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11 September 2025
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at 16:00 BST / 17:00 CEST / 11:00 AM EDT / 8:00 AM PDT
What's the webinar about?
This webinar introduces key concepts of DoA antigen conjugates: definition, purpose and applications. It gives an overview of how conjugation ratio can affect assay performance and discusses options for customization of the conjugates. This session also highlights the importance of kinetics in designing sensitive and specific assays.
The session presents Medix Biochemica’s fully in-house capabilities for DoA antigen conjugate production and customization, and the broader DoA offering, which includes monoclonal antibodies and biospecimens across various matrices.
It is intended for professionals involved in developing diagnostic solutions for Drugs of Abuse testing.
Discussion points:
- DoA antigen conjugates – Definition, purpose and applications
- Customization of conjugates
- Binding kinetics
- Conjugate production and customization capabilities at Medix Biochemica
Key take aways:
- Antigen conjugates are critical components in immunoassays, especially for detecting small molecules like drugs of abuse. They are formed by linking a small molecule called hapten to a carrier protein or label via a specific linker.
- Optimizing conjugation parameters such as hapten ratio (the number of hapten molecules attached per carrier protein) can significantly enhance assay performance by improving sensitivity, specificity and reducing cross reactivity.
- Understanding binding kinetics is crucial for designing sensitive and specific assays, as it reveals how quickly and effectively the conjugate interacts within the test system, directly impacting reliability and accuracy.
- Medix Biochemica has in-house capabilities for hapten synthesis, conjugation, and quality control, allowing for consistent product quality and flexibility in customizing conjugates to meet specific assay needs.
- Medix Biochemica’s Drugs of Abuse portfolio includes antibodies and antigen conjugates for key targets like fentanyl and 6-MAM, along with emerging substances such as xylazine and synthetic cannabinoids. To support assay development, Medix Biochemica offers biospecimens including urine, saliva, and blood for validation across different testing matrices.
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Our speakers, panelists, and host for the webinar
Laura Kolsi
Technology Manager, PhD, Medix Biochemica
Dr. Laura Kolsi is responsible for the DoA antigen conjugate production at Medix Biochemica Finland. Laura joined Medix Biochemica in 2020 through the acquisition of Biostride and was responsible for the production transfer of DoA antigen conjugate portfolio to Espoo, Finland. She holds a PhD degree in Medicinal Chemistry from University of Helsinki. In her PhD, she designed, synthesized and identified new small molecule natural product derivatives as potential compounds for targeting pancreatic cancer and inflammation in vitro. In addition, she developed sustainable and environmentally sound synthesis methods among diterpenoids chemistry. As a Technology Manager at Medix Biochemica, Laura Kolsi combines deep subject matter expertise with a strong commitment to customer success and sustainability. At the heart of her work is a drive to ensure that Medix Biochemica delivers well-performing, high-quality products that empower customers in their assay development.
Maria Voutilainen
Global Product Manager, PhD, Medix Biochemica
Dr. Maria Voutilainen is the Global Product Manager at Medix Biochemica, where she oversees the Neurology, Hormones, Drugs of Abuse, Veterinary, and Therapeutic Drug Monitoring portfolios. In her current position, she is responsible for the strategic planning, development, and commercialization of these product lines, ensuring they meet the highest standards of quality and efficacy.Maria has extensive experience in the private bioscience sector. She has worked with laboratory instruments, consumables, and in vitro diagnostic (IVD) assays across various stages of the product life cycle, from initial research and development to market launch and post-market support. Maria holds a PhD in Genetics from the University of Helsinki. She is dedicated to science communication and promoting partnerships and dialogue between the private sector and academic institutions.
Mikael Jumppanen
R&D Scientist, PhD, Medix Biochemica
Dr. Mikael Jumppanen is a pharmaceutical chemist specializing in drug conjugates and antibody development. With a PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and a background in academic and industrial research, he brings expertise in medicinal chemistry, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, and oncology. He has authored 13 peer-reviewed publications.At Medix Biochemica Mikael serves as a Research & Development Scientist specializing in the development of small molecule antigens, including Drugs of Abuse (DOA) products. His work encompasses hands-on synthesis, conjugation, and method development in the laboratory. Mikael also serves as a subject matter expert in customer communications and contributes to marketing materials by providing scientific data and insights. Additionally, he is responsible for conducting patent landscape analyses to support R&D initiatives.
Ella-Maria Vesilahti
R&D Scientist, MSc, Medix Biochemica
Ella-Maria Vesilahti is a biotechnology professional with a Master of Science in Biotechnology from the University of Turku, Finland. She has gained versatile experience through roles in both academic and industry settings, building a strong foundation in molecular biology and diagnostic development.Since 2020, Ella-Maria has worked as an R&D Scientist at Medix Biochemica, where she focuses on antibody development for immunodiagnostic applications. Her work supports the advancement of high-quality reagents, particularly in the area of drugs of abuse testing, while also contributing to other clinical segments such as hormone diagnostics.Ella-Maria is known for her persistent and innovative mindset. She collaborates closely with cross-functional teams across global sites, contributing to projects that enhance diagnostic performance and scientific insight through shared expertise and teamwork.
Anthony Austin
Global Marketing Manager, Medix Biochemica
Anthony is the Global Marketing Manager for Medix Biochemica, starting in 2022. He enters this role after 15 years holding various science focused responsibilities in R&D, Manufacturing, Analytical and Product Management. Prior to Medix Biochemica, he worked in academic labs studying bone metabolism and genetic diseases affecting white blood cells and their ability to fight infections.
