The visit involved a technology transfer and training program covering several standardized operating procedures (SOPs) related to key analytical techniques — including ELISA, qPCR, ddPCR, and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) — used for the quantification of AAV viral titers.

This collaboration represented an important step towards:

• Harmonizing analytical workflows across institutions;
• Strengthening our expertise in viral vector characterization;
• Ensuring reproducibility and consistency in AAV quantification methods;
• Building stronger connections within the ARDAT consortium

For more information follow the link.

Felix Bubeck successfully defended his PhD entitled: “Searching the hairpin in the haystack: Engineering the replication origin of AAV vectors” researching the use of synthetic AAV ITRs for enhanced vector persistence. Felix completed his PhD at the Heidelberg University, Germany and is pictured with his PhD supervisor and fellow ARDAT colleague Professor Dirk Grimm wearing his “PhD hat” depicting two ITR’s protruding from the hat. Congratulations Felix!

Amelia Trecco, INSERM PhD student supervised by Dr Sebastien Lacroix-Desmazes and Dr Claire Deligne presented her data obtained in the ARDAT project at the 13^th BIC International conference in Padua, Italy 12^th-14^th September 2025. Her talk was entitled; Immunogenicity of IdeS: the challenge of repeated use for clinical applications. As one of the leading events for experts in hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, gene therapy, and thrombotic microangiopathies, the BIC Conference offers a unique opportunity to engage in cutting-edge scientific discussions and connect with leading professionals in the field. For more information, including conference abstracts, follow the link.

Principle Scientist Stephan Holtkamp from Bayer recently attended the 19th International Congress of Immunology in Vienna and presented his published ARDAT work in collaboration with colleagues at The University of Liverpool. The work provides insights into adaptive immunity with rAAV vector serotypes, which will be important in advancing gene therapy safety. For more information follow the link Stephan Holtkamp and the published paper can be accessed via the link.

ARDAT student Diana Lobo has successfully defended her PhD thesis, titled “Overcoming the Major Roadblocks for Successful AAV-Based Gene Therapy in the CNS”. Diana completed her PhD under the supervision of Luis Pereira de Almeida and Rui Jorge Nobre at the Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC) at The University of Coimbra, Portugal. For more information, follow the link Diana Lobo.