Connect with us

Technology

Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Basic Sciences Adds Carterra’s LSAXT Instrument to Speed Drug and Vaccine Research and Advance Patient Care

Published

on

The Center for Structural Biology in the School of Medicine Basic Sciences will be a hub of research innovation using Carterra’s platform in traditional and AI-driven workflows for characterizing both antibodies and other biomolecules

SALT LAKE CITY and NASHVILLE, Tenn. , Sept. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Carterra® Inc., the world leader in innovative technologies enabling high-throughput biology, and the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Basic Sciences announced today the addition of the Carterra LSAXT label-free interaction analysis platform to the Center for Structural Biology (CSB). Vanderbilt and Vanderbilt University Medical Center researchers will be able to discover and characterize large molecules including antibodies.

“Many of our researchers are trying to identify antibodies that bind to a protein involved in health or disease,” said Borden Lacy, director of the CSB and Edward and Nancy Fody Chair in Pathology and professor of biochemistry and pathology, microbiology and immunology. “The ability to rapidly screen and quantify binding for large libraries of antibodies will shape the way molecular discovery moves forward at Vanderbilt. The work we spend months on will now be completed in a matter of days. It is incredibly exciting.” 

Carterra’s LSA platform was used by pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly during the COVID-19 pandemic to find antibodies effective against SARS-CoV-2. Within 90 days of isolating antibodies from an early COVID-19 survivor, Lilly was in clinical trials with the world’s first COVID-19 therapeutic, the antibody Bamlanivimab.

BAM, as it became known, is the fastest drug ever discovered and saved countless lives.  The publication in Science describing the feat concluded, “The resulting speed at which this drug discovery and development effort progressed…is a testament to the advanced discovery and characterization platforms.”

Vanderbilt investigators will now be able to leverage the Carterra platform for a variety of research aims. 

Two projects that are getting early traction include:

Stephanie Wankwicz, assistant professor of molecular physiology and biophysics and a faculty affiliate of the Center for Applied AI in Protein Dynamics, is elucidating the role of entropy in substrate specificity and catalysis.  Wankowicz is planning to use Carterra’s platform to more quickly and efficiently analyze a large panel of peptide sequence variants against a kinase. Older methods are very low throughput and would require high concentrations of the protein/peptide solution.

Brian Wadzinski, associate professor of pharmacology, recently submitted a grant application to characterize pan- and phosphor-specific nanobodies for investigating MAPK and PP2A signalling. Affinity measurements for these large panels of nanobodies and high-resolution epitope binning can only be performed on Carterra’s platform.

The LSAXT instrument includes hardware and software features that build upon the capabilities of Carterra’s original and highly successful LSA instrument while maintaining its impressive throughput and sample efficiency. The LSA platform delivers 100 times the data in 10 percent of the time-to-answer and uses only 1 percent of the sample required by other label-free platforms.

Just last year, Vanderbilt launched the Center for Applied AI in Protein Dynamics which will also benefit from the addition of Carterra’s platform.  The LSA® is the only label-free biosensor that can generate enough data, quickly and efficiently, to train algorithms and learning models used to predict the affinity and epitope coverage of drug candidates. Pharmaceutical and biotech companies who have now moved to AI-driven drug discovery workflows have standardized on the LSA.

Vanderbilt has always led its peers in research innovation,” commented Tim Germann, Chief Commercial Officer at Carterra. “To enable the use of AI in antibody discovery and characterization by adding the LSAXT to its stable of technologies cements Vanderbilt’s position as the academic leader in this rapidly evolving research landscape.”

Since its launch in 2018, Carterra’s interaction analysis platform has penetrated 19 of the largest 20 pharmaceutical companies, major universities and vaccine makers, contract research organizations (CROs), and biotechs on four continents. Characterizing binding kinetics and epitope coverage of large numbers of antibodies in early research has been transformative. The LSA platform has been profiled in multiple Science, Nature, and Cell peer-reviewed papers.

Media Contact:
Cheri Salazar, Sr. Marketing Manager
Carterra, Inc.
(408) 594-9400
Csalazar@carterra-bio.com 

About Carterra, Inc.
Carterra® is privately held and is the leading provider of high-throughput technologies designed to accelerate and improve the discovery of novel therapeutic candidates. Carterra’s LSA® instrument, software, and consumables for biotherapeutic discovery and characterization deliver up to 100 times the throughput of existing platforms in 10% of the time while using only 1% of the sample required by other systems. The LSA combines patented microfluidics technology with real-time high-throughput Surface Plasmon Resonance (HT-SPR) and industry-leading data analysis and visualization software to revolutionize mAb screening. The new LSAXT provides enhanced optics to enable additional applications in biotherapeutic discovery and characterization. Carterra, Inc. is based in Salt Lake City, Utah, and has Customer Experience Centers in San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Boston, Manchester, England, and Munich, Germany. Carterra products are available in Asia-Pacific and Oceania through our exclusive distributor, Revvity. For additional information, please visit www.carterra-bio.com.

About the Vanderbilt Center for Structural Biology
The Vanderbilt Center for Structural Biology promotes the broad use of structural biology approaches in all life science research and provides resources for education and training in state-of-the-art technologies. Uniquely, the CSB merges applications of high resolution structural biology disciplines, X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, cryo-electron microscopy and computational biology, with the biophysical instrumentation needed to characterize biomolecular interactions. This strategy allows researchers to solve fundamental structural problems in medicine and biology. The CSB facilitates collaborations with investigators across a range of Departments in both the College of Arts and Science, the School of Medicine Basic Sciences, and the School of Medicine in Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The CSB is directed by Borden Lacy, Edward and Nancy Fody Chair in Pathology and professor of biochemistry and pathology, microbiology and immunology.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2515106/Canterra_LSAXT_HT_SPR.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2491466/Carterra_Logo.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vanderbilt-university-school-of-medicine-basic-sciences-adds-carterras-lsaxt-instrument-to-speed-drug-and-vaccine-research-and-advance-patient-care-302258515.html

SOURCE Carterra

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

HelloNation Article Highlights Sterile Compounding and Medication Safety With Insights From Compounding Pharmacist Expert Laura Temple

Published

on

By

The article explains how sterile compounded medications are prepared to reduce the risk of contamination and support safe, customized treatments.

AZLE, Texas, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What does sterile compounding mean for medication safety? HelloNation has published an article explaining how sterile compounding helps pharmacies prepare highly specialized medications while adhering to strict contamination-prevention procedures.

The article features insights from Laura Temple, Compounding Pharmacist Expert and Owner of Laura’s Pharmacy in Azle, Texas. It explains that sterile compounding is a specialized process for preparing medications in carefully controlled environments designed to reduce the risk of contamination. Sterile compounded medications are often used for injections, eye drops, IV medications, and other therapies that require the highest levels of cleanliness and precision.

The HelloNation article explains that sterile compounded medications differ from commercially manufactured drugs because they are prepared individually for a patient’s unique medical needs. Physicians may prescribe compounded prescriptions when a patient requires a customized dosage, a combination medication, or a treatment not commercially available. Because these medications often bypass the body’s natural defenses, medication safety depends on strict preparation standards throughout the compounding process.

The article describes how pharmacies that provide sterile compounding rely on cleanroom environments equipped with filtered-air systems, specialized equipment, and contamination-prevention protocols. Pharmacists and technicians follow detailed gowning, sterilization, and handwashing procedures before handling medication ingredients. These measures are designed to support medication safety by limiting exposure to bacteria, particles, and other contaminants.

According to the article, environmental monitoring also plays a critical role in sterile compounding. Temperature control, air quality testing, and routine equipment inspections help maintain consistent preparation standards. The article notes that sterile compounded medications may undergo additional quality assurance checks before being dispensed to patients. These procedures help support both treatment effectiveness and patient safety.

The HelloNation article also explains that pharmacies performing sterile compounding are expected to follow USP guidelines established for sterile preparation. These USP guidelines outline requirements for cleanroom pharmacy operations, environmental testing, employee training, and quality assurance practices. The article emphasizes that maintaining compliance with USP guidelines helps reinforce contamination prevention and consistent preparation standards for compounded prescriptions.

Patients seeking sterile compounded medications may also look for pharmacies that participate in accreditation programs or are overseen by state boards. The article explains that these programs review safety procedures, documentation practices, and facility standards to help maintain medication safety. Regular environmental monitoring and staff competency evaluations are also identified as important safeguards in sterile compounding operations.

The article further explains that communication between pharmacists, healthcare providers, and patients remains an important part of safe compounded prescriptions. Compounding pharmacists review prescriptions carefully, confirm dosing instructions, and evaluate ingredient compatibility before preparation begins. This collaborative approach supports medication safety by reducing the risk of errors and ensuring treatments meet individual patient needs.

The article concludes that sterile compounding continues to play an important role in healthcare, particularly for patients requiring customized therapies that are unavailable through traditional manufacturing channels. Whether preparing IV medications, injectable therapies, or other sterile compounded medications, pharmacies rely on contamination prevention procedures and strict preparation standards to support patient care. The article notes that understanding how sterile compounding works can help patients feel more informed about the safety measures involved in preparing specialized medications.

What Sterile Compounding Means for Medication Safety features insights from Laura Temple, a compounding pharmacist expert at Laura’s Pharmacy in Azle, Texas, on HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hellonation-article-highlights-sterile-compounding-and-medication-safety-with-insights-from-compounding-pharmacist-expert-laura-temple-302831275.html

SOURCE HelloNation

Continue Reading

Technology

CIOs Forced to Rethink Manual Compliance Processes as Regulatory Complexity Rises, Says Info-Tech Research Group

Published

on

By

Regulatory demands are increasing in volume, complexity, and speed, leaving many organizations reliant on fragmented, manual approaches that slow response times and increase risk. New insights from Info-Tech Research Group show that organizations need to adopt more structured and scalable approaches to keep pace with regulatory change. The firm’s recently published blueprint, Build a Regulatory IT Response Engine, provides frameworks, tools, and step-by-step guidance to help organizations translate regulatory requirements into actionable IT controls and prioritized initiatives.

ARLINGTON, Va., July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Growing regulatory pressure across jurisdictions is forcing organizations to rethink how they interpret, prioritize, and execute compliance requirements. Many IT teams continue to operate with inconsistent processes and limited coordination, resulting in delayed initiatives and increased exposure to financial and reputational risk. Info-Tech’s blueprint, Build a Regulatory IT Response Engine, introduces a coordinated and repeatable approach to help IT leaders operationalize compliance and improve execution outcomes.

Info-Tech’s findings indicate that while organizations recognize the need for faster and more consistent regulatory response, they continue to face barriers such as fragmented interpretation of requirements, weak prioritization, and limited scalability. AI-enabled tools can help streamline analysis and accelerate response planning, but without a coordinated approach grounded in governance and human oversight, those benefits are difficult to realize.

“Regulatory response is becoming too complex to manage through disconnected, manual processes,” says Ahmad Jowhar, senior research analyst at Info-Tech Research Group. “IT leaders need a repeatable way to interpret requirements, prioritize action, and use AI to accelerate planning without losing the governance and oversight needed to execute effectively.”

Key Challenges IT Leaders Face in Regulatory Response

Despite ongoing investments in compliance, organizations continue to face systemic challenges that hinder effective execution. Info-Tech’s blueprint highlights several areas where IT and compliance leaders struggle most:

Fragmented and manual processes that slow regulatory interpretation and response.Inconsistent application of regulatory requirements across teams and jurisdictions.Poor prioritization of IT initiatives, leading to missed deadlines and duplicated effort.Limited scalability to manage increasing regulatory volume and complexity.Misalignment between compliance activities and broader business priorities.

Info-Tech’s Framework for Building a Regulatory IT Response Engine

To address these challenges, Info-Tech recommends a structured, AI-enabled approach that improves consistency, speed, and scalability. The firm’s Build a Regulatory IT Response Engine blueprint outlines the following key priorities for IT leaders:

Define the regulatory landscape: Establish organizational context, governance structures, and a centralized inventory of applicable regulations.Translate requirements into IT controls: Use AI-enabled analysis and structured assessments to convert regulatory obligations into actionable controls.Prioritize IT initiatives: Align initiatives based on cost, effort, impact, and regulatory timelines to reduce execution risk.Build and communicate a roadmap: Develop a clear, resource-aligned roadmap to guide execution and stakeholder alignment.Establish a repeatable process: Continuously monitor, adapt, and refine regulatory response capabilities to maintain compliance over time.

Organizations that adopt this structured approach can move from reactive compliance efforts to a more proactive and scalable model that shortens response timelines, reduces manual effort, and strengthens execution.

The firm’s Build a Regulatory IT Response Engine blueprint includes practical tools such as a Regulation Inventory Tool, a Regulatory Response IT Action Plan Tool, a Communication Deck Template, and a Compliance Program Framework. By applying these resources, IT leaders can standardize regulatory responses, improve prioritization, and help ensure compliance initiatives are executed on time and in alignment with business priorities.

For exclusive and timely commentary from Info-Tech’s experts, including Ahmad Jowhar, and access to the complete Build a Regulatory IT Response Engine blueprint, please contact pr@infotech.com.

About Info-Tech Research Group

Info-Tech Research Group is the “get things done” partner for over 30,000 IT, HR, and marketing leaders worldwide. The fastest growing research and advisory firm, Info-Tech enables leaders to make well-informed decisions and transform their organizations through AI, strategic foresight, step-by-step methodologies, practical tools, industry-leading advisory, and training programs. For nearly 30 years, tens of thousands of private and public organizations have trusted Info-Tech to lead their most important initiatives through periods of change and deliver outcomes that truly matter.

To learn more about Info-Tech’s HR research and advisory services, visit McLean & Company, and for data-driven software buying insights and vendor evaluations, visit the firm’s SoftwareReviews platform.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm’s Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com.

For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cios-forced-to-rethink-manual-compliance-processes-as-regulatory-complexity-rises-says-info-tech-research-group-302831286.html

SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group

Continue Reading

Technology

Atomera to Announce Second Quarter 2026 Financial Results and Host Webinar on Tuesday, August 4, 2026

Published

on

By

LOS GATOS, Calif., July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Atomera Incorporated (NASDAQ: ATOM), a semiconductor materials and technology licensing company, announced today that it plans to release its second quarter 2026 financial results after the market closes on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026.

The company will host a live video Zoom webinar at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time) on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, to discuss the results. The live webinar can be accessed through Atomera’s investor relations website at https://ir.atomera.com. A replay of the webcast will be available for 12 months. To pre-register for the webinar, use the following link.

https://atomera.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OJFbTWe1SIyV69LLdDadCw

About Atomera

Atomera Incorporated is a semiconductor materials and technology licensing company focused on deploying its proprietary, silicon-proven technology into the semiconductor industry. Atomera has developed Mears Silicon Technology™ (MST®), which increases performance and power efficiency in semiconductor transistors. MST can be implemented using equipment already deployed in semiconductor manufacturing facilities and is complementary to other nano-scaling technologies already in the semiconductor industry roadmap.  More information can be found at www.atomera.com 

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/atomera-to-announce-second-quarter-2026-financial-results-and-host-webinar-on-tuesday-august-4-2026-302830602.html

SOURCE Atomera Incorporated

Continue Reading

Trending