Clinical assay development for the immediate and long-term impact of COVID-19 is at the center of how we outsmart COVID-19. More generally, at the core of any public health issue is the data based on which decisions are taken. The digital infrastructure required to accommodate the data storage, management, and processing must be planned for and created in advance of a health crisis. In this webinar, we will discuss assay development from two ends of the spectrum. First, we present a COVID-19 rapid, multiplex PCR, developed by ChromaCode. Next, we will hear from TruGenomix about a PTSD susceptibility assay and how COVID-19 is impacting healthcare workers on the front line. Both cases are connected by their commitment to data security, on-demand scalability, and rapid results – with the end goal of combatting the crisis more efficiently together.

11:00 am Chairperson’s Welcome Remarks

Michelle Garred, Vice President, Global Marketing, BlueBee

11:05 Security, Multi-Dimensional Analysis, and Standardized Reporting of Globally Connected Data

Mike Kubal, Field Application Scientist, BlueBee

Some of our largest challenges have their roots in our global connectedness. At BlueBee we believe the solutions to an even greater number of problems rely on globally connected data. Its secure, compliant acquisition and aggregation coupled with rigorous multi-dimensional analysis and standardized reporting via the BlueBee platform will be covered during this webinar.

11:15 Digital Infrastructure for a High-Definition PCR (HDPCR) Diagnostic Assay for SARS-CoV-2

Paul Flook, PhD, Vice President, Software Engineering, ChromaCode

ChromaCode, Inc. has developed a novel multiplexed PCR technology, High-Definition PCR (HDPCR^TM), for developing diagnostic assays. Combining innovative chemistry with advanced computational methods, HDPCR has been used to build several multiplex applications for research use in detecting infectious disease targets. Recently, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, ChromaCode completed a SARS-CoV-2 assay and launched this under a pending Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the Food and Drug Administration. This assay combines high sensitivity with simplified result interpretation and demonstrates how HDPCR can be used to rapidly deliver a powerful new test to help meet the current testing demand.

11:35 NGS-Based Assay and Behavioral Risk Survey for COVID-19-Related PTSD

Tshaka Cunningham, PhD, CSO, TruGenomix

TruGenomix, a science-driven behavioral health company, offers an NGS based assay to identify those living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Our behavioral health platform includes the first-to-market, patented PTSD genomic biomarker blood test, coupled with a mental health risk assessment tool. The TruGenomix IP is a laboratory-developed blood test (LDT), based on ten years of research culminating in a patent for gene expression profiles that identify a person’s predisposition to PTSD. The original IP was developed using a large set of diverse samples from 9/11 first responders, military service members, along with Holocaust survivors and their descendants. The LDT coupled with our Behavioral Risk Survey provides a comprehensive overview of PTSD risk. With the recent outbreak of SARS-CoV-2, this test will help inform how we care for COVID-19 first responders, healthcare workers, and others impacted by the pandemic, from mental and behavioral health perspectives.

11:55 Q&A

Speaker Biographies

Tshaka Cunningham, PhD
CSO, TruGenomix

Dr. Tshaka Cunningham previously served as the Scientific Program Manager for the Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases Rehabilitation Research Program at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs within the Veterans Health Administration’s Office of Research & Development (VHA ORD). He earned a BA degree in Molecular Biology from Princeton University in New Jersey. He then worked as a research scientist at Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals, Inc., where he developed biological screening assays to identify drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. He earned his doctoral degree in molecular biology, with a focus on virology, from Rockefeller University in New York. He completed his postdoctoral training in immunology and tumor immunotherapy at the Pasteur Institute in Paris, France, and at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD. Tshaka served as a subject matter expert for VA’s Genomic Medicine Implementation Program (GMIP) and convened the Million Veteran Program Diversity Working Group.

Paul Flook, PhD
Vice President, Software Engineering, ChromaCode

Paul has over twenty years’ experience in software development and scientific research. He has directed multiple teams developing industry-leading scientific software and has published in various areas including Molecular Modeling, Bioinformatics, Genetics and Molecular Evolution. Before joining ChromaCode, Paul led the BaseSpace development team at Illumina, where he oversaw commercialization and clinical transformation of the cloud genomics platform.

Mike Kubal
Field Application Scientist, BlueBee

Mike Kubal joined BlueBee in 2018 with a background in bioinformatics, LIMS and software development for the life sciences. Driven by solving business and scientific challenges, he enjoys collaborating with partners to create tailored solutions. Mike lives a nomadic lifestyle splitting his time between Illinois and California. When he is near the beach, you can catch him on his surfboard.