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Thursday Sep 05, 2024

Day 02: Keeping momentum high on Road to the Max: Australia

Revving Up in Melbourne: Grit, Gear, and Groundbreaking Science

Day 02 in Melbourne kept the adrenaline pumping as we continued Road to the Max: Australia. Our day kicked off with a meeting with Brent Owens, Co-Founder and US CEO of Vitrafy Life Sciences, who shared how their cutting-edge cryopreservation technology is revolutionizing cell therapies. Next, we hit the road to meet Sharon Charles, Vice President of Clinical Operations at ProPharma, at the historic Shrine of Remembrance, a solemn tribute to all Australians who served in wars. Amid the echoes of history, we discussed the future of clinical operations with the world’s largest research consulting organization.

A Bit of a Max Rockatansky Start

The pace quickened as we headed over to scenic St. Kilda to meet Frank Giampieri, Chief Science Officer at Primal Organix, who introduced us to their innovative Terpene products targeting symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, and pain. As we headed back to Melbourne proper, our journey hit a bump – car trouble in true Mad Max fashion. Thankfully, the NAS mechanic came to the rescue, getting us back on track and ready to pick up producer Phill Neill at Melbourne International. With our team now complete and engines roaring, the next 15 days promise to be nothing short of epic.

Wacker
Vitrafy
Signet Healthcare
Protagene
ProPharma Group
Primal Organix
North-X Biologics
NAS
Mikart
FEC
Diant Pharma
Cell-X Technologies
BioXCell
Avid Bioservices
PPD
Vitrafy Exemplifies Why Storage and Quality Go Hand-in-Hand in Advancing Therapies

The crew met with Brent Owens, Co-Founder & Deputy CEO of Vitrafy, in downtown Melbourne to explore the critical role of cryopreservation in biopharma. Vitrafy offers a vertically integrated solution that ensures the quality and safety of cryopreserved biomaterials, particularly for cell and gene therapies. As the industry sees a surge in CAR-T therapies requiring specialized storage, Brent discusses how Vitrafy’s focus on biopreservation fortifies the supply chain, ensuring that life-saving treatments reach patients safely and effectively.

ProPharma Group is Supporting Better Clinical Outcomes Down Under

The crew met with Sharon Charles, VP of Clinical Operations at ProPharma Group, at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance to discuss ProPharma’s role as a global consulting leader in clinical research. Sharon shares how ProPharma helps early-stage companies bring their therapeutics to clinic and market, integrating novel technologies like AI into drug development. With a focus on targeted therapies and cell and gene therapies supported by their Gene Therapy Center of Excellence, Sharon provides an insightful look into the growing clinical trials space across Australia and the APAC region.

Primal Organix's Nutraceutical Approach to Better Mental Health

Frank Giampieri, CEO and Founder of Primal Organix, discusses his company’s mission to promote mental health and well-being through their nutraceutical products made with terpenes — naturally occurring organic compounds found in plant oils. Frank explains the benefits of terpene-based products and how they support overall health. We also sample some of Primal Organix’s product line, gaining a deeper understanding of their innovative approach to enhancing well-being through natural solutions.

Adama and Kate Munnings, CEO of Vitrafy.
The big man needs a little cup of coffee.
Nigel's ready to hit the road.
Don't look up too long or you might get hit with a coconut.
The full line of Primal Organix products.
Lucas, Rocco, Frank, and Nigel make a pretty good album cover here.
Frank Giampieri, Chief Science Officer at Primal Organix.
Getting tropical Down Under.
Sharon Charles, Vice President of Clinical Operations at ProPharma.
Brent Owens, Co-Founder & US CEO of Vitrafy Life Sciences.
The team is headed to pick up Phill Neill at Melbourne International.
Rocco, Nigel, and Frank Giampieri.
Part of Primal Organix's line of nutriceuticals.
Adama, Mark, Nigel, and Lucas posing on the rooftop.
Brett Gooding officially putting the Interceptor in our team's care for the next 17 days.
The men behind the lens.
Coming in for a landing at the riverside heliport.
A bit of interesting bee art on the streets of Melbourne.