Speaker: Helen Moore, Director of Applied Mathematics, Applied BioMath

Title: Systems Modeling in Biopharma

Abstract: Quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) models are increasingly being used for decision making in the biotechnology/pharmaceutical (biopharma) industry. QSP models are typically systems of ordinary differential equations with some mechanistic level of detail of the disease and a therapy. Parameter values in a QSP model are obtained from data, the literature, or from disease/biology experts. Once parameter values or distributions are determined, a QSP model can be used for predictive purposes. I will show some examples of QSP models used on actual client projects. I will also share tips for those interested in working in the biopharma industry.

Bio:

Dr. Moore is a mathematician who spent 11 years in academia, primarily modeling oncology, immunology, and virology. While in academia, she won two teaching awards and received a National Science Foundation grant for her research. During 14 years in the biopharma industry, she has worked at Genentech, Certara, Bristol-Myers Squibb, AstraZeneca, and now Applied BioMath. In 2018, she was named a Fellow of the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics. Her current work includes mechanistic ODE systems modeling, modeling of tumor dynamics, optimization of combination regimens, and evaluation of model predictions. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1989, and earned her PhD in mathematics from Stony Brook University in New York in 1995.