Therapeutic Modulation of RNA Using Oligonucleotides Organizer(s): C. Frank Bennett and Thomas Tuschl Date: February 08 - 13, 2009 Location: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise, AB, CanadaThe recent discoveries of the RNAi pathway in mammalian cells and the finding that oligonucleotides can activate the innate immune system through Toll-like receptors have resulted in increased interest in oligonucleotide-based therapeutics. There are two basic therapeutic approaches in which oligonucleotides are being utilized: (1) binding to RNA resulting in selective inhibition of gene expression; and (2) modulating protein function by direct binding to proteins. Although both approaches share common manufacturing, toxicology and ADME issues, oligonucleotides that are designed to bind RNA inside the cell have a fundamental different set of challenges than oligonucleotides designed to bind to proteins outside the cell. This meeting will focus on the former application. A goal of this meeting is to bring together scientists from both the basic science disciplines and applied disciplines to gain a common understanding of the attributes and challenges the technology faces. This meeting will consider basic mechanisms by which oligonucleotides can be exploited to modulate gene expression, mechanisms for distribution of oligonucleotides to tissues and within cells and how chemistry and/or formulations can improve the pharmaceutical properties of oligonucleotides. Finally recent advances in both preclinical applications and clinical results will be presented. Scholarship Deadline: October 9 2008 Discounted Abstract Deadline: October 9 2008 Abstract Deadline: November 6 2008 Discounted Registration Deadline: December 8 2008 We gratefully acknowledge additional in-kind support for this conference from those foregoing speaker expense reimbursements:
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Merck & Co, Inc. /Sirna Therapeutics
novosom AG
Regulus Therapeutics Inc.
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