An ECI Conference Series
October 5-9, 2025
Dubrovnik, Croatia
About This Conference
The Integrated and Continuous Biomanufacturing (ICB) Conference is the exclusive worldwide meeting for all interested parties from industry, academia and health authorities to exchange latest advancements in this field that is revolutionizing biopharmaceutical production. The seventh conference in this series shows how quickly these developments are progressing. In previous years, there was debate about whether integrated biomanufacturing could be implemented and whether it made economic sense. Today, the discussion is about how we can achieve an autonomous bioprocess with integrated continuous biomanufacturing, commercial-scale, GMP manufacturing campaigns and the application of continuous bioproduction concepts for production of new modalities. Potential impacts on cost of goods, environmental footprint, process development approaches, and regulatory strategy will be key areas for further exploration together as a community.
ICB VII will provide a platform to exchange ideas and latest development of exciting new integrated and continuous processes including: case studies of successful implementation, applications of ICB to bionanoparticles, potential to modulate product quality leveraging ICB, advances in cell culture and high-resolution purification unit operations, and opportunities to leverage data science to better realize ICB processes. Matching the enthusiasm on the topic in the bioprocessing community, emphasis will also be placed on process modeling and new concepts of process control leveraging machine learning, artificial intelligence and soft sensors as an important element of the conference. As in previous years, strong interaction of health authorities will also help the community to understand how these new technologies can be placed within the regulatory framework.
Most of all, we look forward to the many opportunities for direct interaction between ICB VII participants.
On behalf of the ICB Conference Steering Committee, we are pleased to announce that ICB VII will be held in Dubrovnik, Croatia in October of 2025. This will return the biannual conference series to ‘odd’ calendar years. We cordially invite you to get involved in this interesting event, as a presenter, participant, sponsor, or member of the organizing committee.
Sincerely,
Irina Ramos, Kevin Brower, Mark Brower, Alois Jungbauer
Conference Chairs
Conference Organization
Conference Chairs
Kevin Brower, Sanofi (USA)
Mark Brower, Merck (USA)
Alois Jungbauer, BOKU (Austria)
Irina Ramos (Portugal)
Organizing Committee
Veronique Chotteau, KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden)
David Garcia, Novartis Pharma (Switzerland)
Eva Gefroh, Just Evotec (USA)
Caryn Heldt, Michigan Technicalogical University (USA)
Karol Lacki, Repligen (Sweden)
Ken Lee, AstraZeneca (USA)
Dong-Qiang Lin, Zhejiang University (China)
Maria M. Papathanasiou, Imperial College London (UK)
Maarten Pennings, Biosana Pharma (Netherlands)
Nuno Pinto, Merck & Co., Inc. (USA)
Weichang Zhou, WuXi Biologics (China)
Steering Committee
Ana M. Azevedo, Instituto Superior Técnico (Portugal)
Jonathan Coffman, AstraZeneca (USA)
Charles L. Cooney, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA)
Rohini R. Deshpande, Amgen, Inc (USA)
Suzanne S. Farid, University College London (UK)
Chetan T. Goudar, Amgen, Inc (USA)
Alois Jungbauer, BOKU (Austria)
Konstantin B. Konstantinov, Ring Therapeutics (USA)
Aaron Noyes, Apogee Therapeutics (USA)
Gene Schaefer, NIIMBL (USA)
Jason Walther, Sanofi (USA)
Veena Warikoo, AstraZeneca (USA)
Session Descriptions
Product Quality Control through Integrated Continuous Biomanufacturing
Session Chair:
Eva Gefroh, Just Evotec
As integrated continuous biomanufacturing (ICB) matures, ensuring robust product quality control remains a key process requirement. This session will explore case studies and strategies for maintaining product quality in an ICB process. Topics include process control strategies, utilization and implementation of Process Analytical Technologies, and the role of automation in actively managing product attributes. Additional themes include monitoring and mitigating process disturbances, segregation or diversion strategies, and leveraging material traceability and residence time distribution models for quality control. Regulatory considerations, comparability protocols from early to late-stage development and through scale-up, as well as approaches to lot definition and lot release in continuous manufacturing will also be considered. Attendees will gain insights into practical approaches for managing dynamic process conditions and ensuring consistent product quality.
ICB Large-Scale Implementation: Celebrating Achievements and Lessons Learned
Session Chairs:
David Garcia, Novartis
Weichang Zhou, WuXi Biologics
The complexity of biomanufacturing has increased over the last decade due to variable product demands, new product modalities, internal and CMO capacity constraints, and a constant need to be faster and more cost-effective. Integrated Continuous Biomanufacturing (ICB), and variations of it, have emerged as an alternative to traditional batch processes. Recently, there has been an increase in the adoption of ICB processes in the biopharmaceutical industry at non-GMP pilots scales, clinical and commercial manufacturing environments. This session aims to cover industry advances and lessons learned when implementing ICB into large-scale manufacturing operations and GMP implications. We encourage talks that share experiences during implementation, encountered challenges and the different approaches taken.
We strive to cover both strategic and real-world case studies with multi-disciplinary talks leveraging input from different functional areas such as process development, regulatory, non-GMP and GMP operations, supply chain, commercialization, validation, process automation, procurement and quality teams.
More specifically, we are seeking topics encompassing technical considerations for scale-up and scale-out (new technology tools for scaling and transfer), manufacturing experience (equipment and consumable designs), control and automation applications (including PAT strategies), facility design and constructions, or regulatory considerations (equipment and process validation, quality systems design and filing strategies).
Integrated Continuous Biomanufacturing for Emerging Modalities
Session Chairs:
Caryn Heldt, Michigan Technical University
Karol Lacki, Repligen
The scope of Integrated Continuous Biomanufacturing development continues to broaden from its roots in monoclonal antibody production to emerging modalities at an expanded rate. Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMP), such as viral vectors for gene therapy & gene editing, cell therapy, and nanomedicines such as mRNAs can still be considered as emerging biopharmaceutical products. The session will focus on Integrated Continuous Biomanufacturing (ICB) concepts as applied for production of ATMPs, nanomedicines, as well as other non-antibody formats (non-mRNA vaccines, antibody drug conjugates, extracellular vesicles), from several different perspectives; both theoretical and experimental contributions are encouraged. We look for contributions discussing the use of already proven ICB technologies as well as technologies specifically tailored for manufacturing of the emerging therapeutic modalities. Aspects such as quality, process economics, regulatory requirements, and market demand, to name just a few, are encouraged. In addition, the session also seeks to discuss ICB applications leveraging emerging hosts (e.g. microbial and plant systems) and/or emerging platforms (e.g. cultured meats and other novel bio-modalities) for biomanufacturing.
Digital (R)evolution for Integrated Continuous Biomanufacturing
Session Chairs:
Nuno Pinto, Merck & Co., Inc.
Maria Papathanasiou, Imperial College London
As bioprocesses transition into integrated and continuous systems, digitalization becomes crucial for enhancing system understanding, optimizing process control, increasing predictive capabilities, and fostering continuous improvement. The emergence of Industry 4.0 in the biopharmaceutical sector necessitates a robust digital infrastructure to support automation, real-time analytics, and effective management of process parameters. This session will explore mathematical models that encompass parts of or the complete process chain, bridging various scales and simulating operations to provide deeper insights and improved visibility during production. Additionally, we will examine the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to accelerate process development and refine process control, along with the application of soft sensors to bolster process robustness and reliability
Keeping Cells Continuous Happy – Strategies for Continuous Cell Culture Processes
Session Chairs:
Veronique Chotteau, KTH
Ken Lee, AstraZeneca
The biotech industry has progressed rapidly towards highly productive continuous cell culture, whether with dynamic perfusion or short- to mid-term steady state. This has been achieved through engineering strategies and novel technologies such as higher cell densities, better cell separation device, scale-down models, or via biological approaches, such as cell engineering and targeted integration. We are inviting presentations that aim to answer the following:
- How can the industry move towards higher productivity cell cultures and faster without compromising on product quality and safety?
- How can more product be continuously and sustainably separated towards DSP? Is filter-based cell separation still the answer?
- Which approach should be adopted to engineer or select the cells for continuous culture? Should cells for continuous process be different than for fed-batch and how?
- How can we streamline, simplify or intensify the logistics around liquid handling, i.e. medium and harvest, in continuous bioprocessing?
- How should we tackle the process robustness and regulatory challenges to increasing productivity and process duration? Are we now closer to a cliff? How can this be solved?
- Which strategy should be adopted for the process characterization? How should the scale-down model be defined?
ICB for Resolving Challenges in Continuous Downstream
Session Chairs:
Dong-Qiang Lin, Zhejiang University
Maarten Pennings, Biosana Pharma
Continuous downstream processing is essential for the successful implementation of ICB. This session will explore the latest advances in overcoming challenges in continuous downstream processing, with a particular focus on novel technologies and strategies that enhance process efficiency and address process dynamics. We invite presentations addressing the following topics: (1) Applications of continuous downstream that balance high selectivity with throughput, including techniques such as linear gradients, electrokinetics, and micro- and nanofluidics. (2) Novel approaches for process development and characterization of continuous processes, supporting interchangeability and technology transferability between batch and continuous. (3) Development of novel downstream unit operations or reconfiguration of existing technologies (precipitation, nanoparticles, fluidized beds, centrifugation) to achieve novel separations of product- or process-related impurities, remove or inactivate adventitious agents, or enable delivery of high concentration or novel formulations.
Abstract Information
Abstracts (one page maximum) that include specific results and conclusions to allow a scientific
assessment of the proposed oral presentation are invited. Only a limited number of oral presentation
slots are available; therefore, all submissions for oral sessions will automatically be considered for both
oral and poster presentation.
Oral and Poster Abstract Submission Deadline: April 15, 2025
- Please choose up to two topics from the Session Descriptions listed above.
- Please prepare your abstract according to this template: docx or doc.
- Please include a 250-word highlight synopsis of the abstract for the online program description.
- Abstracts must be submitted electronically at THIS LINK.
- Abstracts for all presentations will be made available to conference participants prior to the start of the conference.
Call for Nominations for ICB Award
Guidelines for the 2025 Integrated Continuous Biomanufacturing Award
NOMINATION DEADLINE: March 31, 2025
PURPOSE
The Integrated Continuous Biomanufacturing (ICB) Award recognizes an outstanding contributor to the field of Integrated Continuous Biomanufacturing. The award was initiated in 2017 and the previous recipients are Konstantin Konstantinov, Massimo Morbidelli, Veena Warikoo and Chetan Goudar.
The award nominations will be judged according to criteria as set forth in this document.
AWARD
For each conference, an award of cash and a commemorative plaque will be presented to the recipient at the conference. Engineering Conferences International (ECI) sponsors this award.
ELIGIBILITY
This Award is open to all researchers in integrated continuous biomanufacturing. The award recipient is expected to register and attend the conference.
EVALUATION
A committee established by ECI will evaluate the nominations and make the final decision.
CRITERIA
The committee will judge the nominations on the originality and overall quality of work, significance to the advancement of the field of integrated continuous biomanufacturing, and other supporting information in the nomination package.
NOMINATION PACKAGE (All documents should have 1-inch margins all around and use font no smaller than Arial 10 or Times 12 point):
The nomination package must consist of the following items:
- A nomination cover sheet;
- A nomination letter of no more than 3 pages including a description of the nominee’s contribution to integrated continuous biomanufacturing;
- A resume including publications by the nominee (preferably fewer than 10 pages); and,
- A maximum of three supporting letters from individuals in the field
The nomination cover sheet should contain the following information if not already included in resume:
- Name of nominee
- Present position (exact title)
- Mailing address (including telephone and email)
- Education
- Institution (indicate major or field)
- Degree received and year of each degree
- Positions held
- Company or institution
- Position or title (with time period, if possible)
- Academic and professional honors and awards
- Technical and professional society memberships and offices held
- Nominator’s name and address (including telephone and email)
- Nominator’s signature and date
Please submit the complete nomination package (including scanned, signed letters of support) in an electronic form as a single PDF file with the subject line ICB Award Nomination-name of nominee and send to Barbara@engconfintl.org.
Nomination packages are due by midnight EST March 31, 2025.
Questions should be submitted to Barbara Hickernell at Barbara@engconfintl.org with the subject line 2025 ICB Award Question.
Previous Conferences in This Series
Integrated Continuous Biomanufacturing
October 20 – 24, 2013
Castelldefels, Spain
Conference Chairs:
Konstantin Konstantinov, Genzyme-Sanofi, USA
Chetan Goudar, Amgen, USA
Nigel Titchener-Hooker, University College London, UK
Integrated Continuous Biomanufacturing II
November 1 – 5, 2015
Berkeley, California, USA
Conference Chairs:
Chetan Goudar, Amgen, USA
Suzanne Farid, University College London, UK
Christopher Hwang, Genzyme-Sanofi, USA
Karol Lacki, Novo Nordisk, Denmark
Integrated Continuous Biomanufacturing III
September 17-21, 2017
Cascais, Portugal
Conference Chairs:
Suzanne Farid, University College London, UK
Chetan Goudar, Amgen, USA
Paula Alves, IBET, Portugal
Veena Warikoo, Axcella Health, Inc., USA
Integrated Continuous Biomanufacturing IV
October 6 – 10, 2019
Brewster (Cape Cod), Massachusetts
Conference Chairs:
Veena Warikoo, Roche, USA
Alois Jungbauer, BOKU, Austria
Jon Coffman, AstraZeneca, USA
Jason Walther, Sanofi, USA
Integrated Continuous Biomanufacturing V
October 9-13, 2022
Sitges, Spain
Conference Chairs:
Ana Azevedo, Técnico Lisboa, Portugal
Jason Walther, Sanofi, USA
Rohini Deshpande, Amgen, USA
Integrated Continuous Biomanufacturing VI
October 20-24, 2024
Leesburg, Virginia
Conference Chairs:
Ana Azevedo, Instituto Superior Técnico, Portugal
Kevin Brower, Sanofi, USA
Aaron Noyes, Apogee Therapeutics, USA
Venue Information
Croatia
Known as the land of 1,000 islands, Croatia is a Mediterranean country of perfectly preserved nature and breathtaking sites, with an interesting and rich history. Situated at the center of Europe itself, Croatia was often conquered and annexed to various empires from Greeks and Romans, to Austro-Hungarians, Ottoman Turks and even Napoleon. All these brought something to the melting pot of cultures, creating a special blend of cultures. More than a thousand islands decorate the coastline and 37% of the country is covered with forests. Croatia has eight national parks, two strict reserves, and ten nature parks. Being essentially Mediterranean, Croatia is becoming renowned for its wines
Dubrovnik Sun Gardens (Na Moru 1, Dubrovnik, Croatia 20234) https://www.dubrovniksungardens.com/
Located on the pristine shores of the Adriatic Sea, the hotel is 11 kilometers from Dubrovnik’s famous city center. Shuttle and taxi services are available upon request for transportation to local attractions, and Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) is 35 kilometers from the hotel.
Dubrovnik Sun Gardens features 408 rooms and suites with convenient amenities such as free parking and high-speed wireless internet. Among the facilities on site are indoor and outdoor pools, a full-service spa, fitness center, tennis, volleyball and squash courts, and a climbing wall.
Dubrovnik and the Dalmatian Coast
Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw said, “Those who seek paradise on earth should seek it in Dubrovnik.” Lord Byron called Dubrovnik the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” and others named it the “Treasure of the World”; it is considered one of the world’s most beautiful cities, offering an enchanting mixture of Renaissance architecture, vibrant culture and easy-going attitude to life. Dubrovnik city center and its Old Town are just 11 kilometers from the Dubrovnik Sun Gardens. The remarkably well-preserved medieval architecture of Old Town has made it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Old Town is a must-see attraction with Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque palaces and churches surrounded by a fascinating wall that can be explored by foot.
The Dalmatian coast is cradled by a range of mountains on one side and a long necklace of more than 1,000 beautiful islands on the other, with rock, pebble and sand beaches gently bathing in the warm sun and crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. The quality of sea water has been rated the best in Europe by the European Environmental Agency.
Further north are the ancient cities Split or Zadar. Major islands, like Brač or Hvar, have impressive villas, archeological sites, churches and palaces.
Transportation
By air
Dubrovnik International Airport is 35 kilometers from the hotel and has excellent connections with major European cities. Pick-up service can be easily arranged upon request and more information will be provided when registration opens.
By car
The A1 / D8 / E65 motorway connects Zagreb with Split; take the D8 to Dubrovnik, and then turn on Na Moru to reach the hotel. Once at the hotel, there is secure parking.
By ferry
Dubrovnik is connected by Jadrolinija ferries to Split and Rijeka, the central Dalmatian Islands, and Italy.
The resort has partnered with a private, upscale fleet for tours and transfers. Make reservations for sightseeing excursions or rentals at the on-site information center.
- Boat service to Old Town (seasonally)
- Car rental
- Group excursions
- Private boat hire
- Private individual excursions
- Scooter rental
- Tourist transfers to and from the airport
- VIP transfers
General Information about ECI
Engineering Conferences International (ECI) is a not-for-profit, global engineering conferences program, originally established in 1962 that provides opportunities for the exploration of problems and issues of concern to engineers and scientists from many disciplines.
The format of the conference provides morning and late afternoon or evening sessions in which major presentations are made. Poster sessions will be scheduled for evening discussion as well. Available time is included during the afternoons for ad hoc meetings, informal discussions, and/or recreation. This format is designed to enhance rapport among participants and promote dialogue on the development of the meeting. We believe the conferences have been instrumental in generating ideas and disseminating information to a greater extent than is possible through more conventional forums.
All participants are expected both to attend the entire conference and to contribute actively to the discussions. The recording/photographing of lectures and presentations is forbidden. As ECI conferences take place in an informal atmosphere, casual clothing is the usual attire.
Smoking is prohibited at ECI conferences and conference functions.