Session Chair: Dr Phil Hewitt
What is your role at Merck?
Head of early Investigative Toxicology (ie genotox and in vitro tox); external innovation; project support, as an NCS rep (early and late stage projects)
What does your research entail? What have you published about recently?
Mostly focused on hepatocytes – 3D models and flow models. Now starting up evaluating 3D GI and retinal models for future testing. Most recent publications are related to DILI.
Why is advances in cell and tissue culture important to you and to Merck?
We need to have more predictive data generated earlier in projects, as current cell models are not sufficient (for most tox relevant organs). Need to have a more in vivo physiological model – and not look at just one cell type in isolation.
What is your relationship with Kirkstall?
We “started” several years ago, but only starting assessing the system at the end of 2016.
You’ve been to ACTC before- why are you coming back?
Excellent meeting based on data and people working on real-life / active projects. Easy discussions due to the informal atmosphere.
Why are small, interactive conferences like ACTC important for you, for Merck/your group and for the community?
For me these types of meeting encourage more discussion – both during the presentations, as well as in the breaks. You can really meet/talk with the speakers. At larger conferences this really isn’t possible.
Why do we need conferences that focus on human-relevant science?
In Pharma all our products will be given to humans – so we really need to know what will happen there. Reduce those unwanted “surprises” in the clinic!! BUT – in tox other species also of equal interest!!!
Get in touch for more information or to book now.
Contact Us
Address: Kirkstall, Ltd York House,
Outgang Lane, York
North Yorkshire, YO19 5UP
Phone: + 44 (0) 1709 361 241
Business Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00am-5:00pm (UK Time)