ON-DEMAND WEBINAR

HiFi 101 for biopharma: insights from an industry panel

Sequencing plays an increasingly important role in drug discovery and development. Whether it's identifying biomarkers, engineering mRNA or oligonucleotide therapeutics, optimizing viral vectors, or characterizing immune repertoires, accurate and complete sequencing is essential.

Watch a foundational webinar focused on PacBio HiFi sequencing and its growing impact in the biopharma industry. This session begins with an overview of HiFi technology and its key application areas in drug discovery, vector characterization, process improvement, and more. Following is a panel discussion with industry experts where you'll hear how HiFi sequencing can improve and expedite the drug development process in multiple domains of expertise.

Watch the recording to:

  • Understand the unique advantages of HiFi sequencing compared to other sequencing technologies.
  • Discover how highly accurate long reads enable advancements in ASO design, antibody development, AAV vector characterization, and evaluation of gene editing outcomes.
  • Learn how you can access HiFi sequencing through service providers or owning your own instruments.
  • Hear from fellow industry panelists how they are incorporating HiFi sequencing into their areas of research & development. 


Register to watch the recording

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SPEAKERS AND PANELISTS


Liz Tseng

Elizabeth Tseng, PhD

Associate Director, Product Marketing, PacBio
Moderator & speaker

Nadia Sellami

Nadia Sellami, PhD

Senior Specialist, Segment Marketing, PacBio
Moderator

Melissa Smith

Melissa Smith, PhD

CEO, ClareoBio
Panelist

Melissa Smith obtained her foundational training in virology and immunology at Harvard University and Institut Pasteur, Paris, and is currently an Associate Professor at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. While at UofL, Melissa has also spearheaded the Sequencing Technology Center, the only PacBio Certified Service Provider in Kentucky. Prior to moving to Louisville, she occupied roles as a strategic marketing manager at Pacific Biosciences and Associate Director of Technology Development at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai. Her ongoing scientific efforts focus on developing innovative genomics strategies to resolve complex genomics structures, including immunogenomic loci and repertoires.

Luigi Alvarado

Luigi Alvarado, PhD

Associate Director, Molecular Analytics, Preclinical Vaccines R&D, GSK
Panelist

Dr. Alvarado's lab is at the forefront of utilizing multiomic approaches for antigen discovery, vaccine candidate characterization and screening, and mechanism of action studies. With a strong passion for technology development, his team deploys multi-parametric assays—a skill honed during his tenure in the Molecular Biology R&D team at 10x Genomics. Dr. Alvarado earned his PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Maryland, College Park, and holds a BS in Biochemistry from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. Originally from Peru, Dr. Alvarado remains deeply connected to his roots and has actively contributed to the Peruvian scientific community.

Yang Song

Yang Song, PhD

Associate Principal Scientist, AstraZeneca
Panelist

Dr. Song leads the next-generation sequencing team at AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, where he has driven innovation for five years. His team leverages multi-platform sequencing applications supporting target discovery, antibody screening, and clone characterization. Their efforts advance research and development across multiple therapeutic areas, including autoimmune diseases, respiratory disorders, and metabolic conditions. Dr. Song brings a wealth of expertise at the interface of genomics and therapeutics, aiming to accelerate breakthroughs for patients.

Emil Gustavsson

Emil Gustavsson, PhD

Senior Research Fellow, GOS Institute of Child Health, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UCL
Panelist

Dr. Emil Gustavsson is a Senior Research Fellow at University College London specialising in the genomics and transcriptomics of neurodegenerative diseases. He applies long-read RNA sequencing to resolve transcript diversity at key disease loci, aiming to inform the rational design of antisense oligonucleotides and other RNA-targeted therapies. With a focus on Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, his research seeks to translate genetic discoveries into precise, disease-modifying treatments.

Balaji Olety

Balaji Olety, PhD

Former Associate Director at gene therapy company
Panelist

Balaji possesses a robust background in Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and AAV Quality. His expertise spans gene therapy, virology, and analytical skills. He has significant experience in both research and development, including manufacturing. Dr. Olety extensively leveraged long-read (PacBio) and short-read sequencing, alongside other analytical assays, to characterize viral vector quality. He also has proven experience overseeing and leading engagements with CDMOs and CROs.

Jing Colatat

Jing Colatat, MS

Senior Scientist, Pfizer
Panelist

Jing Colatat is a senior scientist at Pfizer, specializing in advancing vaccine research and development through multiomics approaches. With extensive hands-on experience in Next and Third-Generation Sequencing, she is proficient with major sequencing platforms such as PacBio, Illumina, IonTorrent, and Nanopore. During her tenure at Pfizer, Jing has developed and implemented many assays for short and long-read sequencing, to support the development of several key vaccines such as Comirnaty and ABRYSVO. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and hiking.






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