Webinar
About the webinar
Although early stages of Drug Discovery, such as Target Validation and Hit-to-Lead, are not subject to GLP or GMP requirements, the reliability of data generated during these phases is critical for the success of downstream development.
At AXXAM, Quality is not viewed as a regulatory checkpoint but as a fundamental principle guiding every step of the scientific process.
For nearly two decades, we have voluntarily applied a GLP-like Quality System supported by an independent Quality Assurance Unit (QAU), a deep-rooted conviction further reinforced by our recent transition to ISO 9001, 27001, and 45001 certifications to promote transparent, traceable, and accountable research.
The presentation will illustrate how measurable Quality Criteria, combined with rigorous oversight of critical support functions such as Compound Management and Cell Factory, ensure reliable, reproducible, and verifiable data from the earliest stages of research. By minimizing risks before they propagate through development, this approach supports better scientific decisions, smoother transitions into regulated phases, and accelerated innovation across pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical sectors.
What you will learn
- Robust drug discovery: How implementing voluntary Quality controls from day one delivers solid, reproducible, and trustworthy scientific data.
- From theory to practice: A deep dive into how we turn abstract Quality principles into concrete, measurable laboratory criteria you can verify.
- Securing the Supply Chain: Why operational excellence in Compound Management and Cell Factory prevents costly downstream experimental failures.
Keywords
Quality; ISO certification; drug discovery; good laboratory practice; continuous improvement; quality management; quality assurance; data integrity; compound management; cell factory; quality acceptance criteria; laboratory
Meet the speakers
Beatrice Bellanti – Quality Assurance Manager, Axxam
Nazareno Menegatti – Head of Operations Support, Axxam
Federica Santandrea – Junior Scientist, Compound Management, Axxam
Beatrice Bellanti graduated in Biological Sciences from the University of Milan and has a background in Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology. She began working at Bayer Research in Italy in 1997 and joined Axxam in 2001, where she worked on the development of biochemical and cellular assays. In 2006, she became Quality Assurance Manager at Axxam and oversaw the implementation of a voluntary GLP-like Quality Management System, initially covering experimental activities in laboratories and later extending to the entire company. She is now responsible for the ISO Integrated System, managing Quality, Information Security, and Occupational Health and Safety (ISO 9001, ISO 27001, and ISO 45001 certifications).
Nazareno Menegatti is Head of Operations Support at Axxam, where he leads Compound Management and Cell Factory operations supporting integrated drug discovery programs. With more than 15 years of experience in compound management, chemical library design, automation, and high-throughput screening, he has played a key role in building and scaling scientific operations that enable efficient, high-quality discovery workflows. In his current role, he oversees multidisciplinary teams, driving operational excellence, automation strategies, technology implementation, and process optimization across multiple discovery programs. His expertise spans compound asset management, laboratory automation, sample logistics, and workflow design, with a strong focus on efficiency, data quality, and cross-functional collaboration.
Federica Santandrea holds a Master’s degree in Biotechnology and a second-level postgraduate Master’s in Immuno-Oncology and Cellular Therapies. She is a Scientist in AXXAM’s Compound Management Unit, where she supports drug discovery programs through compound handling, preparation, storage, distribution and traceability.
Her activities include the use of automated liquid handling and compound storage systems, as well as laboratory workflow management, contributing to efficient and reliable Compound Management operations.
With experience in scientific research, Quality Assurance, and Compound Management, she combines hands-on laboratory expertise with a keen eye for detail and a strong focus on process accuracy, traceability, and reliability.