Phenotypic Drug Discovery: Recent Advances and Insights from Chemical and Systems Biology

Organizer(s): Mark Mercola, Fabien Vincent, Monica Schenone and Arsenio Nueda

Sponsored by Merck & Co., Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

Summary of Meeting:

Unlike conventional target-centric drug discovery, Phenotypic Drug Discovery (PDD) places its focus on disease-relevant phenotypes and agnosticism with regard to molecular mechanism of action. Thus, it offers unique opportunities in terms of discovery of novel biology and first-in-class therapeutics but is matched with significant challenges, a number of which can be addressed by recent advances in chemical and systems biology. A key aspect of the conference will be to share information and processes on how best to employ phenotypic strategies to discover novel biology and effectively prosecute drug discovery programs. Specific topics will include: chemical biology advances and case studies in target identification; case studies of recently advanced clinical candidates and approved drugs; functional genomics and systems biology advances and case studies; project prosecution including lessons learned from lead optimization and pre-clinical development; complex cell-based models and new assay modalities. With few non-commercial meetings covering drug discovery as a discipline, this conference has the stature and breadth to bring together accomplished and influential scientists from industry and academia as demonstrated by the 2016 conference. Its scope will be broader than other PDD and Chemical Biology meetings since it will cover the entire range of activities and technologies from phenotypic assay systems, to target identification and FDA approval of novel therapeutics. Given that there is still an emphasis on target centric discovery in pharmaceutical companies, this conference can be instrumental in further promoting a shift in mindset and contributing to the consolidation of PDD as an integral part of the drug discovery paradigm. The vision for this conference would be to share success stories of newly approved drugs and late stage clinical candidates, along with key lessons and best practices, to inform future PDD projects.

Scholarship Deadline: October 30 2018

Discounted Abstract Deadline: October 30 2018

Abstract Deadline: December 4 2018

Discounted Registration Deadline: January 11 2019

Keystone Symposia thanks our Sponsor(s) for generously supporting this meeting:

We gratefully acknowledge additional support for this conference from:

We gratefully acknowledge additional in-kind support for this conference from those foregoing speaker expense reimbursements:

Almirall, S.A.

Eurofins DiscoverX

Merck & Co., Inc.

Pfizer Inc.

We gratefully acknowledge the generous grant for this conference provided by:

National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS)
Grant No. 1R13TR002707-01
Funding for this conference was made possible (in part) by 1R13TR002707-01 from the National Institutes of Health. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

We appreciate the organizations that provide Keystone Symposia with additional support, such as marketing and advertising:

Click here to view more of these organizations

Special thanks to the following for their support of Keystone Symposia initiatives to increase participation at this meeting by scientists from underrepresented backgrounds:

Click here to view more of these organizations