How payers are reimagining cost strategies with lab services: Four Becker’s roundtable takeaways

During Becker’s Spring 2024 Payer Issues Roundtable, Labcorp’s Cameron Thomason, vice president for acute care services, hospitals and health systems, and Andrew Wirsul, vice president for payer solutions, moderated a discussion among a diverse group of payer executives about the evolution of lab services. The key themes that emerged are summarized below. 

Unlocking Cell Therapy’s Full Potential by Rewiring T-Cell Metabolism

A new approach from Labcorp and Xcell Biosciences mimics the tumor microenvironment and leads to more effective T-cell populations. This published research discusses the culture conditions emulating the tumor microenvironment can be used to generate more potent cell populations. Teams at Xcell Biosciences and Labcorp used the AVATAR system to compare the performance and effectiveness of CAR T-cells grown in conventional culture conditions versus conditions more closely mirroring the tumor microenvironment. Download this research article to learn more about this breakthrough.

Labcorp Bioanalytical Services Antibody Drug-Conjugate (ADC) Services

Given the bioanalytical complexities involved in ADC development—including various immunogenic impacts of all ADC components and the need for rigorous analysis of total ADC, monoclonal antibody (mAb) and free toxin—you need a bioanalytical services partner with extensive experience in bringing these treatments to market. At Labcorp, we are proud to be a highly experienced bioanalytical ADC development partner, currently supporting one-third of all ADCs in mid- to late-stage clinical trials.

Antibody drug-conjugates (ADCs): Analytical considerations for QC release, stability testing, characterization and comparability

An antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) represents a biopharmaceutical molecule comprising the monoclonal antibody (mAb) delivery component, which is conjugated traditionally to a highly potent cytotoxin via a chemical linker though other conjugated moieties are being developed. Regardless of the conjugate, the analytical approach is similar. All three components, mAb, cytotoxin and chemical linker, are crucial to the efficacy of the ADC, as well as the drug antibody ratio (DAR). Additionally, they must be addressed when it comes to the selection of analytics for release testing, stability testing, as well as characterization and comparability analysis. Adding to the complexity of analyzing ADC product is the analytical requirement for mAb intermediate, cytotoxic drug intermediate, drug substance and drug product, with the production of these materials often occurring at different manufacturing sites.

Five tips for healthy grilling this summer

Summer is in full swing and it’s time to enjoy the benefits of the season. Cooking and eating outdoors are popular options for parties, holidays, social gatherings, events or just plain fun. According to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association’s 2023 State of the Barbecue survey, grilling out continues to grow in popularity. Approximately 80% of all homeowners and 70% of U.S. households own a grill and/or smoker, up from 64% in 2019. And 35% own two grills or more. 

Cancer and clinical trials: two survivors share their journeys

Cancer and clinical trials: two survivors share their journeys

COVID, the flu, and RSV: Now is not the time to let your guard down

Influenza (the flu) has been a part of our lives for a long time. We have been dealing with COVID-19 for almost 3 years now. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) might seem like a newcomer because it has been in the headlines recently, but most babies have an RSV infection before they turn 2 years old. Even though we have learned to deal with these viruses, that doesn’t mean we should take them for granted.

Is a Clinical Trial Right for My Child?

Every year, hundreds of millions of prescriptions are given to children for the treatment of a wide range of conditions. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported in 2016 that only about 20% of prescribed medications were actually approved for use in children. In Europe, more than 70% of marketed drugs have been not been licensed for use in children.

What are mRNA Vaccines?

Vaccines play a critical role in the health and well-being of our society at large. They help drastically reduce the contraction and spread of infectious diseases, in turn limiting the severity of harm caused. Vaccines not only help protect the individual receiving the vaccine, but also everyone they come into contact with. We’re all in this together.