTENylated
products is in progress.
The Boulder Peptide Foundation was established to further the science and knowledge of peptide technology to develop novel therapeutics, biomaterials, medical diagnostics and other beneficial uses for mankind. As part of this goal we run several programs to support career advancement, seminars and educational events. Join us on our mission to expand the applications of peptide science.
The purpose of the Boulder Peptide Symposium is to encourage sharing of information related to peptide therapeutic development with an emphasis on the technical, scientific and regulatory aspects of the pharmaceutical development. Presentations that demonstrate original thinking or share experiences from case studies in product development shall receive priority over others.
The Boulder Peptide Symposium offers multiple opportunities for participants to present.
The session topics for Scientific Program are Peptides in the Clinic, Drug Delivery, Chemistry of Complex Peptides, Spotlight on Discovery, and Peptide Showcase. Abstracts may be submitted via the Apply to Present page on the website. Submissions will be reviewed by the Scientific Advisory Board on a monthly basis and the speaker will be notified of a decision.
Presentation length: Format is 25-30 minutes slide presentation with 5-10 minutes for Q&A, with the exception of Peptide Showcase talks which are 10 minute slide presentations with 5 minutes for Q&A. Please confirm with your session chair to confirm the exact presentation length.
Invited Speakers: Speakers are requested to supply their presentation details 30 days after receiving an invitation to present.
Program Book Deadline: Final abstract and title must be provided no later than September 1st. No changes to the program are possible after this date.
Presentation Format: Oral presenters please provide your presentation slides to the A/V table on the day of your presentation.
Lodging: All speakers are requested to reserve their own room. Discount rates at the conference hotel are available until August 16th.
Registration: All speakers, excluding sponsored presentation speakers, receive a complimentary registration upon approval of the abstract.
The Peptide Showcase is an opportunity for an individual or company to “showcase” new ideas, technology and pipeline assets. Priority shall be given to presentations from biotech and startup companies. Service providers and vendors are not eligible. Speakers in the session receive a complimentary event registration.
Posters can be presented on any topic relevant to peptides including original research, innovative products and technologies.
Eligibility- Any attendee (from academia, industry, biotech or vendor/sponsor) can present a poster. The presentation must contain original scientific thinking. To submit a poster go to the Submit a Poster link from the meeting menu. All submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis and will be notified of approval. September 1st is the last day to submit a poster abstract. Approved posters are published on the BPF website.
A 30 ” x 40″ board shall be provided with thumb tacks. Board will be on an easel and can be rotated for either landscape or portrait formats. Once you apply for a poster, you will get email confirmation that your poster was accepted. The poster session and number assignments will be emailed one week before the Symposium.
Poster boards shall be available for display from 8am to 8pm the day of your assigned poster session. See the program agenda for the poster session schedule.
Every presentation at the Boulder Peptide Symposium is automatically recorded. Speakers are required to give consent for sharing of the presentation video with the peptide community.