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EUROPEAN PARTNERS
Academic Partners in red | Industry Partners in blue
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GLOBAL PARTNERS
Academic Partner in red | Industry Partners in blue

LARGE PUBLIC-PRIVATE CONSORTIUM

The ELBS is a dynamic network consisting of partners from academia and industry with the common goal of bringing LB tests into clinical routine. The network covers all relevant areas to reach this goal, ranging from harmonization of technologies, to the design of suitable clinical studies, and the interaction with regulatory bodies. The combination of the collective expertise and knowledge of the ELBS members with the strategic implementation of joint projects makes the ELBS a uniquely suited driver and valuable partner in the area of LB.

CONSORTIUM SIZE AND DIVERSITY

The ELBS network currently consists of more than 70 member institutions with more joining each year. About two thirds of our members are academic institutions or university hospitals; one third represents industry partners spread across biotech, device manufacturers, diagnostic companies, standard providers, and pharmaceutical companies. The ELBS member institutions also span across three continents (Asia, Europe, USA), the majority of members being located across the European continent.

HARMONIZATION AND STANDARDIZATION

In order to work towards robust LB test, that are applicable in a clinical setting, standardization and harmonization of pre-analytical as well as analytical parameters are essential. One valuable approach to achieve such harmonization is the formulation of specific guidelines. Another is performing actual wet-lab work including ring-experiments and technology benchmarking. The ELBS includes both complementary approaches in its activity profile.

COMPLEMENTARY FOCUS AREAS BY DIFFERENT WORKING GROUPS

In order to move the field of LB forward and in line with our holistic approach, the ELBS consists of distinct working groups that combine specific areas of expertise. The working groups are Dissemination & Education, Clinical, Technology, and Regulatory Issues. Each WG is chaired by a steering committee of 2 – 4 members that drive the activity of the network in their specific area of expertise. More information on the WGs can be found under the respective links below.

WORKING GROUPS

  • The goal of the Education & Dissemination WG is to build a strong and interconnected network with all the essential players on board.

    This is achieved by:

    • Establishing connections to other scientific societies and initiatives of the liquid biopsy space
    • Generating awareness on liquid biopsy applications for researchers, clinicians, and others
    • Increasing knowledge in relevant areas of the LB field (through workshops, white papers, etc.)
    • Online representation

    Leads: Catherine Alix-Panabières and Paul Hofman

  • The goal of the Clinical WG is to translate clinical insight on liquid biopsy applications into clinical utility.

    This is achieved by:

    • Identification of urgent clinical needs (markers and assays)
    • Identification of relevant projects from clinical perspective
    • Providing guidance and clinical perspective for the other WGs
    • Defining good practice criteria for inclusion of LB in clinical trials
    • Revising and designing “ELBS approved” clinical trials in the realm of LB

    Leads: Claus Lindbjerg Andersen, Jean-Yves Pierga, Nikolas von Bubnoff, Christoffer Gebhardt

  • The technology working groups are subdivided according to the analyte of focus. Currently 3 WG exist spanning the CTC, ctDNA, and EV fields. The overarching goal of these groups is to identify optimally suited assays for specific scientific and clinical questions and work towards optimization, harmonization and standardization of these methods.

    Activities include, but are not limited to:

    • Bench marking novel technologies
    • Establishing and improving SOPs
    • Organizing ring trials to assess and compare technology proficiency
    • Educating on limitations, challenges and strengths of existing analysis approaches
    • Support interested labs in standardization and certification processes (e.g. ISO 15189)


    Leads:

    CTC WG: Evi Lianidou and Nikolas Stöcklein
    ctDNA WG: Ellen Heitzer, Ed Schuuring, Patrizio Giacomini
    EV WG: An Hendrix, Rienk Nieuwland, Franz Ricklefs

  • The regulatory WG pursues the overarching goal of driving implementation and reimbursement of liquid biopsy assays in routine clinical practice.

    This is goal is pursued through:

    • Acquisition of knowledge on regulatory terms and conditions in EU countries
    • Collecting input and expertise from all stakeholders in health care
    • Exchange with regulatory agencies (e.g. EMA, FDA) and health care providers

    Lead: Klaus Pantel