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Sunday, May, 18, 2008
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5:00-6:30pm Welcome Reception and Registration
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RESEARCH AND WORKFLOWS TRACK
Monday, May 19, 2008
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7:00-8:30am Registration and Breakfast
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8:30 Welcome Remarks – State of the Industry and State of Symyx
Isy Goldwasser, Chief Executive Officer, Symyx Technologies, Inc.
 9:00 Innovation, The Race to the Market
Wim Roels, M.Sc., Vice President, Innovation & Technology, R&D,
Borealis AG
In today’s business environment the ability to meet customers’ needs
through innovation earlier than all others is the determining success criteria.
At Borealis, we have addressed this challenge by reviewing and addressing our
innovation process and capabilities. We have addressed areas such as: decision
making, market needs identification, project management, facilities, behaviors
and high-throughput experimentation.
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9:45 Networking Morning Break - Partner & Poster Displays
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10:10 Chairperson’s Remarks
Eric Carlson, Ph.D., Vice President of Product Development, Symyx Tools
10:15 Can I do Science on a Parallel Pressure Reactor?
Vincenzo Busico, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Chemistry – Federico
II, University of Naples
Since the end of 2006 we are the proud owners of a Symyx Parallel Pressure Reactor
setup, which is the first to operate in an academic environment worldwide for
studying catalytic olefin polymerizations. The platform is part of a catalyst
discovery workflow that also includes a primary screening high-throughput computation
tool (currently under implementation) and a Symyx Core Module setup for the
parallel synthesis of hits/leads, configured in a self-sustaining feedback loop
in which rationality progressively takes over serendipity in the search. One
of the many challenges of our project is to use the Parallel Pressure Reactor
for thorough high-quality kinetic determinations making it unnecessary to go
to larger scale at a later stage. Before starting, less than two years ago,
we were admittedly skeptical about the possibility to run fast homogeneous and
heterogeneous olefin polymerization reactions at high temperature and pressure
in a working volume of 5 mL so as to measure reliably the relevant kinetic parameters.
In this talk, we describe how we discovered that our skepticism was unbased,
and that the strong belief of Symyx in the Avogadro number is indeed justified.
10:45 The Use of Automated High-Throughput Technology in Homogeneous
Catalysis
Ulrike Nettekoven, Ph.D., Synthesis and Catalysis, Project Leader, Solvias
AG
This presentation will emphasize solutions for finding the right catalyst (metal/ligand
combination) and reaction conditions that fulfill the steep requirements for
a given target in homogeneous catalysis by using an automated Symyx high-throughput
tool. Automated screening followed by rational design and optimization of catalyst
and reaction conditions is key to meet the tough development timelines that
are associated with early drug development. The feasibility and optimization
of such hydrogenation reactions relies on the rational design of the catalyst/ligand
system, but rational design in combination with intuition and serendipity are
instrumental to our success. We will also analyze the benefits (time, relevance
of results, quality of data, etc.) associated with combining a comprehensive
HTS tool with the above-mentioned soft factors.
11:15 Acceleration of Catalyst Platform and Product Development Research
Using High-Throughput Experimentation and High-Throughput Analyses at INEOS
Serge Bettonville, Ph.D., Catalyst Technology Manager, Applied Technology
Europe, Ineos Polyolefins and Ineos Technologies Companies
Ineos Technologies has strongly invested in high-throughput research to appropriately
respond to various challenges such as reducing developmental costs and time
to market. The case study developed in the presentation will show that the systematic
use of high-throughput techniques, where appropriate, can not only accelerate
the development of business options but also dramatically broaden the research
scope.
2:25 Chairperson’s Remarks
Eric Carlson, Ph.D., Vice President of Product Development, Symyx Tools
2:30 The Discovery of New Stereospecific Propylene Polymerization
Catalysts Using High-Throughput Techniques
Gary Diamond, Distinguished Scientist, Symyx Technologies
This presentation tells the story of the discovery of a new class of catalysts
for olefin polymerization using high-throughput technology combined with structural
and mechanistic insight.
3:00 High-Throughput Screening of Waterbased Coating Formulations
Richard S. Cesaretti, High-Throughput Formulations - Technical Leader, New
Products - Core R&D, The Dow Chemical Company
In today’s business environment, there are strong pressures to develop
new formulations that increase speed to market and the probability of successful
product introductions. Paint formulation offers an excellent opportunity to
use the strengths of high-throughput research to understand how complex interactions
affect final properties. Rapid formulation and testing allows the interactions
between formulation variables to be investigated in much more depth and breadth.
This includes the use of designed experiments, high-throughput tools and informatics
for data handling. An example of how Dow is using a high-throughput coatings
workflow to improve properties derived from paint formulations will be presented.
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3:30 Networking Refreshment Break -
Partner & Poster Displays
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4:00 Speed-Based Development
Kurt Swogger, Senior Consultant, Cincinnati Consulting Consortium, Retired Vice President, R&D, Dow Chemical Company
4:30 Executive Roundtable - Taking a New Approach to R&D –
Innovation, Technology & Automation
Innovation is one of the most discussed and elusive topics in business. Hear
from successful, life-long practitioners, in their own words, discuss what works,
what doesn’t and what they have learned over the business cycles. The
backdrop of Symyx Symposium will provide hands-on context to what 21st century
scientific R&D faces as industries globalize and restructure. This is an
opportunity for thought-leaders and change-agents to share experiences and practical
advice across a range of topics.
Executive Panelists:
Keith Grime, Ph.D., President, JKG Consulting, Adjunct Professor, Department
of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Northwestern University
Wim Roels, M.Sc., Vice President, Innovation & Technology, R&D, Borealis
AG
Kurt Swogger, Senior Consultant, Cincinnati Consulting Consortium, Retired Vice
President R&D, Dow Chemical Company
Klaus Kuhlein, Ph.D., Consultant, Former Head of Central Research, Hoechst AG
Keith M. DeVries, Ph.D., Director, Chemical Product R&D, Eli Lilly and
Company
Stephan Taylor, Ph.D., Director, Project & Process Optimization Systems, Process R&D, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals Research Institute
5:30 End of Day
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5:45 Assemble for Offsite Networking Reception and Dinner (Lobby Area)
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Tuesday, May 20, 2008
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7:30am Networking Breakfast
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8:15 State of Symyx Software
Timothy Campbell, President, Symyx Software
 8:30 The Disruptive Technology of Next-Generation Sequencing
Kevin Davies, Ph.D., Editor-in-Chief, Bio-IT World
The ability to sequence and analyze DNA lies at the heart of biomedical research
and the pharmaceutical enterprise. Remarkably, just a few years since the completion
of the Human Genome Project, we are witnessing the birth of a number of high-throughput
– in some cases single-molecule -- DNA sequencing technologies that are
already transforming fields from medical genetics and metagenomics to paleoanthropology
and digital gene expression. These technologies harness advances in microfluidics,
nanotechnology, molecular imaging and chemical engineering to develop platforms
that, within a few years, could deliver complete human genomes in a matter of
minutes for under $1000. Already, the cost of sequencing an individual human
genome has fallen to just $60,000. Conversely, as the costs of sequencing plummet,
the prospects for truly personal genomics, as currently espoused by companies
such as 23andMe, soar, bringing with them a host of medical, ethical and privacy
challenges.
 9:00 “Smart R&D”: Innovation Choices and Strategies
for a Global Marketplace
Keith Grime, Ph.D., President, JKG Consulting, Adjunct Professor, Department
of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Northwestern University
The case is presented that evolving global economic and technological dynamics
demand a change in the R&D model to compete effectively in the consumer
products sector. Key factors such as market globalization, fueled particularly
by the growth in Asian markets, sustained instability in raw material pricing
and availability, and consumer demographics in North America, Europe and Japan
place significant demands on the product development innovation process. More
choices, increased product customization and rapid reformulation capability
are all basic requirements. In parallel, the acceleration in the speed of information,
data and knowledge transfer across the globe and the expansion of knowledge
sources, mean that innovation speed, reduced internal cycles times and speed-to-market
have become basic requirements. In a world of tight budgets and uncertain costs,
R&D innovation managers must develop new, holistic innovation strategies
that can deliver more with less; more products to the market with fewer prototypes,
fewer pilot runs, less expense in qualification. There is no single magic bullet.
“Smart R&D” is required to compete in this environment calling
for smart choices in all elements of R&D strategy from core competence,
partnership effectiveness and external (or open) innovation. In “Smart
R&D”, the conventional sequential, manual approaches to the R&D
innovation process must be supplemented and replaced by virtual and digital
approaches including modeling and simulation, high-throughput technology, and
sophisticated data management systems to develop real gains in R&D productivity
while innovating to maximum capability. Disciplined choices are required in
all these areas to for effective “Smart R&D” .
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9:30 Networking Coffee Break - Partner & Poster Displays
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10:00 Chairperson’s Remarks
Eric Carlson, Vice President, Symyx Tools Product Development, Symyx Technologies,
Inc.
10:05 Title to Be Announced
Jacques Joosten, Ph.D., Director, Corporate Technology, Dutch Polymer
Institute (DPI) /Vincenzo Busico, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Chemistry
– Federico II, University of Naples
11:05 The High-Throughput Approach to Designing New Functional Coating
Systems
Dean C. Webster, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Coatings and Polymeric
Materials, Center for Nanoscale Science and Engineering, North Dakota State
University
Functional coatings are systems which provide a specific performance property in
addition to the required decorative and protective properties. High-throughput
experimentation permits the efficient exploration of compositional space to
identify those coatings which have a suitable combination of functional and
mechanical properties. This enables the rapid determination of the feasibility
of a design concept—assuring that an important composition is not overlooked—and
also helps to determine an optimum composition. High-throughput methods have
been effectively applied to low surface energy coatings for marine applications,
resulting in the identification of several candidates for scale-up.
11:35 Development of RNA Synthesis and Purification Workflow
Rick Sidler, Ph.D., Senior Investigator, Process Research, Merck Research
Laboratories
1:10 Chairperson’s Remarks
Eric Carlson, Ph.D., Vice President of Product Development, Symyx Tools
1:15 Symyx Tools Road Map
Eric Carlson, Ph.D. , Vice President of Product Development, Symyx Tools
Eric will give an update of Symyx Tools offerings and discuss the general plans
for future developments of the platforms and the applications. The Tools development
team is continuing to build on the modular and configurable concept allowing
for increased scalability and has taken advantage of significant improvements
within the Symyx automation suite of software to create a more friendly user
experience that requires very limited training and enables walk-up usage for
standard applications while enhancing allowing the power-users ability to customize
their own protocols. Increased modularity of the systems and the protocols enable
both better harmonization across groups and the ability to build and modify
more complex, integrated workflows over time. As in years past, Eric will discuss
how Symyx Tools is continuing to expand into novel applications within the formulation
stability, biologics, biocatalysis/bioprocess which are resulting in novel development
of on-deck analytics, reactors, and integrations.
1:45 Symyx Research Road Map
Damian Hajduk, Ph.D., Vice President - Performance Materials, Symyx
Research
Since its inception in 1994, the Symyx Research group has been developing
technologies and running research projects with industrial partners across a
broad set of industries including Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Refining, Home
& Personal Care, Electronic Materials, Specialty Polymers, and more. The
Research team within Symyx continues to expand technological and scientific
capabilities by working with leaders in all of these industries. Damian will
discuss how Symyx Research is progressively offering straight-forward research
scopes designed to help our partners solve strategic and/or tactical business
issues which they face every day.
2:15 High-Throughput Experimentation for Cosmetic Materials Discovery
Marco Vicic, Head of HTE Laboratory for Materials Discovery, L’Oreal
Advanced Research - Physical & Chemical Sciences – HTE Department
There is a need for new cosmetic materials displaying enhanced or new application
properties. Cosmetic products are composed of a variety of ingredients, used
in a wide range of conditions therefore they must combine several performance
requirements. In this complex environment, optimizing the research process can
be performed in the context of a global approach. The approach that will be
presented is the implementation of High-Throughput Experimentation (HTE). To
demonstrate the applicability of this approach to cosmetic industry, examples
of high-throughput workflows developments and illustrative examples will be
given to show that there is a real opportunity to used HTE tools for cosmetic
applications.
2:45 “FRED” – Formulation Robot for Early Development
in Pharmaceutical Industry
Walter Kamm, Head, Early Formulation/Pre-formulation, Pharmaceutical Sciences
Department, Sanofi Aventis Deutschland GmbH
Drug Formulation and pre-formulation work for R&D purposes is usually done
in a time consuming way including a lot of manual steps like weighing, dissolving,
stirring, phase separation, HPLC analysis, etc. To increase productivity and
reduce capacity gaps a robotic system had been established in our pre-formulation
labs. The robot “FRED” consists of 3 hardware modules (Symyx Powder
dispensing, Symyx, Geneva; Liquid processing, Zinsser Analytic, Frankfurt;
HPLC-analysis,
Agilent Technologies, Waldbronn), and the Symyx Renaissance Software for workflow
design, central data acquisition and storage as well as data mining and reporting.
Focus of the presentation will be the overall conception of the robot FRED including
case studies highlighting the functionality of the system during liquid and
solid (pre)formulation work.
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3:15 Networking Refreshment Break -
Partner & Poster Displays
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3:45 Chiral Resolution Through Diastereomeric Salt Formation: An Automated
Approach to Aid in Reaction Optimization and Scale-Up
Kelly Swinney, Ph.D., Senior Scientist, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Johnson
& Johnson Pharmaceutical Research & Development
Achieving chiral resolution through diastereomeric salt formation is an effective
and robust methodology that is often employed by the pharmaceutical industry
to ensure optical purity of their active pharmaceutical ingredients. Development
of such reaction schemes however are time consuming and labor intensive making
the process development an ideal candidate for automated screening. As such,
an automated workflow has been developed to effectively and thoroughly evaluate
the reaction parameters that must be considered when developing and scaling
a diastereomeric salt reaction. Presented will the a detailed discussion of
the automated workflow along with a case study demonstrating the results achievable
with the platform.
4:15 Implementing Automation in the Pharmaceutical Development Laboratory:
The Symyx Automated Forced Degradation System
Steven Baertschi, Research Fellow, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly
and Company
This presentation will describe the design and implementation of an integrated
automated tool for forced degradation studies in the context of pharmaceutical
development. The Symyx Automated Forced Degradation System (AFDS), which is
comprised of flexible, modular hardware and software components, will be critically
assessed for the workflow, ease of use, effects on laboratory productivity,
and for accuracy and precision. The system includes powder dispensing, accurate
weighing, dissolution, dilution, storage under stress conditions, analysis by
UPLC, and reporting of the results, all of which are automated. Results from
use of the system under “real world” laboratory conditions will
be provided along with opportunities for further transforming the pharmaceutical
development laboratory using the Symyx automation construct.
4:45 Translating Ideas to Test Design via a Software
Bridge to LEA
Michael McDonald, Ph.D., Principal Scientist, Hair Care, Procter &
Gamble
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5:45 - 7pm Networking Reception
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1:45 Lilly’s Transition from Paper to Electronic Lab Notebooks
