Radioligand Therapies
Engineering the Next Generation of Targeted Radiopharmaceuticals
29 September - October 1, 2026 ALL TIMES EDT
CHI’s Inaugural Radioligand Therapies conference stream brings together industry leaders to explore the science and strategy driving the next generation of targeted radiopharmaceuticals. Sessions will highlight advances in engineering optimized ligands, linkers, and radionuclides to improve targeting, stability, and therapeutic index, alongside emerging biological targets, novel mechanisms of action, and rational combination approaches. The program will also address the critical challenges of clinical translation, manufacturing, and supply chain scalability required to deliver RLTs to patients globally. Finally, the conference stream will showcase progress in personalized dosimetry and theranostics, emphasizing data-driven approaches to optimize patient selection, treatment planning, and outcomes. Together, these topics provide a comprehensive view of how innovation across discovery and development is shaping the future of precision oncology.

Tuesday, September 29

Registration Open and Morning Coffee

Welcome Remarks

NEXT WAVE OF INNOVATION IN RADIOLIGAND THERAPIES

Chairperson's Remarks

Rachel Humphrey, MD, President and Founding CEO, Normunity , President and Founding CEO , Normunity

Discovery of a DLL3-Targeting Macrocyclic Peptide Radioligand Therapy for the Treatment of SCLC

Photo of Zhigang Weng, PhD, Vice President & Head, Biology, Mariana Oncology, a Novartis Company , VP & Head of Biology , Biology , Mariana Oncology, a Novartis Company
Zhigang Weng, PhD, Vice President & Head, Biology, Mariana Oncology, a Novartis Company , VP & Head of Biology , Biology , Mariana Oncology, a Novartis Company

Neuroendocrine neoplasms, including small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and treatment-emergent neuroendocrine prostate cancer, frequently overexpress DLL3. We developed ETN029, a novel macrocyclic peptide with picomolar affinity and high specificity for DLL3. ETN029 demonstrated strong and specific tumor binding and favorable tumor-to-kidney ratios. [225Ac]Ac-ETN029 showed rapid, sustained tumor uptake and clearance from normal tissues. In SCLC xenografts, a single dose induced robust tumor regression and prolonged survival, supporting further development.

Biologics as Radiotheranostic Agents: Engineering and Risk Mitigation Strategies for Toxic Payload Delivery

Photo of Alessandro Mascioni, PhD, Director, Targeting Technology Research, Telix Pharmaceuticals , Director - Telix Targeting Technologies , Targeting Technology Research , Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Alessandro Mascioni, PhD, Director, Targeting Technology Research, Telix Pharmaceuticals , Director - Telix Targeting Technologies , Targeting Technology Research , Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Radiopharmaceuticals span modalities from small molecules to antibodies and antibody fragments, aiming to balance clearance and tumor penetration to maximize therapeutic window. Full length antibodies benefit from FcRn recycling but risk prolonged systemic exposure and retention throughout the reticuloendothelial system (RES). Antibody fragments clear faster yet accumulate at clearance organs. We present engineering strategies that elucidate RES endocytosis mechanisms and a methodology to reduce nonspecific uptake of antibody fragments in healthy tissues.

Advances in 212Pb Alpha-Particle Radiopharmaceutical Therapeutics

Amos Hedt, Chief Business Strategy Officer, Perspective Therapeutics , Chief Business Strategy Officer , Perspective Therapeutics

Lead-212 has emerged as a compelling alpha-emitter for targeted radiopharmaceutical therapy, offering a half-life ideally matched to peptides and peptide-like small molecules, alongside a scalable, cost-effective supply chain. This presentation will highlight encouraging clinical results from Perspective Therapeutics' ongoing trials and introduce a pipeline of next-generation peptides directed at novel oncology targets, underscoring ²¹²Pb's expanding role in precision cancer treatment.

Networking Refreshment Break

Join your colleagues for a cup of coffee or refreshments and make new connections.

Covalent Ligands in RLTs: An Emerging Approach to Optimizing Therapy

Photo of Paul M. Scola, PhD, Senior Vice President, Chemistry, Actithera , Senior Vice President , Chemistry , Actithera
Paul M. Scola, PhD, Senior Vice President, Chemistry, Actithera , Senior Vice President , Chemistry , Actithera

Panel Moderator:

PANEL DISCUSSION:
Defining Next-Generation Radioligand Therapies: From Molecular Design to Clinical and Commercial Success

Photo of Rachel Humphrey, MD, President and Founding CEO, Normunity , President and Founding CEO , Normunity
Rachel Humphrey, MD, President and Founding CEO, Normunity , President and Founding CEO , Normunity

Panelists:

Photo of Cara Ferreira, PhD, CEO, Lumina Pharmaceuticals , CEO , Lumina Pharmaceuticals
Cara Ferreira, PhD, CEO, Lumina Pharmaceuticals , CEO , Lumina Pharmaceuticals
Photo of John Babich, PhD, Co-Founder & CSO, Ratio Therapeutics , Co-Founder & CSO , Ratio Therapeutics
John Babich, PhD, Co-Founder & CSO, Ratio Therapeutics , Co-Founder & CSO , Ratio Therapeutics

Amos Hedt, Chief Business Strategy Officer, Perspective Therapeutics , Chief Business Strategy Officer , Perspective Therapeutics

Photo of Sujiet Puthenveetil, PhD, Director, Antibody Drug Conjugates and Radioconjugates, AstraZeneca , Director , Antibody Drug Conjugates and Radioconjugates , AstraZeneca
Sujiet Puthenveetil, PhD, Director, Antibody Drug Conjugates and Radioconjugates, AstraZeneca , Director , Antibody Drug Conjugates and Radioconjugates , AstraZeneca
Photo of Paul M. Scola, PhD, Senior Vice President, Chemistry, Actithera , Senior Vice President , Chemistry , Actithera
Paul M. Scola, PhD, Senior Vice President, Chemistry, Actithera , Senior Vice President , Chemistry , Actithera

Enjoy Lunch on Your Own

PERSONALIZING RADIOLIGAND THERAPY: FROM THERANOSTIC IMAGING TO DOSIMETRY-GUIDED IMPACT

Chairperson's Remarks

Rachel Humphrey, MD, President and Founding CEO, Normunity , President and Founding CEO , Normunity

From Imaging to Impact: Practical Frameworks for Personalized Dosimetry in Radioligand Therapy

Photo of A. Omer Nawaz, PhD, Head, Theranostics and Radiation Science, AstraZeneca , Head of Theranostics and Radiation Science , Theranostics and Radiation Science , AstraZeneca
A. Omer Nawaz, PhD, Head, Theranostics and Radiation Science, AstraZeneca , Head of Theranostics and Radiation Science , Theranostics and Radiation Science , AstraZeneca

Personalized dosimetry is central to unlocking the full therapeutic potential of radioligand therapy. This presentation outlines practical frameworks for integrating quantitative imaging, pharmacokinetics, and patient-specific modeling into clinical development and clinical practice. Emphasis will be placed on scalable workflows, time activity characterization, and strategies to balance clinical feasibility with biological accuracy to support individualized treatment planning and improved therapeutic outcomes.

From PSMA to What’s Next: Evolving the Radioligand Target Landscape

Photo of Ana Filipa Fonseca, Global RLT Strategy and Early Portfolio Director, Novartis , Director , Global RLT Strategy and Early Portfolio , Novartis
Ana Filipa Fonseca, Global RLT Strategy and Early Portfolio Director, Novartis , Director , Global RLT Strategy and Early Portfolio , Novartis

From PSMA to what’s next—radioligand therapy is expanding beyond a single success into a new frontier of isotopes, vectors and targets. This talk explores how we lead that shift as an industry, what is our unique value proposition as radioligands shaping the next wave of innovation to reach more patients, and redefine what RLT can achieve for patients.

Expanding the Therapeutic Window with Affibody Theranostics: First-in-Human Experience with ABY-271 and Novel Target Applications

Photo of Guido Wuerth, MD, PhD, GFMD, Head of Corporate Development, Radiopharmaceuticals, Affibody AB , Head of Corporate Development Radiopharmaceuticals , Corporate Development , Affibody AB
Guido Wuerth, MD, PhD, GFMD, Head of Corporate Development, Radiopharmaceuticals, Affibody AB , Head of Corporate Development Radiopharmaceuticals , Corporate Development , Affibody AB

Affibody molecules can expand the therapeutic window for oncology radiotheranostics by combining rapid, high-affinity tumor targeting with low uptake in critical organs. Drawing on clinical experience from [177Lu]Lu-ABY-271 in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, the talk will highlight safety, biodistribution, and dosimetry learnings that supported first-in-human progression. These insights are now directly informing the development of earlier pipeline programs, including B7-H3 as a next-generation radiotheranostic target.

Q&A with the Speakers

Photo of Rachel Humphrey, MD, President and Founding CEO, Normunity , President and Founding CEO , Normunity
Rachel Humphrey, MD, President and Founding CEO, Normunity , President and Founding CEO , Normunity

Grand Opening Refreshment Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing and Best of Show Voting Begins

Don’t miss the opportunity to meet the Discovery on Target community, including leading service providers and poster presenters in our first Exhibit Hall break! Grab a cup of coffee or refreshment, vote for Best of Show Poster and Exhibitor awards, and explore booths to fill the Game Card for a chance to win raffle prizes.

OPENING PLENARY KEYNOTE PANEL

Opening Remarks by DOT Team Lead

Tanuja Koppal, PhD, Senior Conference Director, Cambridge Healthtech Institute , Senior Conference Director , Cambridge Healthtech Institute

Chairperson's Remarks

Dennis Hu, PhD, CEO, Drug Hunter Inc. , CEO , Drug Hunter

Panel Moderator:

PLENARY PANEL DISCUSSION:
Tackling Difficult Drug Targets: Having a Modality-Agnostic & Technology-Nimble Approach

Dennis Hu, PhD, CEO, Drug Hunter Inc. , CEO , Drug Hunter

Panelists:

Erin Davis, PhD, Vice President, Research Business Insights & Technology, Bristol Myers Squibb , VP , Research Business Insights & Technology , Bristol Myers Squibb

Ryan Potts, PhD, Vice President and Head, Induced Proximity Platform, Amgen, Inc. , VP and Head , Induced Proximity Platform , Amgen

John Tallarico, PhD, Global Head, Discovery Sciences, Novartis BioMedical Research , Global Head , Discovery Sciences , Novartis BioMedical Research

Klaus Urbahns, PhD, Head, Therapeutic Modalities, Biogen , Head of Modalities , Therapeutic Modalities , Biogen

Andrea Weston, PhD, Head of Discovery Biology and Pharmacology, Pfizer Inc. , Executive Director , Discovery Biology and Pharmacology , Pfizer Inc.

Ian Storer, PhD, Vice President, Hit Discovery, AstraZeneca , VP , Hit Discovery , AstraZeneca

GAME ON! Welcome Reception in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing

Join us for a sports-themed reception and all-star networking with the DOT community. Don’t forget to play the Game Card and vote for our Best of Show Poster and Best of Show Exhibitor awards. It’s the perfect way to relax and connect while in Boston. Feel free to wear your team jerseys, favorite tees, caps, sneakers—anything sporty & fun! 

Close of Day

Wednesday, September 30

Registration Open

In-Person Breakfast Breakouts

In-Person Breakouts are informal, moderated discussions to exchange ideas and develop future collaborations around a focused topic. Please come prepared to be part of a collective, problem-solving session and participate in active idea sharing. Visit the Breakouts page for a complete listing of ALL discussion topics, including ones related to setting up collaborations, finding funding, and more.

In-Person Breakfast Breakouts

IN-PERSON ONLY BREAKOUT: Advocacy Roundtable Discussion: Addressing Patient Access to Radioligand Therapy

Mike Crosby, Ambassador & Board Member, Oncidium Foundation , Ambassador & Board Member , Oncidium Foundation USA

Jean-Luc Vanderheyden, PhD, Head, Oncidium Foundation , Executive Director , Oncidium Foundation USA

  • How advocacy organizations can help patients and caregivers better understand radioligand therapy, theranostics, and available treatment options
  • Practical barriers patients face in accessing RLT, including geographic location, referral pathways, insurance coverage, financial burden, and treatment-site availability
  • How industry, treatment centers, clinicians, and advocacy groups can collaborate responsibly to improve education, awareness, and patient navigation
  • Opportunities to build stronger patient-centered resources, including site-finder tools, educational materials, community outreach, and support programs for underserved populations​

IN-PERSON ONLY BREAKOUT: The Next Wave of Radiopharmaceutical Innovation: Where Are the Real Opportunities?

Muhammet Tanc, PhD, CEO, Nuclide Therapeutics , CEO , Nuclide Therapeutics

  • Exploring where the biggest opportunities may emerge: new target biology, underserved tumor types, improved patient selection, or next-generation isotopes
  • Discussing how to distinguish attractive scientific ideas from opportunities that are truly translatable, scalable, and commercially viable
  • Sharing perspectives on what biotech, pharma, academia, and investors each need to see before committing to the next wave of radiopharmaceutical programs​

PLENARY BREAKOUT BLOCK

IN PERSON ONLY PLENARY BREAKOUT:
Bedside to Bench—Driving Research That Has Real Patient Impact

Michael Liebman, PhD, Managing Director, IPQ Analytics, LLC , Managing Dir & Co Founder , IPQ Analytics LLC

Neil Pfister, MD, PhD, Chief Medical Officer, Research Division, Numenos , Chief Medical Officer , Research Division , Numenos

  • Need to evolve from precision medicine towards accurate medicine to better identify and define causality
  • Use of technology to identify appropriate targets for drug development, including AI/ML methods
  • AI-based approaches to human-first reverse translation, which means starting from the true unmet clinical need (identified in patients)
  • Identifying therapy combinations and overcoming drug resistance mechanisms​

IN PERSON ONLY PLENARY BREAKOUT:
Collaborative Conversations for Women in Science

Charu Chaudhry, PhD, Associate Director, Molecular Pharmacology, J&J Innovative Medicine , Associate Director , Molecular Pharmacology , J&J Innovative Medicine

Andrea Geist, PhD, Senior Scientist, R&D, EMD Serono , Senior Scientist , R&D , EMD Serono

Sushma Gurumurthy, PhD, Consultant; Formerly Senior Director, Oncology Research, Moderna, Inc. , Former Senior Director , Oncology Research , Moderna


  • Building a reputation inside pharma, biotech, academia, or VC circles 
  • How and when to say yes/no strategically
  • Getting credit for ideas, publications, and project wins; navigating promotion
  • Evaluating alternative careers in science Prioritizing work-life balance​

Networking Coffee Break

Join your colleagues for a cup of coffee or refreshments and make new connections.

EMERGING TARGETS AND MECHANISMS FOR RADIOLIGAND THERAPY

Chairperson's Remarks

Joseph Vacca, Vice President & General Partner, Radiopharmaceuticals, Perceptive Imaging , Vice President & General Partner, Radiopharmaceuticals , Radiopharmaceuticals , Perceptive Imaging

Development of a Novel Radioligand Therapy Targeting the Extracellular Matrix of Solid Tumors

Photo of Cara Ferreira, PhD, CEO, Lumina Pharmaceuticals , CEO , Lumina Pharmaceuticals
Cara Ferreira, PhD, CEO, Lumina Pharmaceuticals , CEO , Lumina Pharmaceuticals

Lumina Pharmaceuticals is developing first-in-class radioligand theranostics (RLT) to address the high unmet need in solid tumor cancers. This presentation will discuss the advantages of a novel RLT targeting fibrin, a component of the extracellular matrix that is abundant in solid tumors and metastatic lesions but absent in healthy tissue.

Pretargeting Strategies in Radioimmunotherapy

Photo of Randolf Kerschbaumer, CEO, OncoOne , CEO , OncoOne
Randolf Kerschbaumer, CEO, OncoOne , CEO , OncoOne

Pretargeted radioimmunotherapy (PRIT) separates tumor targeting from radionuclide delivery. This strategy has the potential to overcome the limitations of conventional radioimmunotherapy. OncoOne has developed its proprietary PreTarg-it platform, a modular, two-step PRIT approach designed to achieve a high therapeutic index. We demonstrate the generation of radiotherapies tailored to different tumor targets, enabling diagnostic and therapeutic radionuclide applications across multiple oncology indications.

Enabling Precision Radioligand Therapy for the Detection and Treatment of Therapy-Resistant Cancers

Photo of Muhammet Tanc, PhD, CEO, Nuclide Therapeutics , CEO , Nuclide Therapeutics
Muhammet Tanc, PhD, CEO, Nuclide Therapeutics , CEO , Nuclide Therapeutics

We present ALDH1A1-targeted radiotheranostics for therapy-resistant cancer. [18F]NTx-10 selectively images ALDH1A1-high tumors and resistant subpopulations in vivo, supported by genetic/pharmacologic controls and tissue validation. The therapeutic analogue [131I]NTx-11 shows prolonged tumor retention and strong efficacy with favorable tolerability in lung and ovarian models, linking response to ALDH1A1 status.

188Re-AX-188 (Tozaride): Dual-Modality Theranostics Exploiting SSTR2 Upregulation in Neuroendocrine Tumors

Photo of Chris Adams, CEO, Andarix Pharmaceuticals , CEO , Andarix Pharmaceuticals
Chris Adams, CEO, Andarix Pharmaceuticals , CEO , Andarix Pharmaceuticals

188Re-AX-188 (Tozaride) is a generator-produced rhenium-188-labeled somatostatin analog targeting SSTR2-overexpressing neuroendocrine tumors and lung cancers. Uniquely exploiting SSTR2 upregulation in tumor vasculature and stroma, it expands the addressable patient population beyond conventionally SSTR2-high tumors. The compound delivers high-energy beta-particle therapy (Eßmax 2.12 MeV) with simultaneous gamma-camera/SPECT imaging via a single agent, eliminating a separate diagnostic tracer. Across four Phase I/II studies enrolling 75 patients, Tozaride demonstrated favorable dosimetry, tolerability, and meaningful clinical activity in SCLC, including a median OS of 11.5 months and 25% objective tumor reduction, supporting accelerated advancement into Phase II efficacy trials. 

Networking Coffee Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing

Advances and Standardizations in Preclinical Radiopharmaceutical Discovery

Photo of Sean Carlin, PhD, Senior Vice President, Scientific Strategy, Perceptive Inc. , SVP , Scientific Strategy , Perceptive Inc.
Sean Carlin, PhD, Senior Vice President, Scientific Strategy, Perceptive Inc. , SVP , Scientific Strategy , Perceptive Inc.

CANCELLED: Lead Optimization: TRPV6-Targeted Radioligand Therapy

Photo of Michael Groaning, PhD, CSO, Soricimed Biopharma Inc. , CSO , Soricimed Biopharma Inc
Michael Groaning, PhD, CSO, Soricimed Biopharma Inc. , CSO , Soricimed Biopharma Inc

Multiple candidates targeting Transient Receptor Potential—Vanilloid Six (TRPV6)—were explored in vivo and in vitro using a proprietary peptide backbone to identify top leads for radioligand therapy. This lead optimization journey will be presented.

Networking luncheon in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing

TRANSLATIONAL STRATEGIES FOR TARGETED RADIOPHARMACEUTICALS

Chairperson's Remarks

Joseph Vacca, Vice President & General Partner, Radiopharmaceuticals, Perceptive Imaging , Vice President & General Partner, Radiopharmaceuticals , Radiopharmaceuticals , Perceptive Imaging

Reduced Time-Point Dosimetry in Radioconjugate Therapy: From Preclinical Models to Clinical Translation

Photo of Fariba Khanshan, PhD, Director, PK/PD/PMX, AstraZeneca , Director , PK/PD/PMX , AstraZeneca
Fariba Khanshan, PhD, Director, PK/PD/PMX, AstraZeneca , Director , PK/PD/PMX , AstraZeneca

This talk will present quantitative frameworks for reduced time-point dosimetry in radioconjugate therapy, linking preclinical biodistribution and PK/PD modeling to clinical dose estimation. Approaches to optimize sampling schedules, preserve dosimetric accuracy, and address interspecies scaling and variability will be discussed, with implications for improving feasibility and robustness in clinical implementation.

Miniproteins as Optimized Delivery Vehicles for Radiopharmaceuticals: Enabling Efficient Clinical Translation

Photo of Alyssa Vito, PhD, President & Chief Development Officer, RAMP , President & CDO , RAMP
Alyssa Vito, PhD, President & Chief Development Officer, RAMP , President & CDO , RAMP

Targeted radiopharmaceutical development is constrained by the need to achieve high tumor uptake while minimizing exposure to normal tissues. Miniproteins are uniquely suited to address this challenge, enabling deep tumor penetration and tunable pharmacokinetics. This presentation will discuss key design principles for miniprotein-based radiopharmaceuticals and outline strategies to efficiently translate these molecules from discovery to the clinic, maximizing the probability of clinical success.

Panel Moderator:

PANEL DISCUSSION:
From Target to Therapy: Science, Strategy, and Scalability

Photo of Sean Carlin, PhD, Senior Vice President, Scientific Strategy, Perceptive Inc. , SVP , Scientific Strategy , Perceptive Inc.
Sean Carlin, PhD, Senior Vice President, Scientific Strategy, Perceptive Inc. , SVP , Scientific Strategy , Perceptive Inc.

Panelists:

Photo of Benjamin Burke, PhD, Head, Radioligand Discovery, Curium Pharma , Head of Radioligand Discovery , Radioligand Discovery , Curium Pharma
Benjamin Burke, PhD, Head, Radioligand Discovery, Curium Pharma , Head of Radioligand Discovery , Radioligand Discovery , Curium Pharma
Photo of Fariba Khanshan, PhD, Director, PK/PD/PMX, AstraZeneca , Director , PK/PD/PMX , AstraZeneca
Fariba Khanshan, PhD, Director, PK/PD/PMX, AstraZeneca , Director , PK/PD/PMX , AstraZeneca
Photo of Anneli Savinainen, Vice President, Head of Preclinical Development, Mariana Oncology, a Novartis Company , VP Head Preclinical Development , Preclinical Dev , Mariana Oncology a Novartis Company
Anneli Savinainen, Vice President, Head of Preclinical Development, Mariana Oncology, a Novartis Company , VP Head Preclinical Development , Preclinical Dev , Mariana Oncology a Novartis Company
Photo of Alyssa Vito, PhD, President & Chief Development Officer, RAMP , President & CDO , RAMP
Alyssa Vito, PhD, President & Chief Development Officer, RAMP , President & CDO , RAMP
Photo of Gengyang Yuan, PhD, Director, Radioligand Therapies, Perceptive Inc. , Director , Radioligand Therapies , Perceptive Inc
Gengyang Yuan, PhD, Director, Radioligand Therapies, Perceptive Inc. , Director , Radioligand Therapies , Perceptive Inc

Refreshment Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing (Last Chance to Vote for Best of Show Awards)

Recharge during our refreshment break! Meet the Venture Capitalists who will be presenting as a part of our VC Insights panel, visit booths, view posters, connect with peers, and turn in your Game Cards for a chance to win a raffle prize.

VC Panel

INSIGHTS FROM VENTURE CAPITALISTS

Panel Moderator:

PLENARY PANEL DISCUSSION:
Venture-Capitalist Insights on Trends in Drug Discovery

Daniel A. Erlanson, PhD, Chief Innovation Officer, Frontier Medicines Corporation , Chief Innovation Officer , Frontier Medicines Corporation

Panelists:

Chris De Savi, PhD, CSO Partner, Curie Bio , CSO Partner , Curie.Bio

Neil Kubica, PhD, Therapeutics Division Lead, General Inception , Therapeutics Division Lead , General Inception

Pengpeng Li, PhD, Principal, Lilly Asia Ventures , Principal , Lilly Asia Ventures

Ken Lin, CEO & Founder, ABIES Capital , CEO & Founder , ABIES Capital

KT Moortgat, PhD, Managing Partner & Founder, Dalena Capital , Managing Partner & Founder , Dalena Capital

Hok Hei Tam, PhD, Co-Founder and CTO, Montai Therapeutics; Science Partner, Flagship Pioneering , CTO , Montai Therapeutics

IN PERSON ONLY PLENARY BREAKOUT:
Connect the DOTS for Start-Ups & Funding

Shruthi Bharadwaj, PhD, Executive Director, AI Drug Discovery Analytics, Revolution Medicines , Executive Director , AI Drug Discovery Analytics , Revolution Medicines

Saudat Fadeyi, PhD, MBA, Startup Advisor & General Partner, Nova Rain Capital , Startup Advisor & General Partner , Nova Rain Capital

Rhonda Wallen , CEO , ilerabio

  • Life science market trends and its impact on R&D 
  • Startup formation: when a discovery becomes a company
  • Investor appetite and what makes science “fundable”
  • What makes good research get noticed
  • Evaluating funding options: private, government, partnerships​

Close of Day

Thursday, October 1

Registration Open and Morning Coffee

In-Person Breakfast Breakouts

In-Person Breakouts are informal, moderated discussions to exchange ideas and develop future collaborations around a focused topic. Please come prepared to be part of a collective, problem-solving session and participate in active idea sharing. Visit the Breakouts page for a complete listing of ALL discussion topics, including ones related to setting up collaborations, finding funding, and more.


In-Person Breakfast Breakouts

Presentation to be Announced

IN PERSON ONLY PLENARY BREAKOUT:
Setting Up Collaborations & Partnerships

Shruthi Bharadwaj, PhD, Executive Director, AI Drug Discovery Analytics, Revolution Medicines , Executive Director , AI Drug Discovery Analytics , Revolution Medicines

Elena Diez Cecilia, PhD, MBA, Senior Director, External Innovation, JNJ Innovation Center , Senior Director , External Innovation , JNJ Innovation Center

  • Market trends and how they affect R&D priorities
  • AI impact on changing workflows
  • Pharma/academia-biotech partnerships
  • End-user/service provider partnerships
  • How to choose the right partner for collaboration?​

IN PERSON ONLY PLENARY BREAKOUT:
Drug Discovery for Healthy Aging

Angelika Fretzen, PhD, MBA, COO & Technology Translation Director, Wyss Institute, Harvard University , COO & Technology Translation Director , Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering

Rekha Paleyanda PhD, Partner, Rising Tide Strategies LLC , Partner , Rising Tide Strategies LLC

Kathryn Rexrode, MD, MPH, Chief Academic Officer & Chief, Division of Women’s Health, Brigham & Women’s Hospital , Chief Academic Officer & Chief, Division of Women’s Health , Medicine , Brigham & Women’s Hospital

  • Focusing on healthspan versus lifespan
  • Adopting a patient-centric in treating cancer, cardiovascular, neurodegeneration and other disorders
  • Strategies and advances for improving translational research
  • Understanding sex differences in immune response, metabolism, inflammation​

IN PERSON ONLY PLENARY BREAKOUT:
Connect the DOTs: Career Growth Opportunities

Devesh Aggarwal, Senior Scientist, Biologics Engineering, AstraZeneca , Senior Scientist , Biologics Engineering , AstraZeneca

Francis X. Wilson, PhD, CSO, Avacta Life Sciences , CSO , Avacta Life Sciences

Topics to be discussed:

  • Career paths: academia vs biotech vs pharma vs VC/startups
  • Talent gaps in drug discovery 
  • The future of scientific careers as AI changes workflows
  • How to move from strong contributor to recognized leader
  • What are the non-scientific skills that help your career the most​

Networking Coffee Break

Join your colleagues for a cup of coffee or refreshments and make new connections.

INTEGRATING RLT INTO COMBINED MODALITY CANCER TREATMENT

Chairperson's Remarks

Zachary S. Morris, PhD, MD, Department Chair and Endowed Professor of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin Madison , Department Chair and Endowed Professor , Human Oncology , University of Wisconsin Madison

Opportunities for Integrating Radioligand Therapy in Combined Modality Treatment of Patients with Cancer

Photo of Zachary S. Morris, PhD, MD, Department Chair and Endowed Professor of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin Madison , Department Chair and Endowed Professor , Human Oncology , University of Wisconsin Madison
Zachary S. Morris, PhD, MD, Department Chair and Endowed Professor of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin Madison , Department Chair and Endowed Professor , Human Oncology , University of Wisconsin Madison

Radioligand therapies have demonstrated therapeutic benefits including extension of overall survival in patients with metastatic disease. However, these agents may have their greatest potential for clinical impact as a component of combined modality regimens, where they may contribute to advancing the curative potential of cancer treatment. This talk will highlight preclinical and early clinical data from studies investigating optimal approaches to combining radioligand therapies with external beam radiation and/or immunotherapies.

Radioligand Therapy as an Immunotherapy Sensitizer: Unlocking Synergistic Antitumor Potential

Photo of Ravi B. Patel, MD, Assistant Professor and Physician, Radiation Oncology, University of Pittsburgh , Asst Professor and Physician , Radiation Oncology , University of Pittsburgh
Ravi B. Patel, MD, Assistant Professor and Physician, Radiation Oncology, University of Pittsburgh , Asst Professor and Physician , Radiation Oncology , University of Pittsburgh

Radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT) is emerging as a versatile cancer treatment strategy with broad applicability across tumor types. Targeted radionuclide delivery demonstrates wide tumor expression profiles and preclinical efficacy with acceptable toxicity. Low-dose RPT can sensitize immunologically "cold" tumors to immune checkpoint blockade, achieving complete responses in preclinical models via innate immune mechanisms. Furthermore, RPT potentiates CAR T cell activity against solid tumors by remodeling the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, offering a promising combinatorial immunotherapy approach.

ENGINEERING OPTIMIZED LIGANDS, LINKERS, AND RADIONUCLIDES

DARPins as Ligands for Targeted Alpha Therapy: First-in-Human Experience with MP0712 and Opportunities for Next Radio-DARPin Candidates

Photo of Christian Reichen, PhD, Director, Oncology Research, Molecular Partners AG , Director Oncology Research , Lead Generation , Molecular Partners AG
Christian Reichen, PhD, Director, Oncology Research, Molecular Partners AG , Director Oncology Research , Lead Generation , Molecular Partners AG

DARPins are small, high-affinity binding proteins with intrinsic properties well suited for use as radioligands. Using MP0712, a 212Pb based Radio DARPin targeting DLL3, we illustrate the path from target selection to first-in-human data. We further discuss opportunities for next-generation Radio DARPin candidates, leveraging DARPin flexibility to address target and disease biology.

Chemical Strategies to Expand the Therapeutic Window for Targeted Radiotherapy

Photo of Michael Evans, PhD, Professor, Radiology & Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco , Prof , Radiology & Biomedical Imaging , Univ of California San Francisco
Michael Evans, PhD, Professor, Radiology & Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco , Prof , Radiology & Biomedical Imaging , Univ of California San Francisco

The design and application of radioactively-labeled drugs for cancer treatment is experiencing a rebirth, led in part by new advances in radioligand therapies like Pluvicto and Lutathera that specifically and potently bind to proteins highly upregulated in cancer. This presentation discusses advances in RLT design that aim to maximize radiation delivery to tumor while sparing normal tissues from greater than minimal radioactive dose.

Coffee Break in the Exhibit Hall (Best of Show Awards Announced)

Meet new collaborators, and network with clients, colleagues, and exhibitors. Make your vote count for the People’s Choice Best of Show Poster and Exhibitor awards and plan to stay and cheer the winners!  

Bicycle Radionuclide Conjugates as Theranostic Agents for Novel Tumor Targets

Photo of Joseline Ratnam, PhD, Associate Director, Bicycle Therapeutics , Assoc Dir , Bicycle Therapeutics
Joseline Ratnam, PhD, Associate Director, Bicycle Therapeutics , Assoc Dir , Bicycle Therapeutics

This presentation introduces Bicycle Radionuclide Conjugates (BRCs) as a next-generation theranostic platform for precision oncology. We will unveil how our proprietary screening technology identifies novel peptide binders against challenging cancer targets, and how these are engineered into high-affinity, selective BRCs with highly favorable biodistribution. The session will feature preclinical and early clinical data for programs targeting MT1-MMP and EphA2.

Click-Cleavable Radioimmunoconjugates

Photo of Marc S. Robillard, PhD, CSO & Founder, Tagworks Pharmaceuticals , CSO & Founder , Tagworks Pharmaceuticals
Marc S. Robillard, PhD, CSO & Founder, Tagworks Pharmaceuticals , CSO & Founder , Tagworks Pharmaceuticals

To address the dose-limiting bone marrow toxicity in radioimmunotherapy, Tagworks applies its Click-to-Release platform to enable chemically triggered off-target deactivation of radioimmunotherapeutics directed against internalizing cancer targets. In this approach, upon sufficient tumor internalization of a click-cleavable radioimmunoconjugate, a non-cell permeable trigger molecule is administered i.v. that that selectively cleaves circulating radioimmunoconjugate, leading to rapid clearance of the radiolabel and a strong increase of the tumor-nontumor dose ratio.

Enjoy Lunch on Your Own

Dessert Break in the Exhibit Hall and Last Chance for Poster Viewing

Enjoy dessert and coffee during our final exhibit hall break. Did you connect with all the service providers and poster presenters? You never know what you missed! Stay till the end to maximize your time in the exhibit hall and to celebrate our Best of Show Poster and Exhibitor award winners!

CLOSING PLENARY KEYNOTE PANEL

Closing Remarks by DOT Team Lead

Tanuja Koppal, PhD, Senior Conference Director, Cambridge Healthtech Institute , Senior Conference Director , Cambridge Healthtech Institute

Chairperson's Remarks

Armon Sharei, PhD, Founder & CEO, Portal Biotechnologies , Founder & CEO , Portal Biotechnologies

Panel Moderator:

PLENARY PANEL DISCUSSION:
Starting Up: Translating Lab Ideas into Commercial Impact

Armon Sharei, PhD, Founder & CEO, Portal Biotechnologies , Founder & CEO , Portal Biotechnologies

Panelists:

Sangeeta N. Bhatia, Professor & Director, Marble Center for Cancer Nanomedicine, Health Sciences & Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Professor, Director Marble Center for Cancer Nanomedicine , Health Sciences & Technology , Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Ivan Cornella Taracido, PhD, CEO, Kiral Medicines , CEO , Kiral Medicines

Kris Elverum, MBA, former President & CEO, AIRNA , Former President & CEO , AIRNA

Parastoo Khoshakhlagh, PhD, Co-Founder & CEO, GC Therapeutics , Co-Founder & CEO , GC Therapeutics

William Pao, MD, PhD, CEO, Revelio Therapeutics , CEO , Revelio Therapeutics

Johnny Yu, PhD, CSO & Co-Founder, Tahoe Therapeutics , CSO & Co-Founder , Tahoe Therapeutics

Transition to Sessions

ENGINEERING OPTIMIZED LIGANDS, LINKERS, AND RADIONUCLIDES (CONT.)

Chairperson's Remarks

Zachary S. Morris, PhD, MD, Department Chair and Endowed Professor of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin Madison , Department Chair and Endowed Professor , Human Oncology , University of Wisconsin Madison

Biologically Driven Peptide Discovery for Targeted Radiopharmaceuticals

Photo of Mette Soendergaard, PhD, Co-Founder & CSO, Cell Origins LLC , Co-Founder & Chief Scientific Officer , Cell Origins LLC
Mette Soendergaard, PhD, Co-Founder & CSO, Cell Origins LLC , Co-Founder & Chief Scientific Officer , Cell Origins LLC

In vivo performance of peptide radiopharmaceuticals is often limited by tumor targeting, specificity, and off-target retention. Biologically driven phage display was used to impose these functional constraints during discovery, yielding favorable in vivo behavior demonstrated by tumor localization of ¹¹¹In-DOTA-GSG-J18 by SPECT/CT and reduced renal retention of ¹¹¹In-DOTA-GSG-RCC1-02. Recent data further suggest that favorable targeting may depend on epitopes defined by dynamic cell-surface organization rather than by single protein domains.

Engineering and Conjugation Strategies to Reduce Hepatic/Blood Retention and Increase Tumor Targeting Efficacy for Antibody-Based Radioligand Therapy

Photo of Xueming Qian, PhD, Founder & Chairman & CEO, Transcenta Holding , Founder & Chairman & CEO , Transcenta Therapeutics
Xueming Qian, PhD, Founder & Chairman & CEO, Transcenta Holding , Founder & Chairman & CEO , Transcenta Therapeutics

Antibody is traditionally not a good ligand for developing radioligand therapy due to its large size, liver retention, and long half-life. This presentation intends to report on our efforts in applying antibody engineering and novel conjugation strategies to reduce the hepatic and blood retention and also simultaneously increase the specific targeting of the radioligand therapy to the tumor to achieve enhanced efficacy and improved safety profile. Specific case study will be presented.

Computational Discovery Delivering Precision Radioligand Therapy

Photo of Haihong Jin, PhD, CSO, VitsGen , CSO , Vitsgen Therapeutics
Haihong Jin, PhD, CSO, VitsGen , CSO , Vitsgen Therapeutics

Radionuclide Drug Conjugates (RDCs), applying radioisotopes, both alpha (α) and beta (β) emitters, are able to precisely kill tumor cells with high efficiency and lower toxicity. We have created a potential best-in-class radioligand by increasing tumor uptake, tumor retention time, and tumor/normal organs ratio through our computational approaches. Meanwhile, we are building our first-in-class agents based on AI, experienced medicinal chemistry, and proven optimization.

Close of Conference


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Cambridge Healthtech Institute

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