Detergent-Mediated Viral Inactivation for Multiple Modalities

Janice Tan heads the upstream, process materials and process consultancy team in Merck Asia Pacific excluding China. She and her team of scientists and engineers are responsible for providing technical consultation on upstream bioprocessing, bioprocess manufacturing optimization and troubleshooting. With over 23 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, she has led multiple successful projects starting from cell line development to bioreactor scale-up by presenting holistic and innovative solutions to customers producing biotherapeutics. Janice received her Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the National University of Singapore.

Kakolie G. Banerjee is the R&D Manager (Virology) in the Virology group within Process Solutions organization at Merck. She and her team support viral inactivation and clearance studies using model mammalian viruses and bacteriophage. They support product development, generate applications data for existing products, engage in post-launch and manufacturing support, along with capability and method development. Prior to this role, she worked as a Staff Scientist at Sample6 (now Corvium/Neogen) and helped developed an AOAC-Certified high-throughput phage-based foodborne pathogen detection assay. She did her B.Sc. in Life Science from Delhi University, an M.S. in Food Safety from North Dakota State University and her Ph.D. in Food Science from Pennsylvania State University.

Rain has over 10 years of experience in chemistry, life sciences, and bioprocessing, specializing in upstream applications from cell line development to fed-batch and continuous perfusion. She leads go-to-market strategy for upstream innovations in APeC (Asia Pacific excluding China), blending technical expertise with commercial insight. Rain supports emerging biotech, CDMOs, and large biopharma, building lasting partnerships to drive innovation and growth.