Decentralized POC Testing
Advancing Testing in the Pharmacy, at-Home, and Beyond
8/20/2024 - August 21, 2024 ALL TIMES EDT
Point-of-care testing has emerged as a key diagnostic tool in the public health toolbelt. Although rapid testing surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a challenge in integrating additional use cases into healthcare workflows. At Cambridge Healthtech Institute’s 2nd Annual Decentralized Point-of-Care Testing, industry experts will cover the current status of a variety of point-of-care tests across different regions. Large pharmacies as well as community pharmacies and independent clinics are starting to make point-of-care testing available. The conference will explore how point-of-care tests can be sustainability integrated into health systems, as well as how reimbursement models can be leveraged for novel testing such as multiplex or syndromic tests. The conference will also cover the relationship between testing availability and antibiotic stewardship, the state of at-home testing, and how new tests can be scaled and commercialized.

Tuesday, August 20

Registration Open

PLENARY SESSION

PLENARY KEYNOTE PRESENTATION:
FDA Perspectives: Trends and Challenges

Photo of Courtney H. Lias, PhD, Director, OHT7: Office of in vitro Diagnostic Devices, United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) , Director , Office of In Vitro Diagnostic Devices , FDA CDER
Courtney H. Lias, PhD, Director, OHT7: Office of in vitro Diagnostic Devices, United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) , Director , Office of In Vitro Diagnostic Devices , FDA CDER

Panel Moderator:

PLENARY PANEL:
Laboratory-Developed Tests: Proposed Rule, Reclassification Activities, Potential Impact, and Path Forward

Photo of B. Melina Cimler, PhD, CEO & Founder, PandiaDx LLC , CEO & Founder , PandiaDx LLC
B. Melina Cimler, PhD, CEO & Founder, PandiaDx LLC , CEO & Founder , PandiaDx LLC

Panelists:

Photo of Stefan Burde, PhD, Director, Global Strategic Business Development, TÜV SÜD America, Inc. , Dir Global Strategic Bus Dev , Global Strategic Bus Dev , Tuev Sued America Inc
Stefan Burde, PhD, Director, Global Strategic Business Development, TÜV SÜD America, Inc. , Dir Global Strategic Bus Dev , Global Strategic Bus Dev , Tuev Sued America Inc
Photo of Girish Putcha, MD, PhD, Principal & Founder, Precision Medicine & Diagnostics , Principal , Precision Medicine & Diagnostics LLC
Girish Putcha, MD, PhD, Principal & Founder, Precision Medicine & Diagnostics , Principal , Precision Medicine & Diagnostics LLC
Photo of Lakshman Ramamurthy, PhD, Vice President, Regulatory Affairs, GRAIL , Vice President, Regulatory Affairs , GRAIL Inc.
Lakshman Ramamurthy, PhD, Vice President, Regulatory Affairs, GRAIL , Vice President, Regulatory Affairs , GRAIL Inc.
Photo of Anna Scrimenti, Associate Director, Public Policy & Advocacy, Association for Molecular Pathology , Assoc Director, Public Policy and Advocacy , Public Policy & Advocacy , Association for Molecular Pathology
Anna Scrimenti, Associate Director, Public Policy & Advocacy, Association for Molecular Pathology , Assoc Director, Public Policy and Advocacy , Public Policy & Advocacy , Association for Molecular Pathology

Enjoy Lunch on Your Own

Organizer's Welcome Remarks

Erin Kadelski, Associate Project Manager, Production, Cambridge Healthtech Institute

NOVEL TECHNOLOGIES FOR DECENTRALIZED POINT-OF-CARE TESTING

Chairperson's Remarks

Giulia Pilla, PhD, Clinical Lead, Nostics , Clinical Lead , Nostics BV Europe

Point-of-Care Smartphone-Enabled Fluorescence Microscopy Setup for Diagnostic Applications

Photo of Umer Hassan, PhD, Assistant Professor, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Rutgers University , Assistant Professor , Electrical & Computer Engineering , Rutgers University
Umer Hassan, PhD, Assistant Professor, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Rutgers University , Assistant Professor , Electrical & Computer Engineering , Rutgers University

Dr. Hassan's lab has developed a 3D-printed, portable, smartphone enabled fluorescence microscopy setup for point-of-care diagnostic applications. This hand-held setup can be easily used to image cells of interest or other micro-nano particles used in different biological assays.The validation of the device with clinical samples will be shown in the talk. The setup is user-friendly and can be easily adaptable to different diagnostic applications.

A Novel Point-of-Care Diagnostics Platform to Revolutionize Antibiotic Prescription Practices

Photo of Giulia Pilla, PhD, Clinical Lead, Nostics , Clinical Lead , Nostics BV Europe
Giulia Pilla, PhD, Clinical Lead, Nostics , Clinical Lead , Nostics BV Europe

Nostics is developing a point-of-care diagnostics platform integrating photonics, nanotechnology, and machine learning, to detect and identify pathogens at species-level within minutes. With our first application DUTI, we target the identification of bacteria causing urinary tract infections from urine samples during the first patient visit, enabling more effective antibiotic treatments. The platform can be expanded to other pathogens (e.g., fungi) and sample types (e.g., blood cultures), revolutionizing infectious disease testing.

Developing Cost-Effective, Rapid-Response Diagnostics for Snakebite Envenomation in Decentralized Healthcare Settings

Photo of Jonas Jürgensen, MSc, Co-Founder, CEO, VenomAid , Co-Founder, CEO , VenomAid
Jonas Jürgensen, MSc, Co-Founder, CEO, VenomAid , Co-Founder, CEO , VenomAid

Snakebite envenoming, one of the world's most neglected diseases, causes significant morbidity and mortality annually. Diagnosis largely relies on patient history and symptomatic assessment, with the availability of diagnostic tests varying globally. Timely diagnosis and treatment are warranted, emphasizing the need for novel, rapid, and affordable diagnostics to improve outcomes in both established and decentralized healthcare settings. This could enhance patient outcomes and reduce costs in resource-scarce healthcare institutions worldwide.

Refreshment Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing

KEYNOTE PRESENTATION:
Point-of-Care Diagnostics for Global Health

Photo of David Erickson, PhD, SC Thomas Sze Director, Professor, Director, PORTENT Center for Point-of-Care Technologies for Nutrition, Infection, and Cancer in Global Health, Mechanical, and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University , SC Thomas Sze Director, Professor, Director , PORTENT Center for Point of Care Technologies for Nutrition, Infection, and Cancer in Global Health,  Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering , Cornell University
David Erickson, PhD, SC Thomas Sze Director, Professor, Director, PORTENT Center for Point-of-Care Technologies for Nutrition, Infection, and Cancer in Global Health, Mechanical, and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University , SC Thomas Sze Director, Professor, Director , PORTENT Center for Point of Care Technologies for Nutrition, Infection, and Cancer in Global Health, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering , Cornell University

In this talk, I will discuss our recent work on the development of, primarily, point-of-care diagnostic technologies for the differential diagnosis of febrile illnesses, quantification of antibiotic resistance, and some virus-causing cancers. In addition to covering the basic engineering science advancements that led to the development of these technologies, I will discuss our strategies for deployment and commercialization.

Innovations to Enable Distributed Diagnostics to Drive Public Health, Medicine and Clinical Trials

Photo of Michael J. Mina, MD, PhD, CSO, YourBio Health , CEO , Biohealth Engineering
Michael J. Mina, MD, PhD, CSO, YourBio Health , CEO , Biohealth Engineering

Decentralized diagnostics have proven value as critical medical and public health tools, from self pregnancy tests, to HIV self testing, to the international COVID-19 response and much more. However, truly decentralized POC testing is too often seen as antithetical to public health for lack of robust test monitoring, reporting and connectivity to EHRs. In 2022, the Biden Administration and the NIH launched the Home Test to Treat Program to leverage home diagnostics to support fast treatment and public health reporting. That program leveraged eMed's Test-to-Treat platform, developed in conjunction with the CDC, and enabled millions of Americans to return to the US during the early days of the pandemic, based on a self test. With appropriate innovations, distributed diagnostics can overcome traditional barriers and accelerate medicine, trials and responses to public health emergencies.

Close of Day

Wednesday, August 21

Registration Open

Interactive Discussions with Continental Breakfast

Interactive discussions provide an opportunity to discuss a focused topic with peers from around the world in an open, collegial setting. Select from the list of topics available and join the moderated discussion to share ideas, gain insights, establish collaborations or commiserate about persistent challenges. Please visit the interactive discussions page on the conference website for a complete listing of topics and descriptions.

Interactive Discussions with Continental Breakfast

TABLE 1: How to Successfully Partner with DDDI and BARDA (IN-PERSON ONLY BREAKOUT)

Christopher J. Knickerbocker, Contracting Officer Representative, United States Department of Health and Human Services , Health Scientist , BARDA , US Dept of Health & Human Svcs

Kristy Stoudt, PhD, Biologist and Project Officer, Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) , Project Officer , BARDA

  • Preliminary inquiries and interactions
  • Funding mechanisms
  • BAA solicitation process (Stage I – III)
  • Key questions before starting a submission/advice for submitters​

SUSTAINABLE AND SCALABLE DECENTRALIZED TESTING MODELS

Chairperson's Remarks

Donald G. Klepser, PhD, MBA, Professor and Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center , Professor , Pharmacy Practice , University of Nebraska

Reimbursement Models That Support Sustainable and Scalable Point-of-Care Testing Services in Non-Traditional Settings

Photo of Donald G. Klepser, PhD, MBA, Professor and Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center , Professor , Pharmacy Practice , University of Nebraska
Donald G. Klepser, PhD, MBA, Professor and Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center , Professor , Pharmacy Practice , University of Nebraska

With recent legislative changes, many regulatory barriers to providing point-of-care testing services in pharmacies and other non-traditional settings have been removed. Reimbursement for services in these settings remains as the largest barrier to wide-scale adoption and sustainability. While a barrier, models exist to reimburse providers for their services. In this session, current and potential reimbursement models for non-traditional settings will be presented along with the role diagnostic manufacturers can play in supporting reimbursement efforts.

Transforming Colorectal Cancer Screening: A Collaborative, Novel Approach to Patient-Direct Cologuard Testing

Photo of Tom Draney, MHA, Associate Director, Customer Experience, Exact Sciences , Associate Director , Customer Experience , Exact Sciences
Tom Draney, MHA, Associate Director, Customer Experience, Exact Sciences , Associate Director , Customer Experience , Exact Sciences
Photo of Kate Sowerwine, MD, CMO, Recuro Health , Chief Medical Officer , Recuro Health
Kate Sowerwine, MD, CMO, Recuro Health , Chief Medical Officer , Recuro Health

Explore the success story of our innovative collaboration, where Recuro Health's virtual care delivery seamlessly integrates with Exact Sciences, bringing large-scale colorectal cancer screening and care to patients nationwide within the comfort of their homes. Our talk will highlight the program's practical value, the rich data generated, and its notable success so far for Exact Sciences.

Zero to Waiver: Challenges, Innovation, Lessons and Principles

Photo of Chris Harder, PhD, Chief Technology Officer, Kenota Health , Chief Technology Officer , Kenota Health
Chris Harder, PhD, Chief Technology Officer, Kenota Health , Chief Technology Officer , Kenota Health

Join me on a journey of developing an IVD medical device from scratch to obtaining CLIA Waiver. The challenges of creating a non-conventional Point-of-Care IVD are unique and varied. I will take you through the development process during the pandemic (non-COVID), from concept to regulatory clearance. I’ll describe our innovation, share the challenges we encountered, explore the lessons we learned, and outline the principles we believe enable success. The goal is to inform, encourage, share, and inspire others on this journey and suggest ways to collaborate in bringing safe and effective products to market as soon as possible.

Networking Coffee Break

Operationalizing a Service and Expanding the Scope of the Community Pharmacist

Photo of Brian Strong, PharmD, Director, New Services Development, Walgreens Co. , Director, New Services Development , New Services Development , Walgreens Co
Brian Strong, PharmD, Director, New Services Development, Walgreens Co. , Director, New Services Development , New Services Development , Walgreens Co

As patient needs evolved throughout the pandemic, Walgreens stepped up to uncover and address the challenges and root issues that continue to impact community health. From parking lot testing sites to over 7000 testing locations, learn how Walgreens operationalized testing, assessment, and treatment services to not only offer alternatives to traditional channels but also allow our pharmacists to provide services to and help bridge care gaps.

Panel Moderator:

PANEL DISCUSSION:
Pushing Past the Tipping Point: Scalability of Pharmacy-Based Testing Models

Photo of Michael E. Klepser, PharmD, FCCP, FIDP, Professor, Ferris State University College of Pharmacy , Prof , Pharmacy , Ferris State Univ
Michael E. Klepser, PharmD, FCCP, FIDP, Professor, Ferris State University College of Pharmacy , Prof , Pharmacy , Ferris State Univ

Panelists:

Photo of Brian Strong, PharmD, Director, New Services Development, Walgreens Co. , Director, New Services Development , New Services Development , Walgreens Co
Brian Strong, PharmD, Director, New Services Development, Walgreens Co. , Director, New Services Development , New Services Development , Walgreens Co
Photo of John Warren, Owner and Principal Consultant, Gettysburg Healthcare Consulting, LLC , Owner , Gettysburg Healthcare Consulting
John Warren, Owner and Principal Consultant, Gettysburg Healthcare Consulting, LLC , Owner , Gettysburg Healthcare Consulting
Photo of Donald G. Klepser, PhD, MBA, Professor and Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center , Professor , Pharmacy Practice , University of Nebraska
Donald G. Klepser, PhD, MBA, Professor and Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center , Professor , Pharmacy Practice , University of Nebraska

Enjoy Lunch on Your Own

THE ROLE OF POCT AT THE PHARMACY LEVEL

Chairperson's Remarks

Adam S. Chesler, PharmD, MBA, Senior Vice President, Pharmacy Integration and Strategic Alliances, VillageMD , Senior Vice President , Pharmacy Integration and Strategic Alliances , VillageMD

Nationwide Study of Influenza POCT in U.S. Community Pharmacies 

Photo of Kenneth C. Hohmeier, PharmD, Associate Professor, Director of Community Affairs, PGY-1 Community-Based Pharmacy Residency Program, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center , Assoc Prof Clinical Pharmacy & Dir , Community Affairs , Univ of Tennessee Memphis
Kenneth C. Hohmeier, PharmD, Associate Professor, Director of Community Affairs, PGY-1 Community-Based Pharmacy Residency Program, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center , Assoc Prof Clinical Pharmacy & Dir , Community Affairs , Univ of Tennessee Memphis

Community pharmacists remain one of the most accessible healthcare providers in the U.S., with 9 in 10 Americans living within five miles of a pharmacy. Post-pandemic, there continues a shift in the perception of the role of the pharmacist as it relates to acute infectious disease treatment. However, there is sparse literature on pharmacist POCT service impact. This session will shed light on the topic with insights from a nationwide study.

Supporting CLIA-Waived POCT in Community Pharmacies

Photo of Michael E. Klepser, PharmD, FCCP, FIDP, Professor, Ferris State University College of Pharmacy , Prof , Pharmacy , Ferris State Univ
Michael E. Klepser, PharmD, FCCP, FIDP, Professor, Ferris State University College of Pharmacy , Prof , Pharmacy , Ferris State Univ

Integrating CLIA-waived POCT into the workflow of a pharmacy is critical to the success of a testing service. Means to track scheduling, clinical notes, and other data are essential for such programs. Additionally, understanding and tracking compliance with state-level legislative requirements for disease reporting, record keeping, and training of personnel is vital.

Empowering Pharmacists—Point-of-Care Testing for Enhancing Patient Care 

Photo of Adam S. Chesler, PharmD, MBA, Senior Vice President, Pharmacy Integration and Strategic Alliances, VillageMD , Senior Vice President , Pharmacy Integration and Strategic Alliances , VillageMD
Adam S. Chesler, PharmD, MBA, Senior Vice President, Pharmacy Integration and Strategic Alliances, VillageMD , Senior Vice President , Pharmacy Integration and Strategic Alliances , VillageMD

This presentation aims to empower pharmacists and technicians in point-of-care testing (POCT) for improved patient care. Attendees will gain insights into the pivotal role pharmacists and technicians can play in POCT, explore the process and workflow of pharmacy-conducted POCT, and discover how these practices can elevate value-based care.

How Point-of-Care Testing Can Fight Antibiotic Resistance—Antimicrobial Stewardship and the CHARM Project

Photo of Benjamin Pontefract, PharmD, BCPS, Director of Research, CHARM; Assistant Professor, College of Pharmacy, Ferris State University , Assistant Professor , College of Pharmacy , Ferris State University
Benjamin Pontefract, PharmD, BCPS, Director of Research, CHARM; Assistant Professor, College of Pharmacy, Ferris State University , Assistant Professor , College of Pharmacy , Ferris State University

Point-of-care testing (POCT) provides unprecedented amounts information to outpatient healthcare practitioners. If used correctly, these tests can help reduce inappropriate antibiotic use by a substantial amount. In this talk, we will discuss how the appropriate use of POCTs can fuel antimicrobial stewardship efforts. We will also discuss the Collaboration to Harmonize AntiMicrobial Registry Measures (CHARM) project and how tracking antibiotic use is essentially to monitoring antimicrobial stewardship efforts.

Close of Summit


For more details on the conference, please contact:

Christina Lingham

Executive Director, Conferences and Fellow

Cambridge Healthtech Institute

Phone: 508-813-7570

Email: clingham@healthtech.com

 

For sponsorship information, please contact:

 

Companies A-K


Phillip Zakim-Yacouby
Sr. Manager, Business Development

Companies L-Z

Katelin Fitzgerald
Sr. Manager, Business Development