Frontera Insight No.07

Frontera Insight

2024.09 

General No.7

● Innovation ● Efficiency ● Integrity ● Rigor

Treading the tightrope towards the lighthouse

contents

2024.09   General No.7

SCIENCE CLASS

- Vector - Mediated Ocular Gene Therapy

- URS Writing Tips

DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

- Record a Maintenance of the Laboratory Water System

- Regaining Sight

- New Technology, New Breakthrough

- Meeting New Challenges

- Warehouse Exploration: Inventory, Reflecting the Trajectory of Materials

PEOPLE IN FRONTERA

LIFE SHARING

- A Journey Through Qinghai and Gansu

- Amateur Home Renovation Pitfall Avoidance Guide

Maggie Xue

Jackie Peng

Sunny Han

Jiayan He,Jing Yu, 

Meng Li, Mandy Lu,

 Suping Zhao,Tingting Chen,

 Wan Fang, Zhiyan Li,

 Yolanda Zhao

 NEWS BRIEF

- Teambuilding in Shanghai & Suzhou

- Employee Recognition - US

- Our Anniversary

Chief Editor:

Managing Editor:

Proofread:

Contributors:

The freeze in the pharmaceutical industry has witnessed a multitude of tales. Capital impetus, policy endorsement, and technological leaps act as the trinity propelling every innovative biopharmaceutical firm forward. Yet, in the industry's unseen crevices, countless peers have vanished... Reasons are nothing but: global economic downturn, uncertain market conditions, the sector's chill reception, and the lack of exit strategies.

2024 Highlights of the 5th Gene Therapy for Ophthalmic Disorders Summit: Frontera’s AAV Capsids for Suprachoroidal Delivery

Sep. 10-12, 2024 - the 5th Annual Gene Therapy for Ophthalmic Disorders Summit was held in Boston, USA. Dr. Zhong-Dong Shi, Executive Director, head of R&D, Frontera Therapeutics, was invited to participate in discussion on “Optimizing Capsid Design & Vector Engineering for Ophthalmic Gene Therapy” and gave a keynote address on “Novel AAV Capsids for Suprachoroidal Delivery”.

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Enrollment Newsletter

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FDA Clears Frontera’s FT-002 for Phase II Clinical Trials in the U.S.

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Sep. 23, 2024 - Frontera is excited to announce that its gene therapy product, FT-002, has been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Phase II clinical trials in the U.S. This approval marks a major milestone, as FT-002 becomes the first recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) gene therapy to receive FDA clearance for Phase II trials based on clinical data obtained from studies conducted in China.

Frontera Honored with the Title of "2024 Greater Suzhou Most Employee-Caring Employer"

September 5, 2024, the 11th Greater Suzhou Best Employer Awards Ceremony was grandly held at the Suzhou Broadcasting Corporation. As the first participation in the employer brand evaluation, Frontera stood out from over 300 companies with its remarkable strength, earning the title of "2024 Most Employee-Caring Employer".

The "Greater Suzhou Best Employer" selection event, organized by the Greater Suzhou Best Employer Committee, collaborates with representatives from the government, Universities, academia, Human resources platforms, and renowned enterprises. Since its inception in 2014, the event has successfully held 11 editions and stands as the most influential employer brand evaluation activity in the Suzhou region. 

The selection process, spanning over four months, comprises four modules: expert review, employee survey, public voting, and brand diagnosis, thoroughly assessing the current state of companies' employer brands. Winning enterprises are benchmark employers within their industries, serving as crucial references for job seekers. Notably, Frontera demonstrated near-perfect scores in the employee survey, showcasing employees' high regard for the company and leaving a profound impression on the judging panel.

This award not only reflects the selection committee's recognition of Frontera's employee care system and positive corporate culture but also highlights the company's relentless efforts and achievements in building its employer brand. Moving forward, Frontera will continue to uphold its core values of innovation, efficiency, integrity, and rigor, striving towards the vision : Committed to become patient trusted,industry respected and public acknowledged gene therapy enterprise. Frontera will continue to enhance its employer brand image and achieve mutual success between the company and the employees.

SCIENCE CLASS

Vector‑Mediated Ocular Gene Therapy

Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) vectors have been widely used in gene therapy of ocular and systemic diseases due to their structural and biological advantages such as stable physicochemical properties, weak pathogenicity, low integration risk and long-lasting exogenous gene expression. However, the intraocular immune inflammatory reaction induced by ocular Gene Therapy is called Gene Therapy Associated Uveitis (GTAU), which has become one of the influencing factors restricting the long-term and effective Gene Therapy of the eye. The incidence, ocular manifestations, influencing factors and preventive measures of GTAU will be briefly described below in order to provide reference for the ongoing clinical trials of ocular gene therapy. 

It was reported that up to 25% -35% of patients are estimated to have varying severity of GTAU. In general, the subretinal space, as a relatively immune-independent area, elicits less immunoreactivity than intravitreal administration, but a small amount of AAV vectors injected into the subretinal cavity may be retrograde into the vitreous via the puncture pathway of the retina leading to GTAU. 

Clinical trials have shown that multiple signs of uveitis such as corneal precipitates, anterior chamber flare, anterior chamber cells, vitreous inflammation, retinitis, retinal vasculitis, chorioretinitis, etc. may be observed in patients receiving ocular administration of AAV. 

At present, AAV vectors have become one of the most mature and widespread vectors in gene therapy products. Although AAV vectors may activate innate and adaptive immune pathways in vivo, thereby triggering GTAU, GTAUs are usually mild and transient, and can be effectively controlled by topical and oral glucocorticoids. It is believed that the immunogenicity of AAV vectors will be further reduced and the occurrence of GTAUs will be reduced to some extent by the control of key factors in the future, providing the possibility to provide safer and effective gene therapy products. 

Zhiyan Li,Clinical Development Dept.

SCIENCE CLASS

URS Writing Tips

In the pharmaceutical industry, when procuring instruments and equipment that meet testing and production needs, it is often necessary to draft a User Requirement Specification (URS) document at the outset. This document helps accurately capture requirements to ensure the acquisition of suitable instruments and equipment. Furthermore, during subsequent equipment confirmation and validation activities, compliance with the specifications outlined in the URS is essential for ensuring conformity.

So what is an URS?

URS, or User Requirements Specification, is a document that formalizes the user’s requirements. This document must be created in accordance with relevant document management procedures, including requests, reviews, approvals, and execution.

The URS outlines the objectives that users need to achieve; it captures the final requirements of the user. It serves as the foundation for writing the project Conceptual Design Specification (CDS), sub-project designs, and the functional design specifications (FDS) for facilities, systems, and equipment.

Writing a URS helps users clarify and accurately define their needs. It also aids project implementers, designers, builders, purchasers, and suppliers in understanding the user's ultimate requirements. Moreover, it facilitates effective communication among all parties to ensure a unified understanding of the requirements and helps everyone work towards a common goal.

In what cases do I need to write URS?

A project is a series of unique, complex and interrelated activities that have a clear goal or purpose (performance, quality, quantity, technical indicators) and must be completed within a specific time, budget, resources (human, material, financial, etc.) and according to specifications.

The URS of a project describes the goals, objectives and requirements of the project proposed by the project owner or the end user of the project.

Facility: These refer to establishments, systems, organizations, buildings, etc., created for specific needs. In pharmaceutical companies, this includes workshops, laboratories, warehouses, and functional buildings related to production, testing, and EHS (Environmental, Health, and Safety).

The URS of a facility is a description of the specific requirements put forward by the owner of the facility or the end user of the facility to achieve a certain purpose and use.

Public system These encompass facilities necessary for pharmaceutical production processes, such as potable water, purified water, water for injection, pure steam, HVAC systems, air compression, and vacuum systems.

The URS of a public system is to describe the specific requirements put forward by the owner or the end user of a public system for the public system to achieve a certain purpose and use.

Equipment:Typically refers to a collection of medium to large machinery or apparatus that cannot be operated by hand and must be fixed in place, relying on power sources rather than manual labor.

The URS of the equipment describes the specific requirements put forward by the owner of the equipment or the end user of the equipment to achieve a certain purpose and use.

In pharmaceutical projects, all critical and major projects (sub-projects), facilities, public systems and equipment that directly affect product quality, have a high risk of product quality, should be included in URS.

What is an URS

Why write URS

Layne Chen, QA Dept.

When is URS Not Required?

1.Projects related to "three wastes" treatment.

2.Boiler rooms, electrical rooms, office buildings, fire safety facilities, and communication facilities.

3.Industrial steam systems, site power supply systems, and fire alarm systems.

4.Generators, chillers, etc.

5.Simple standard equipment, tools, and containers.

What is the basis for writing URS

URS compilation principles

1.Drafting, reviewing, approving, and implementing the URS must adhere to company guidelines.

2.The URS must clearly state the user's actual needs and ultimate objectives.

3.Requirements should comply with relevant laws, regulations, and standards.

4.A simple URS can just be a basic form that outlines the user’s needs.

5. References should be detailed down to specific chapters.

6.The URS should involve input from users, relevant technical staff, departments, and the QA department during the review.

7.Clearly specify the characteristics and functions of the required object, its intended purpose, and the necessary standards and requirements.

8. All parameters should be precise.

9.All requirements must be comprehensive.

10. The proposed requirements should be achievable with current technology levels.

1. Based on the company’s development plans, project proposals, and requirements from the conceptual design (CDS), write the URS for the project and its sub-projects.

2. Compile the URS for various systems, facilities, and equipment based on the lists and basic requirements in the conceptual design.

Who writes URS

1.Overall Project URS: Compiled by the designated project leader or the user responsible after project completion.

2.Sub-Project URS: Compiled by the designated sub-project leader or the user responsible after sub-project completion.

3Facilities and Engineering Systems: Compiled by professional engineers from the engineering department.

4.Production Equipment: Compiled by specialized equipment engineers from the engineering department, with assistance from technical and production engineers.

5.Testing Instruments: Compiled by QC department engineers or technicians.

File management

Document drafting: The responsible department can be any of the user, technical, or engineering departments, or a collaboration of two or more departments.

Document Review: The URS document review primarily involves the user's department, engineering department, and quality assurance department, with reviewers including engineers and managers from those departments, as well as any experts or consultants hired by the company.

Document approval: The URS serves as the basis for drafting the FDS and DDS. The document must be approved by the manager of the drafting department; if the drafter is the department manager, approval must come from the general manager or an authorized individual.

Document Closure: The document becomes effective once all user requirements are confirmed to meet regulations, and the approval allows for its use in design, procurement, bidding, and other activities. The URS acts as the starting point for the project.

To ensure proper management, all stages including drafting, reviewing, approving, closing, and archiving the document must be controlled. The URS document should have a unified format and can be classified into simple record-type URS and formal document-type URS versions.

SCIENCE CLASS

Record a Maintenance of the Laboratory Water System

The utility system provides a stable and reliable supply of water, electricity, gas and steam for the Suzhou plant, some directly involved in production, some indirectly involved in production. In order to ensure the continuous and stable operation of these systems, in addition to daily inspection and timely detection of problems, it is also necessary to regularly professional maintenance, restore equipment performance, and eliminate hidden dangers in the bud.

Laboratory water system is mainly used for experimental equipment cleaning, experimental water, the use of points distributed in the physical and chemical laboratory, biochemical laboratory, technology transfer laboratory. The tap water through the pre-filter, activated carbon filter, water softening machine, reverse osmosis device treatment into the circulation tank, the water in the circulation tank after ultraviolet disinfection, polishing mixed bed, terminal filtration treatment, to meet the requirements of the experimental water quality, through the stainless steel ring pipeline to the use of the point, through continuous circulation, to keep the water is always in the flow state.

2. After the system is shut down, replace the front filter, activated carbon filter and the rear filter.

3. After replacing the filter, chemically disinfect the tank and distribution lines:

a) Add about 70L of disinfectant (3.0% hydrogen peroxide) to the tank.

b) Short connect the polishing mixing bed to avoid disinfectant water entering the polishing mixing bed.

c) Start the circulating pump and after running for 40minutes, open the water point valve and continue flushing for 5 seconds.

d) Continue the cycle for 20 minutes after the end of disinfection, discharge the disinfectant, use the newly prepared water to flush the tank and pipe, and perform end flushing at each use point.

1. Before the maintenance starts, each use point is listed. Inform the user of the disinfection time and disinfection hazard, and avoid mis-operation during the disinfection process, resulting in personnel injury.

4. Finally disinfect the RO (reverse osmosis unit).

5. After the maintenance is completed, put away the water point sign and recovery water connection.

After replacing the seal ring of the RO filter element, add 1000ml of disinfectant (3.0% hydrogen peroxide) into the filter shell, and operate the RO control panel to enter the automatic disinfection mode.

In this maintenance, by replacing the front filter, the filtering effect is restored to meet the subsequent requirements on water quality; Chemical disinfection of RO membrane and circulating website, reducing the level of microorganisms in the system while reducing the pressure of polishing mixed bed and terminal filtration, improving water quality and extending the operation time of equipment.

The aforementioned tasks are just a small part of the Engineering Equipment Department's daily routine. For pharmaceutical facility and equipment, We stand watch,  you rest assured.

Zhuang Niu, EE Dept.

DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

Regaining Sight

Lulu Jin, CO Dept.

As the university summer vacation draws to a close, we were fortunate to receive an interview invitation from a special guest—a young female college student, 21 years old, who goes by the pseudonym Li Xiao. Since childhood, she has been diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) caused by a mutation in the PRE65 gene. Initially, it manifested as night blindness, but as she grew older, her condition progressed, gradually leading to a constriction of her visual field and a decline in vision. For many years, her life and studies were greatly restricted, especially at night when she was virtually unable to move independently.

However, with the clinical research on FT-001 injection for patients with RPE65 gene mutations, conducted by Frontera in collaboration with the Ophthalmology Department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Li Xiao's life and studies have undergone a dramatic transformation.

The interview began in the evening, just as Li Xiao returned from a walk outside, her face radiating confidence and joy as she excitedly shared her treatment experience and the changes she has undergone.

"I've always known I was different from others," Li Xiao reminisced. "As night fell, my world would plunge into darkness, making it impossible for me to go out alone, and greatly affecting my life and studies. My parents and I had tried various treatments, including seeking help abroad, but to no avail. I had almost given up hope until I heard about the clinical trial of a gene therapy product, FT-001 injection, for RPE65 gene mutation patients being conducted at Peking Union Medical College Hospital."

"With a try-it attitude, I joined the trial in September 2023, starting with my left eye. A month after the treatment, in the evening, I could see road signs and distant lights, and my night vision had significantly improved," she said excitedly. "At that moment, I knew my life was about to change dramatically. In December 2023, my right eye was also treated, and it began to show the same improvements as my left eye."

Now, not only can Li Xiao move freely at night, but her self-confidence has also been greatly enhanced. She has started participating in more social activities, has new directions for her life planning, and even plans to pursue a career that requires good vision in the future. "FT-001 has given me new hope and shown me a brighter future," she said with gratitude.

As the sponsor and a member of Frontera, we are very proud of Li Xiao's treatment effects and sincerely proud. We have witnessed the change in a patient's life journey. Our mission is to develop and produce high-quality, affordable gene therapy products, and Li Xiao's story proves that our efforts are worthwhile.

Li Xiao's story has inspired countless patients suffering from genetic diseases. Her experience is not only a strong testament to the effectiveness of the FT-001 product but also an encouragement to all those who are fighting genetic diseases. Similarly, it is an encouragement to us, and we will continue to commit to developing more innovative products like FT-001 to help more patients regain a new life.

At the end of the interview, Li Xiao said with a smile, "I hope my story can inspire more people, letting them know that no matter what difficulties they encounter, there is always hope ahead. Thank you to FT-001, the doctors at Peking Union Medical College Hospital, and Frontera; you have changed my life."

With the continuous advancement of gene therapy technology, we have reason to believe that in the future, more patients like Li Xiao will be able to regain their sight and enjoy a world full of possibilities. FT-001 is not just a treatment; it is a symbol of hope and the beginning of change.

DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

New Technology, New Breakthrough

In today’s digital age, industries are evolving at a rapid pace, and real-time updates have become essential in the field of testing technology. While traditional methods are reliable and well-established, they come with minor drawbacks, such as complex procedures. This has naturally spurred innovation. In the heat of August, our department adopted cutting-edge technology, leading to exciting new breakthroughs.

◎What is the new technology？

◎What does the new technology measure?

The capsid is the protein shell of a virus, also known as the viral coat. It is an oligomer formed by subunits of viral capsid proteins. The primary function of the capsid is to enclose and protect the virus's genetic material (nucleic acid). Essentially, it is the protein shell that surrounds the viral nucleic acid.

The traditional method for detecting capsid protein components relies on SDS-PAGE electrophoresis, a widely used protein analysis technique in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. This method works by separating proteins in a sample based on their molecular weight as they move through the gel. However, the conventional approach is semi-quantitative and often subjective, with a complex, labor-intensive process that demands technical expertise. To address these limitations, a new quantitative detection technology has been developed, which is the breakthrough we’ve recently adopted.

◎  What are the advantages of the new technology?

• No assembly: Plug and play, avoid manual assembly ensuring more stable and reliable testing results.

• No additional piping system needed: This feature helps prevent frequent pipe clogs, ensuring smoother operation.

• High-quality separation medium: Operates at low voltage and generates minimal heat.

•Capillary cartridge with built-in waste container.

• Easy daily cleaning: Takes only 5 minutes.

• CE-SDS testing: Only 5-7 hours for 12 tests.

• Significantly reduces labor costs.

Saves time on capillary cutting and assembly, reduces maintenance time between batches, streamlines daily cleaning, minimizes repetitive tasks, shortens software batch setup time, and accelerates data analysis.

•Optimal resolution

Under reducing conditions, glycosylated heavy chains and non-glycosylated heavy chains can be clearly distinguished, which is a requirement set by the national pharmacopoeia for the CE-SDS method. This technology meets this requirement perfectly.

• High repeatability

Under reducing conditions for monoclonal antibody samples, 24 consecutive CE-SDS tests were performed with an RSD of less than 1%.

Jiayan He, QC Dept.

The introduction of new technology signifies the birth of a novel testing method. While it brings us significant breakthroughs, it also presents new challenges. However, our team is undeterred, and we believe that in the near future, we will confidently rise to meet these challenges.

*New Detection Technology Equipment

DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

Meeting New Challenges

This August was very memorable for our Chinese finance team, as we faced an unusual challenge under the company's call to reduce costs and increase efficiency, the Chinese finance team will take over the financial work of the entire group.

Although there were only two team members in the US finance team, the work they were responsible for was very broad and trivial. In the past, funds allocation and budget control were coordinated at the group level by the Chinese finance team, but the most complex and detailed accounting work was relatively independent. After the limited handover, we need to continue to ensure the continuity, timeliness and accuracy of accounting and payment, and overcome the language barrier and time difference, which is still a big challenge for us.

Firstly, finance is often at the end of the business process. Before the tasks flow to us, a lot of stories may have happened, but we cannot blindly keep accounts or pay the money. We need to grasp all the necessary information to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of accounting processing. 

Secondly, we must consider the past, the future and national characteristics, the most obvious ones are the payment and tax issues. Taking payment as an example, the bank system in the United States is different from that in China, and the habits are also very different. To avoid payment duplication or delay, we have to research the previous records carefully and comply with the payment habit that is very "American". 

Finally, time is our greatest enemy. The company's business is constantly moving forward, we need to deal with the daily work, while sorting out every new process and solve every problem encountered with the most efficient way.

Fortunately, our team showed high cohesiveness and efficiency in this handover. Allison holds the direction and overall arrangement, providing us with timely information and guidance to help us move forward quickly; Jimmy and Mandy were responsible for transferring the entire US accounting system to China and completing the integration with Chinese’s; Pat needs to learn a new payment method to handle each payment accurately and timely; 

In addition, we have received a lot of help from our partners in other departments. For example, the most difficult task we face is to transform our payment system to adapt to the unique payment habits of the United States. In this process, Bennett Wang from the IT Department went through lots of documents with us, researched them word for word, we successfully pull the job off. Tingting Chen from the Supply Chain Management Department also helped us with the customs clearance when we want to deliver some paper documents to Shanghai office; Colleagues from other departments have also make their effort to answer our questions.

◎Challnges

◎Execution  and Teamwork

◎Cross-departmental collaboration 

This article is written before the handover work is about to come to an end. Looking back, our team members’ English ability has been greatly improved, and the result of completion of this cost reduction and efficiency increase project is self-evident. Once again what impressed me most was the power of a team. This is a task that cannot be accomplished by any one individual. In the whole process, each team member showed the spirit of not complaining, not shirking.

This is true both within our department and across the whole company. I believe that every member of Frontera will treat every day and every task with this kind of professionalism, so that we can now occupy the forefront of the industry. Let's make continuous efforts to contribute to a better tomorrow for Frontera.

Luna Zhang, FA Dept.

DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

Susan and I went through hundreds of emails, understood each transaction, and completed the approval process before accurately delivering the bills to the payment process; Josh and Kathleen, who have left the company, with their high professionalism, summarized the SOP of various operations, responded to requests, and explained everything in detail.

PEOPLE IN FRONTERA

A Full Moon Signifies a Family Reunion

On the approach of the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Suzhou office hosted a "Lacquer Art Dreams, Moonlit Beauty" Intangible Cultural Heritage Lacquer Fan DIY event. At the activity, under the patient guidance of the staff, participants chose their preferred lacquer fan dyes and dropped them into clear water, using the lacquer as their brush and the water as their canvas. They fully exercised their imagination in color mixing, and then carefully immersed the white fan surfaces into the water. Through repeated trials and reflections, one-of-a-kind "custom-made" lacquer fans, rich in Chinese aesthetic, came to life. Each lacquer fan is a unique work of art. Using lacquer as the medium and the fan as the paper, they carry the sentiments of reunion and nostalgia. Everyone proudly displayed the lacquer fans they had made by hand, exchanging and admiring each other's creations in a warm atmosphere.

This activity not only offered participants an experience of an intangible cultural heritage journey, but also deepened their understanding of the cultural depth behind the lacquer fans. In an "immersive" way, they felt the unique charm of Chinese traditional culture. It is hoped that everyone's life will be as colorful and splendid as the lacquer hues...

This translation captures the cultural essence and the festive spirit of the event, highlighting the unique experience and cultural significance of making lacquer fans.

Selina Zhu,  EHS&Admin Dept.

Warehouse Exploration: Inventory, Reflecting the Trajectory of Materials

Warehouse inventory is a completely new challenge for me. This time, I am fortunate to undertake the important task of warehouse inventory together with Miss Qian.

The moment I walked into the warehouse, the sight of countless materials made me feel both familiar and unfamiliar. Familiar because these are all items closely related to our production. Unfamiliar because I didn't know how to start. Under the guidance of Miss Qian, she methodically began to formulate an inventory plan. First of all, she carried out partitioned sorting. She skillfully divided and introduced the areas, explaining the importance of doing this. It can make the work more efficient and accurate. Partitioned sorting is like drawing a clear map for the trajectory of materials, allowing us to have a clear path to follow in the subsequent inventory.

Next, we began to carefully check the list and look at the key data such as the product name, specification, batch number, and quantity of materials. Miss Qian reminded me that no detail can be overlooked because any mistake may affect the production quality. When encountering doubts, we discussed together to strive for accuracy. The verification of each data is like touching a node in the material trajectory. Only by ensuring its accuracy can the material trajectory continue smoothly.

During the inventory process, I tried my best to follow Miss Qian. She not only pays attention to the basic information but also carefully checks the storage conditions and expiration dates. When seeing materials that are not placed neatly, she will immediately tidy them up to ensure the warehouse is clean and orderly. I also took active actions and did not overlook any factor that might affect the inventory results. Each of our actions is to take care of the material trajectory and keep it on the right track all the time.

As time passed, we gradually approached the end of the work. Summarizing the inventory results and comparing them with the system data is a crucial link. Once we find any differences, we will carefully recheck to find out where the problem lies. In this process, I deeply realized the importance of rigor and meticulousness. This final comparison and recheck is like a comprehensive review of the material trajectory to ensure it is complete and intact.

After two days of hard work, the work was successfully completed. This experience has given me a deeper understanding of warehouse management. And each inventory is a clear reflection of the material trajectory, allowing us to better guard the company's production lifeline.

Tingting Chen, SC Dept.

DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

中秋特刊

佳节同庆

In the autumn of 2024, Frontera Shanghai office hosted an unconventional Mid-Autumn Festival celebration. The conference room was tastefully decorated, exuding warmth and elegance. Strings of vibrantly colored lanterns were scattered across the tables, complemented by pomegranate blossoms, creating a festival atmosphere that was both classical and modern. On the tables, an assortment of mooncakes were artfully arranged, symbolizing reunion and fulfillment. The most eye-catching was undoubtedly the legendary "Ten Thousand Li of Gold" giant mooncake. It lay quietly in the center, emitting an alluring glow, as if narrating the tales and blessings of Mid-Autumn to all present.

Teambuilding in Shanghai

Joyce Wang, Admin Dept.

PEOPLE IN FRONTERA

PART 1/Guessing lantern Riddles

PART 2/Food & DIY

The activity starts with laughter and cheer. Colleagues gathered in small groups, some deep in thought with their heads bowed, others exchanging knowing smiles, as intelligence and wit collided in a dazzling display of sparks. The riddles were either humorously whimsical or rich with deeper meanings, and each correct answer was met with a burst of applause and jubilant cheers. After a fierce competition and an unexpected "overtime" period, one team emerged victorious by a narrow margin, securing the hefty prize with a sense of accomplishment.

Lunchtime arrived, and a sumptuous feast escalated the joy to new heights. Everyone gathered around, savoring a variety of delicacies while sharing snippets from their work and personal lives, with laughter and cheer never in short supply. Post-lunch, an even more engaging activity awaited—the DIY lantern-making session. Under the guidance of the staff, everyone got hands-on, cutting, pasting, and decorating. Each step was imbued with the joy of creation. Before long, unique lanterns were born, each not only carrying the individual's best wishes for the Mid-Autumn Festival but also embodying the teamwork and camaraderie that had been fostered.

PEOPLE IN FRONTERA

Employee Recognition - US

Amy Jiang: Teamwork Star Award (2024.09)

Recognizing her exceptional teamwork and contributions to FT-017 and FT-018 bioassay and in vitro potency assay establishment, FT-005 baculovirus generation and SOP drafting for various bioassays. 

Yogeshwar: Exceptional performance Star Award (2024.06)

Recognizing his exceptional performance on FT-017 in vitro potency assay, FT-018 bioassay and new target evaluation.

Lucas :Exceptional performance Star Award (2024.06)

Recognizing his exceptional performance on FT-005 program and new target evaluation.

PEOPLE IN FRONTERA

4th Anniversary

Yolanda Zhao - EE Dept.

Carter Wang - MF Dept.

Chunhong Jiang - QC Dept.

Zhengquan Liu - MF Dept.

Yingying Qian -  QA Dept.

Mia  Wang - QC Dept.

Mengmeng Jin - RA& PM Dept.

Xinyan Li

3rd Anniversary

PEOPLE IN FRONTERA

2nd Anniversary

1st Anniversary

Meng Li - RA& PM Dept.

Xueping Qian - SC Dept.

Susan Liu - FA Dept.

Leo Xu - EE Dept.

Li Huang - Medical Dept.

Lucas Van Gorder - R&D Dept.

LIFE SHARING

At the end of May, my family and I embarked on a long journey across Gansu and Qinghai, our first joint trip after graduation. On May 25th, our plane landed in Lanzhou, where we were greeted by a bowl of fragrant Lanzhou beef noodles, whose rich broth and chewy texture perfectly captured the grandeur and weightiness of northwestern China. Our journey officially began with a hug from the Mother River, the Yellow River.

A Journey Through Qinghai and Gansu

Sunny Han, HR Dept.

First stop: Rainbow Danxia

The northwest region is vast and has scattered attractions, so we set out early in the morning at 6:30 to catch the first glimpse of sunrise and meet up with two other small families.

The beauty of mountains and rivers has been a topic of discussion since ancient times. Our first stop was the famous Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park, where the saying "the stone walls on both sides shine with five colors" came to life. The bizarre geological formations were vibrant and majestic, and we lingered there, lost in admiration, until nightfall. After savoring the local specialty lamb, we returned to our hotel for a rest.

LIFE SHARING

Second stop: Jiayuguan

Third stop:   Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes& Mingsha Mountain

The next day, we arrived at the First Pass Under Heaven: Jiayuguan. Standing on the city wall, we felt the weight of history, as if we could hear the echoes of clashing weapons and sense the prosperity of the ancient Silk Road. It felt as if we had traveled back in time and were conversing with ancient people.

Forth Stop:Chaidan Jade Lake &  Chaka Salt Lake

Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes, a pearl of Eastern art, was our third stop on the journey. We traveled through the dust of the past millennia to keep an appointment with you, and we followed our guide's steps, as if we had entered a dreamlike world. Every Buddha statue and every painting here was a whisper of time and the echoes of history. Then, we went to the crescent Spring of Mingsha Mountain to feel the vastness and immensity of the desert. Although the camel ride was not as fun as expected, the experience of retracing the Silk Road and skiing the sand became the most precious memory of our trip. In the evening, we tasted the whole roast lamb, the northwest lamb is fresh and tender, and the aftertaste is endless. The original plan of the desert stargazing camping, due to weather reasons could not be made, leaving a trace of regret.

Next, we entered Qinghai Province and officially entered the plateau area. Despite full preparation, my mother and I had a mild case of altitude sickness. Fortunately, the great Chaidan Jade Lake gave us unexpected surprise and comfort, it lay quietly there, witnessed the changes of the years, but always maintained that quiet and pure. The next day, we drove to Chaka Salt Lake, the end of our journey. The sky is gloomy, and did not see the legendary sky, but walking in the salt lake, as if walking in the clouds, accompanied by family, everywhere is scenery.

This trip to the northwest is not only a physical migration, but also a spiritual baptism. There are more unknown landscapes in the journey of life, and I will continue to move forward with more longing to discover a bigger world, experience a different life, and look forward to meeting a better self in the journey, and also look forward to finding the holy land in my heart.

Amateur Home Renovation Pitfall Avoidance Guide

This summer, I've taken delivery of the first home in my life—a significant milestone. As a total beginner when it comes to home renovation, I've dived headfirst into decorating my first house. Just like many others, the journey has been a mix of excitement and unforeseen challenges. In today's article, I'll share some of my renovation experiences, which you might call a "beginner's guide to avoiding renovation pitfalls.

If you're not in a rush to move in, we recommend checking out localized renovation show units in your housing complex first. Different renovation teams can have vastly different quality in terms of materials and craftsmanship. Once localized hard renovation is done, it's hard to make alterations.

The effect of whole-house customization is half determined by the quality of the panels, and half by the craftsmanship of the installers. When choosing panels, it's important to look at the environmental protection grade, edge sealing technology, price, and potential extra charges, in addition to color. Make sure to compare samples with your wall paint in person to avoid a plethora of "whites."

When the whole-house customization items are delivered and installed, both the homeowner and the designer should be present to avoid issues like missing drawers or wrong electrical placements that could require a return to the factory for corrections, thus delaying the project.

When it comes to budgeting, always shop around before purchasing major items for renovation, such as furniture and appliances. Your options aren't limited to just Taobao, JD.com, Pinduoduo, Alibaba, and other online platforms, but also include offline channels like community group buys in your housing estate. Keep a firm grip on your total budget and buy the most suitable items within that limit—don't forget to haggle for a better price! (The image on the right is just a glimpse into one of my community group buying chats.)

In this era of information transparency, whenever you encounter issues related to renovation, you can turn to platforms like Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book), Douyin (TikTok), and Zhihu for learning and insights to avoid common pitfalls in advance.

Diverse industries present diverse challenges, and it's impossible to cover all renovation details in brief. However, mastering the following skills will surely help avoid unnecessary detours:

Project Management: Renovation is a holistic project that involves research, defining needs, budgeting, timeline planning, and style control.

Financial Oversight: Precisely allocate the budget and strictly control it, as renovation costs have a lower limit but no upper bound.

Supply Chain Management: Proficiently handle supplier selection, comparing quotes from multiple sources, budget control, and product inspection.

Renovation is a bittersweet journey, but no matter how winding the path, the destination is beautiful. May all Frontera colleagues who are about to receive their new homes enjoy moving into their dream houses.

* Different White

* Socket in the cabinet.

Mengmeng Jin,RA& PM Dept.

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Frontera Internal Magazines Production Committee

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