Conference Day Two
8:50 am Chair’s Opening Remarks
Uncovering Model Complexity to Support Future Drug Development Workflows
9:00 am Fireside chat: How Complex Is Complex? Uncovering Unique Perspectives on Model Complexity
Synopsis
- Exploring different perspectives across the industry on the optimal level of complexity in 3D tissue models for drug discovery
- Delving into how different research objectives and disease contexts influence the choice of model complexity, considering
- organoids, spheroids, microphysiological systems, and organ-on-a-chip
- Exploring potential innovations and technologies that could influence the evolving landscape of model complexity, with an emphasis on fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange
9:45 am Session Reserved for BennuBio
9:55 am Modeling Neurological Disorders Using Patient-Derived Human Brain Organoids
Synopsis
- CNS drug discovery needs a paradigm shift. Patient-derived brain organoids can revolutionize CNS drug discovery
- Patient-derived Rett syndrome and CDKL5 deficiency disorder cortical brain organoids exhibit aberrant functional disease phenotypes amenable to HTS. Phenotypic screening identified clinical candidates for Rett syndrome advancing to a Phase 2 clinical trial funded by the DoD
- Midbrain organoids from familial Parkinson’s disease patients with pathogenic mutations in the GBA1 gene exhibit clinical biomarkers amenable to HTS
10:25 am Morning Break & Networking Coffee
Track 1: Applications in Drug Discovery & Drug Screening
Synopsis
Chaired by: Jacinthe Gingras, Chief Scientific Officer, Atlas Ventures
11:25 am Blood-Brain Barrier-on-a-Chip for brain disease modeling & drug testing
Synopsis
- Employing in vitro compartmentalized microfluidic devices to study neurodegenerative diseases and evaluate their impact on the blood-brain barrier
- Harnessing Organ-on-Chip technology as a testing platform to explore and validate new therapeutic targets for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases
- Exploring the future potential of this model in drug development
11:55 am Leveraging a Blood-Brain Barrier Model to Support Neurodegenerative Drug Screening
Synopsis
- Uncovering the use of the blood-brain barrier model in the early lead optimization phase, offering insights into optimizing medicine formulations for enhanced efficacy
- Highlighting the significance of these penetrants as potential vehicles or adapters for neurodegenerative medicines, paving the way for enhanced brain entry
- Showcasing the translational potential of findings from the blood-brain barrier model to neurodegenerative medicine development
Track 2: Applications for Later Stage Development: Toxicology & Efficacy Studies
Synopsis
Chaired by: Jason Ekert, Head of US Discovery Translational Technology, UCB
11:25 am Harnessing Complex in vitro models to Uncover Neuromuscular Disorders
Synopsis
- Showcasing the utilization of neuromuscular models to assess a spectrum of disorders potentially including mitochondrial diseases, or muscular dystrophy, or immunorelated responses
- Evaluating the efficacy of candidates within the neuromuscular context through these chosen models
- Discussing how the efficacy assessments in neuromuscular models contribute to the optimization of candidate treatments, paving the way for enhanced interventions in the field
11:55 am Harnessing Brain Organoids to Advance Neurodegenerative Drug Studies
Synopsis
- Exploring the utilization of validated complex in vitro models to gain precise insights into the blood-brain barrier
- Discussing methodologies for validation, ensuring the fidelity and relevance of these models in supporting drug discovery efforts targeting the CNS
- Showcasing the translational potential of findings from the blood-brain barrier model to neurodegenerative medicine development
12:25 pm Lunch Break
Moving To Newer Model Types to Improve Model Research & Drug Development
1:25 pm Fireside chat: What Does the Future of 3D Tissue Modelling Look Like to You?
Synopsis
- Discussing the exciting model developments that have recently gained traction
- Uncovering the use of models for personalized medicine or personalized patient treatment regimes
- Addressing the potential use of artificial intelligence to empower current workflows
2:10 pm Mastermind Session: Uncovering Different Perspective From Across the Field – What Are You Excited For In The Near Future?
Synopsis
- Addressing the exciting changes that have entered the field in the last 12 months
- Sharing unique perspectives across the industry, across multiple disease indications and multiple therapeutics areas on the next steps forward
- Reaffirming the critical role collaborations and shared learning play in progressing the future of 3D tissue modelling forward