The multi-disciplinary theme of crossing of biological barriers encompasses biology, chemistry, pharmaceutical formulation, polymeric and materials science, advanced cell biology, imaging, microfluidics, and drug-device combination research. This conference occurs at the interface between cell biology and the use of technologies to exploit such understanding in order to translate therapies to patients. The program comprises leading researchers from academia, institutes, as well as from the pharmaceutical and medical device industry. The goal of the conference is to profile cutting edge research in specific areas of achieving drug delivery across biological barriers where a large translational impact would result for both industry and patients. By inviting cell biologists, technology developers, and formulators to the same conference, this will provide in depth discussions and offer a thorough perspective on the tissue and cell barriers that must be crossed in order to help guide technology approaches to achieve these breakthrough treatments.