Pearl River Laboratories University Relations and High School Camp: Summer 2023

About Max (our summer intern)…

Max is a Chemistry major and rising senior at Brandeis University. As a summer intern at Pearl River Laboratories (PRL) , he worked closely with the President & CSO, Amar Prashad, as well as the Head of Business Operations, Lugene Maher, and the PRL team.

From Max…

Before I even started my internship at Pearl River Laboratories (PRL), I knew that my two months there would be packed with learning. During my time at PRL, I learned, did, and saw more than I could have expected. Looking back, I am extremely grateful for both the experience I got and the kind and supportive people who helped me get it. Truly one of the benefits of working at a small company, it would seem.

By the end of the first day, I had already learned how to use an HPLC– an instrument that I had never previously encountered. This was thanks to Daniel, who patiently explained every facet of the device. He showed me how to make and change mobile phases, change columns, equilibrate the machine, and create methods and sequences. I did my best to take this all in, and with a bit of practice, I figured out how to navigate HPLC systems with confidence. The fun didn’t end there though. In addition to understanding how to operate the system, I also saw firsthand some of its practical applications, such as using HPLC data to create standard curves and determination of sample concentrations of analytes.

Soon after, I started working on a protein-polysaccharide conjugation project, which was exciting because it aligns generally with my interest in designing and performing syntheses of medically relevant compounds. I also thoroughly enjoyed the hands-on lab experience that this project gave me. Walking into the lab each day to set up a reaction, check its progress on the HPLC, or figure out why something wasn’t working was like any good puzzle should be– intellectually stimulating and a lot of fun.

I also learned how to perform BCA assays with Thomas and SDS-PAGE analysis with Daniel. Overall, I still cannot believe how many analytical and laboratory skills I learned in such a short amount of time.

In addition to the lab experience, I am grateful to Lugene for setting up all of the meetings and tours with scientists and pharma workers so that I could see the industry from the inside. This was especially the case for my tour of Pfizer, with their group of summer interns, where I got to see almost every stage of the vaccine development process, from discovery right up to before manufacturing. This exposure was helpful in filling in my understanding of how vaccines are made and why it takes so long.

I also worked with Varun, our summer high school student, to teach him how to use an HPLC. This was not only a good learning experience for him, but also helped me solidify my comfort in the skills I learned earlier in the summer. Varun and I also worked together on a small formulation project in which we tried to figure out how to combine the various components of a product to achieve the target product profile.

I am thankful to Amar, Lugene, Daniel, Thomas, and Aditya for patiently teaching me all of the new skills I gained at PRL, from laboratory work to career planning, and for giving me the opportunity to work here and meet so many professionals.

Photos courtesy of Thomas Yang

Year 3 in Review

Pearl River Laboratories (PRL) is excited to celebrate its third anniversary. On behalf of PRL, we would like to say thank you to all our partners and clients.

A lot has happened at PRL this year and we would like to share some of that with you.

Please enjoy our year in review:

Our Team

PRL has grown and expanded this year. To support this growth, we welcomed three new colleagues to our team.

·        Thomas Yang joined us in March as an Analytical Chemist. Thomas is focused on analytical method development.

·        Aditya Jaikarran joined us in May as a Purification Chemist. Aditya is focused on process development of biologics.

·        Daniel Agostinho-Vides joined us in June as an Analytical Chemist. Daniel is focused on analytical method development.

New employees with Leadership Team. Photo by Thomas Yang

Our Expertise

In addition to growing the team, PRL has also expanded its expertise, capabilities, and equipment. This past year we added:

Assays

·        ELISA-based assays

·        Additional miscellaneous assays: BCA, Anthrone, Ehrlich

Processes

·        Vaccine conjugates process, formulation & analytical development

·        Preparation of low-endotoxin materials for toxicological evaluation

·        Evaluation of enzyme kinetics

·        Development of methods to characterize AAV encapsulated gene entities

·        Technology & Innovation: Investigated agents to minimize aggregation of biologics

Our Quality

PRL continues its proud tradition of prioritizing quality in all we do.

·        Successfully completed multiple internal audits and two external GMP audits.

·        Enhanced our Quality System with several new and revised SOPs and the addition of an Employee Handbook.

Our Educational Commitment to STEM

PRL once again hosted a college intern this summer, Daly Dedyo. Daly joined us as a rising junior at the University of Pennsylvania majoring in Chemistry.

The team also hosted its annual Summer Science Camp for High School students. This year, the team welcomed six high school students from sophomores to seniors.

PRL established a partnership with two local colleges as members of their career development and STEM advisory boards, as well as participated in their job fairs and career development discussions.

Pearl River Laboratories University Relations and High School Camp: Summer 2022

About Daly (our summer intern)….

Daly is a​ Chemistry major and junior at the University of Pennsylvania. As a summer intern at Pearl River Labs (PRL), she worked closely with the President & CSO, Amar Prashad, as well as the Head of Business Operations, Lugene Maher, and the entire team.

From Daly…

During my summer at PRL, I trained in ​several areas related to bio-conjugation and analytical characterization. I worked with Amar in the lab to obtain specific hands-on experience with complex bio-conjugation reactions and characterization by various analytical techniques. The latter includes high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), spectrophotometry, UV-VIS, and endotoxin analysis. In addition, I developed and optimized an HPLC method for characterization of a bio-conjugate.

I enjoyed working with the team to learn and assist with various lab processes.

While working with Lugene, I gained an understanding of the drug development process and honed my professional development strategies. Over the course of the summer, Lugene introduced me to several contacts at other companies in the industry, including Pfizer, Olaplex, and HEAP Recoveries. These individuals generously shared valuable career advice and unique insight from their experiences in the pharmaceutical biotech industries.

I was privileged to lead select high school students during PRL’s annual High School Summer Science Camp. I designed the camp curriculum, led an experiment using thin layer chromatography with common analgesics, and offered academic advice.

My summer at PRL has given me valuable experience and insights that I will use throughout the rest of my education and career. I am grateful for the extremely hands-on nature of the internship and friendly, collaborative work environment. 

Pearl River Laboratories 2022 High School Science Summer Camp

Six high school students followed a pre-planned program that included learning/hands-on sessions about the drug development process, laboratory safety, conducting laboratory experiments, building models of organic compounds, and learned about the importance of planning for their continued education. 

During their hands-on laboratory sessions students were required to generate, document, and analyze the data, as well as prepare and present their findings, working in teams of two. The students learned about basic lab techniques, with specific focus on Separation Techniques. They conducted experiments using Thin Layer Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid Chromatography, and Dialysis.

The program curriculum was designed and led by our college summer intern, Daly Dedyo.  The students were required to write-up their experiments, analyze the data and prepare and deliver their findings via a group presentation.

In addition to their work in the lab, the students were able to tour several other companies on the site that are also doing work in the field of STEM.

Photos by Thomas Yang

We're Hiring!

Pearl River Laboratories Inc partners with many companies to provide a wide range of process and analytical services to the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industry.

 Company Description

Pearl River Laboratories (PRL) is a partnering research organization with decades of expertise and experience in conjugated biologics. We develop biopharmaceutical candidates through robust, scalable and fit-for-purpose processes. PRL’s expertise in characterization and GMP analytics, supports clinical trials and registration of biologic products. PRL provides a wide range of phase appropriate analytical services to the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industry. We are a fully cGMP compliant analytical testing organization providing services from early development, Phase 1 through commercial. PRL takes pride in meeting customers’ needs through high quality, customer focus, flexibility and innovation. 

At PRL we strive to maintain a healthy work-life balance by providing employees with the customized flexibility they need for optimal performance at work and home. Our goal is to foster an inclusive work environment where colleagues are respected, valued and able to operate in a collaborative environment.

We offer competitive compensation and benefits in a supportive work environment.

Come join our growing team. We are actively hiring Analytical and Process Scientists.

Position - Analytical Scientist

Job Description

The Scientist applies knowledge and skills to develop a wide range of analytical methods/techniques to qualitatively/quantitatively characterize novel biopharmaceutical entities. The successful candidate will require to be trained in Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) that are in effect assuring the quality of the data produced for all testing. These methods developed may also require qualification/validation and used for characterization of these entities in a cGMP environment or tech transferred to another company for execution. This analytical position will work closely with the process group within PRL as well as manufacturing colleagues from CMOs to tech transfer analytical methods for clinical/commercial production.

Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to:

•        Ability to use instruments such as HPLC, FTIR, iCE, CE, LC/MS, UV-Vis, etc.

•        Performs routine testing of raw materials and samples

•        Prepares specialized solutions

•        Records observations, evaluates data and completes documentation

•        Author report summary for projects

•        Participates in designing and conducting investigational studies of atypical results

•        Openness to learn new instrumentation/techniques and accompanying methods

•        Applies sterile and isolation techniques to prevent contamination of samples

•        Develop and improve processes and analytical methods

•        Troubleshooting skills

• Maintaining knowledge of pertinent federal regulations

Qualifications

• 2+ years analytical laboratory experience preferred

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology or a related science field

• Technical skills handling laboratory equipment

To Apply for this Position

Please email your cover letter/resume to Lugene Maher, Head of Business Operations at: Lugene.Maher@pearlriverlabs.com

Position - Process Scientist

Job Description

Pearl River Laboratories (PRL) is responsible for the advancement of a diverse portfolio of bio-conjugates, including Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs), vaccine conjugates, as well as synthetic peptide- and oligonucleotide-based candidates. The Process group provides conjugation and engineering solutions for unit operations, scale-up, and scale-down for all bio-conjugate processes. The group also supports transfers to pilot and commercial facilities for the production of clinical/commercial materials and ensures that scalable processes are developed that are ready for process validation and commercialization. This process position will work closely with the analytical team members within PRL as well as manufacturing colleagues from CMOs to tech transfer processes for clinical/commercial production.

Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Developing synthetic plans, and designing and running experiments in an effort to produce robust and scalable models to advance entities through the development process

• Using a variety of analytical methods to monitor reaction processes

• Troubleshooting existing processes

• Experimenting with multiple variables simultaneously and identifying acceptable ranges for all operational parameters

• Improving existing processes to reduce cost and increase reliability, purity, and safety

• Using simulation or modeling software to determine how changes in process affect the final product

• Maintaining knowledge of pertinent federal regulations

• Knowledge on sterile technique and maintaining sterile conditions

Qualifications

• 2+ years process laboratory experience preferred

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology or a related science field

• Technical skills handling laboratory equipment

To Apply for this Position

Please email your cover letter/resume to Lugene Maher, Head of Business Operations at: Lugene.Maher@pearlriverlabs.com

Pearl River Laboratories High School Science Camp

High school students followed a pre-planned program that included learning/hands-on sessions about the drug development process, laboratory safety, conducting laboratory experiments, building models of organic compounds, drafting their first resume and the importance of planning for their continued education. 

During their hands-on laboratory sessions students were required to generate, document and analyze their data, as well as prepare and present their findings, working in two teams. The students used Ultraviolet (UV) light to visualize organic compounds and then build models of these compounds to gain an understanding as to why some compounds are UV active and some are not. This was followed by using UV light to determine the caffeine (UV active compound) content of various teas using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. Additional experiments were also conducted by these students.

One Year Anniversary and Beyond Celebration!

ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY & BEYOND CELEBRATION!

Pearl River Laboratories Inc has been successful from the start. The best customer service and quality science are our top priorities.

Service, Quality, Expertise, Trusted Partner.

2019

Pearl River Laboratories launches as a partnering research organization with decades of expertise and experience.

2020

Pearl River Laboratories continues to expand its GMP analytical services and its Discovery and Development capabilities in Bio-conjugation. State of the art equipment, innovative scientists, over 3,000 sq. ft. facility.

2021

Endless possibilities…

Continued growth and success through our Quality, Agility, Flexibility and Customer-focus.

Testimonials

“I have had a great experience with working with Pearl River Lab since they were first established.  They pay close attention to customer’s needs, are highly flexible in accommodating our requests and deliver high quality scientific results.  They always demonstrate professional courtesy and provided quick response to our questions and demands.  Congratulations on your one-year anniversary and wish you continued success in delivering high quality services!”

April Xu, PhD

Director, CMC Analytical Lead

ContraFect Corp.

"We chose Pearl River Laboratories because of their expertise in analytical services, purification methods and process development for complex biologicals.  PRL has been a reliable and flexible partner for our drug discovery projects.”

Mahiuddin Ahmed, PhD

President and CSO

VITRUVIAE

“Pearl River Labs has been a pleasure to work.  They are very responsive and cooperative.  Results and reports have been delivered on time and are of exceptional quality.  I recommend this organization to anyone who needs assay development work performed with high quality and timeliness.”

Stephen Freese, PhD

Senior Director

Affinivax

“We have had an exceptionally good experience working with Pearl River Labs. They deliver high quality service in a timely manner.”

Yana Reshetnyak, Ph.D.
President and CEO

pHLIP, Inc.

University Relations: 2020 Summer Internship Program

Pearl River Laboratories Inc is pleased to announce its new summer intensives and internships program.

Drawing on the extensive pharmaceutical and educational experience and background of several staff members, Pearl River Laboratories has created a summer intensive and summer internship program for college students.  We offer a period of work experience giving students exposure to the work environment, which relates to their field of study, typically in science or a healthcare-related field.  At Pearl River Laboratories, we believe on-the-job experience can be as valuable as what is learned in a student’s studies. Intensives and internships give students the opportunity to really understand what a specific process or a job is all about by working in that environment. We feel Internships are great opportunities to speak directly to people who have experience in the role they aspire to; knowledge of the job and work environment will give students a greater understanding of what it’s all about and what they need to do to progress in their studies and career.

Meet Our 2020 Interns

Ruben Sriskanda

Ruben is a rising junior at Carnegie Mellon University majoring in Chemical Engineering.  Ruben spent time working in the lab with Amar Prashad, the President and CSO, and Raymond Singh, Head of Separations Science, learning about process development of bio-conjugates and analytical method development. He prepared several antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) and analyzed them by hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) to determine drug antibody ratio (DAR), unconjugated antibody amount and conjugate profile. In addition, he analyzed these conjugates for aggregation level using size exclusion chromatography (SEC). Both analytical methods (HIC & SEC) were set up by Ruben with little or no supervision. Ruben was a quick study and a pleasure to work with in and out of the lab. All of us here at PRL wish Ruben well in the coming year and indeed through the completion of his studies.

Olivia Strohmeyer

Olivia is a rising Sophomore at the University of Buffalo majoring in a 5-year combined BS/MS Public Health program.  Olivia’s six-week internship consists of six modules focused on: The Drug Development Process, Quality Systems, Medicinal Chemistry, Lab Experimentation, Public Health and Career Development.

A Week in the Life of a Summer Intern - Follow Olivia’s internship journey

Week 1

“During my first week, I received personal training and mentoring from the knowledgeable staff.  I was exposed to the various types of laboratory equipment such as a HPLC, iCE, CE, UV, rotary evaporator, etc.  In addition, I learned about the drug development process and all that it entails.  This helped me understand the big picture from the discovery to post marketing phase, and how PRL fits into that equation. Not only am I learning about the pharmaceutical industry and the different roles and responsibilities, but I am working closely with Lugene Maher, Head of Business Operations, to develop my career development plan.  The career plan will help me set goals for myself in the near and distant future.”  

Week 2

“During my second week at PRL, I continued to work closely with the staff on the drug development process, more specifically learning about regulations and SOPs.  In addition, I learned about the importance of quality systems and received GMP training from Michael Pastel, Head of Quality Assurance.  Another colleague, Raymond Singh, Head of Separations Science, took the time to explain and teach me about the importance of method development with HPLC when in a lab, in anticipation of starting in the lab full time next week. I participated in the Quarterly Safety Review meeting as well as the bi-monthly team meeting. In addition, I also had the opportunity to speak with two Pfizer employees, former colleagues of Lugene, who explained to me their career journey.  By having these Meet and Greets, I have been introduced to new jobs and areas that I could possibly focus on in the future.  Throughout the whole week, I continue to work on my career plan and my public health case study on the coronavirus virus.”

Week 3

“This week I was able to go into the lab and gain hands-on experience. I read the SOP on using the HPLC system. Reading the SOP gave me a better grasp on how important an SOP is in operation and maintenance of an instrument. Then using the HPLC method description, I prepared mobile phases for a Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography (HIC) method. I also continue to work on my Covid-19 public health case study and my career plan.  I did more research on the resources provided by my college, The University at Buffalo, for public health students and the different types of jobs that recent grads have. I look forward to continuing my work in the upcoming weeks.”

Week 4:

 During my fourth week, I finished my career development plan. Lugene and I discussed updating my LinkedIn Profile, and how to make new connections to build a network.  I also finished my Public Health Case Study in preparation for my presentation at the conclusion of my internship.  In addition, I began to work independently in the lab with the HPLC and prepared to run and write-up experiments for next week.   

 Week 5: 

This week I worked 100% in the lab.  I created mobile phases for the HPLC according to my method. I followed the SOPs closely while in the lab.  Raymond assisted me when needed and explained/taught me about each and every step with running a HPLC. I created a sequence according to my method and input the correct parameters into the OpenLab software. Being able to have hands-on experience reinvoiced what I have learned outside the lab.  

 Week 6: 

During my final week, I continue to work in the lab synthesizing Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs) to run on the HLPC.  I ran these samples on Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography (HIC) and Size-Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) columns. In addition, I learned about the cutting edge mRNA technology and the importance of a mRNA vaccine.  I realized mRNA technology could play a crucial role in the future while dealing  with other novel infectious diseases. Finally, I finalized my resume and LinkedIn page.

Pearl River Laboratories Virtual Tour

COVID-19 Update

Pearl River Laboratories is closely tracking the COVID-19 outbreak. We are able and willing to actively support global research and public health efforts to identify preventative and therapeutic treatments.  We have the technology and qualified expertise in vaccine and drug development to partner with biotech, pharma, academia, and governmental research programs in service to patients.  We value the well-being of each person.  It is this passion and dedication that drives us to help find a solution to take on this virus. 

Please call me, one of my leaders or visit our website for up-to-date information.

Amar S. Prashad
President & CSO

Pearl River Labs joins Science Exchange

Proud to announce that we are now verified at Science Exchange, the platform for outsourced R&D.  Visit our profile to request a quote right now.  There are no additional contracts required if you request on Science Exchange and you can order immediately from Pearl River Laboratories at www.scienceexchange.com.