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Where Big Attendance Meets Intimate Connections
Highlights of the Two-Day Event
October 2 - 3, 2025 | San Diego, CA
Join the forefront of pharmaceutical innovation at Discovery & Development US 2025—where early breakthroughs become tomorrow’s transformative therapies.
More than a conference, Discovery & Development 2025 is a catalyst for progress, uniting thought leaders, pioneering start-ups, and tech innovators to fast-track discovery and development. From novel targets to first-in-human readiness, this is where bold ideas drive real-world impact. Experience high-impact talks and interactive sessions as we shape the future of drug development—are you ready to be part of it?
Discovery USA 2025 - uniting visionary thinkers and trailblazing innovators to ‘drug the undruggable’ with novel targets & the newest technologies and AI-guided computational tools.
Automation & Robotics US 2025 - spotlighting the latest advancements in automation, AI, and robotics transforming early drug discovery and development – from smart labs and connected data to digital transformation case studies.
Formulation & Drug Delivery US 2025 – facilitating breakthroughs in biologics and small molecule drug formulation coupled with AI-driven insights & exploring alternative routes of administration.
Cross-Programme Highlights of the event:
Stephen Turner, Chief Executive Officer Pangio Biosystems and Former Founding Chief Executive Officer, PacBio
Stephen Turner is Founder and CEO of Pangio Biosystems. Before that, he was founding CEO and then CTO of PacBio (Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc. NASDAQ: PACB). He earned a Ph.D. in Physics from Cornell University with National Academy of Engineering member, Prof. Harold Craighead. He has over 300 peer-reviewed papers and granted U.S. patents.. He co-invented single-molecule, real-time DNA sequencing, as well as the zero-mode waveguide (ZMW) single molecule sensing technology. He founded Pacific Biosciences, the DNA sequencing company that pioneered the third generation of DNA sequencing technology, leading to the first fully completed human genome, and the best-quality references for hundreds of species. He and PacBio have received numerous awards, among them the MIT Technology Review "TR100" Award, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation Outstanding Postdoctoral Entrepreneur, the UW Madison Distinguished Young Alumnus Award, and the Top 50 BioTech Entrepreneurs of 2024 by Great Entrepreneurs.
How Multi-Specific Molecules Are Transforming Pharmacotherapy
by Ray Deshaies, Senior Vice President of Global Research, Amgen
Prior to joining Amgen, Deshaies served as a professor at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), and an executive officer in Caltech's Division of Biology and Biological Engineering. He was also an investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. In addition to his academic work, Deshaies co-founded Proteolix in 2003. In 2011, he co-founded Cleave Therapeutics. In 2022, Fierce Pharma named Deshaies as one of the most influential people in biopharma. He is the recipient of the 2023 Jacob and Louise Gabbay Award in Biotechnology and Medicine among others.
Get up close and personal with industry trailblazers in our Fireside Chats - informal, candid conversations. Hear firsthand how leaders are tackling big challenges in implementing novel technologies such as AI/ML in drug discovery workflows, driving innovation, and shaping the future of drug development. Expect real stories, bold ideas, and valuable insights you won’t find in a typical presentation:
Discovery US:
- Novel Computational Tools & Modalities In Drug Discovery – 2nd October
Automation & Robotics US:
- Digital Transformation & Automation In Drug Discovery – 3rd October
Formulation US:
- Exploring Alternative Routes Of Drug Delivery – 2nd October
- AI-Guided Formulation Development – 3rd October
Join us for our ‘Discovery & Development Breakthroughs’ Gala Dinner at the end of Day 1, featuring a delightful three-course meal and exceptional networking opportunities. Eventide at the Marina, Sheraton San Diego, will be transformed into an elegant banquet setting to celebrate the ground-breaking work and achievements in drug discovery and formulation development. Join founders, industry leaders and solution providers for an evening of recognition, inspiration, and next-level networking. Stay tuned to find out which esteemed figure will take the stage for a welcome address and toasting the individuals and teams behind pivotal breakthroughs in areas like AI-driven target discovery, novel modality development, technological innovation.
Don’t miss our exclusive cross-programme roundtables – happening bright and early from 8:30 to 9:00am. Grab a coffee, pick up a pastry, and dive into lively, informal discussions led by industry experts on the hottest topics in drug discovery and development. It’s your chance to spark ideas, ask big questions, and connect before the day takes off.
Discovery US:
IP Considerations In Early Discovery & Development – moderated by Jean Ge, Patent Attorney, Wolf Greenfield
Automation & Robotics US:
Best Practice Data Management Strategies In The Lab
Formulation & Delivery US:
- From Drug Product Development To Overcoming Regulatory Hurdles – Moderated by Shouvik Roy, Executive Director, Merck
- Sustainable Formulation Development
Step into the spotlight at Discovery & Development US 2025’s Start-Up Zone – a dynamic launchpad for 10+ cutting-edge start-ups in drug discovery and development. Pitch your vision, showcase your tech, and connect with key players driving innovation. From AI-driven discovery to lab automation and next-gen therapeutics, this is your stage to shine.
Discovery US:
- Panel Discussion: The Status Of AI/ML In Drug Discovery: Where Are We And Where Are We Going? Featuring Noel Powell, Senior Director, Recursion; Phil Cox, Research Fellow, AbbVie; Matthew Segall, Chief Executive Officer, Optibrium
- Panel Discussion: New Strategies For Developing Next-Generation Degraders And Glues
Automation & Robotics US:
- Presentation: Bridging The Gap Between Automation, Digitalisation & Innovation
- Presentation: FAIR Data Principles For Cross-Disciplinary Researc
Formulation & Delivery US:
- Panel Discussion: Digitization & Automation Of Small Molecule Formulation Processes with Ron Chen, Director, Recludix Pharma & Stephen Framil, Global Head of Accessibility, Merck
- Workshop: The Changing Landscapes Of RNA Design & Delivery – Andrew Geall, Co-Founder and Chief Development Officer, Replicate Bioscience; Sean Sullivan, Vice President, Arcturus Therapeutics; Sunita Yadav, Associate Director, Novartis; Dimitrios Zisoulis, Head of RNA Therapeutics, Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson; Robert Goodnow, Head of Drug Discovery Sciences, Takeda; Jamie Tsung, Director, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals
With 150+ speakers representing large pharmaceutical companies, emerging biotechs & renowned academic institutions, we are proud to welcome over 45 award-winning experts across the 2 programmes:
• Shadi Farhangrazi, Chief Executive Officer of S.M. Discovery Group, received the 2018 BioInnovation Award for her work in drug discovery
• Christoph Rösli, Director of Research Bern at CSL Behring, received the 2021 Swiss Biotech Success Stories Award for his contributions to biotechnology research.
• Vineeta Tripathi, Chief Executive Officer of Vitarka Therapeutics, received the 2019 Women in Bio Entrepreneurial Leadership Award for her work in biotech entrepreneurship
• Stephen Pham, Senior Vice President at Avalyn Pharma, was awarded the 2019 Respiratory Innovation Award
• Emma Mead, Chief Scientific Officer at Alzheimer’s Research UK Oxford Drug Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, was honoured with the 2020 Alzheimer's Research UK Young Investigator of the Year Award for her work in neurodegenerative disease research.
• Raul Rodriguez, Vice President at Woxsen University, received the 2021 Entrepreneur of the Year Award for his contributions to education in the biotech field.
• Philip Hewitt, Global Head of Early Investigative Toxicology at Merck, was honoured with the Society of Toxicology's 2018 Achievement Award for his significant impact in toxicological research.
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Join us for a dynamic conversation in the morning break of Day 2 exploring how the drug discovery and development sector can foster a more inclusive and equitable future. This panel will spotlight strategies for shifting company culture, breaking down longstanding barriers, and empowering women to lead at every stage of the pipeline. From championing mentorship models to celebrating success stories, panelists will share tangible steps and inspiring milestones that are paving the way for greater gender balance across the life sciences industry.
With over 150+ speakers representing large pharmaceutical companies, emerging biotechs, and renowned academic institutions, we are proud to welcome both award-winning and highly recognized speakers on board:
• Rajita Pappu, Principal Scientist and Senior Director, Immunology Discovery, Research Biology, Genentech - Spencer T. Olin Award – 2000
• Abhinav Sharma, Translational Human Models Lead, Dermatology/Immunology Discovery, AbbVie – Discovery Research Impact Award 2022 & 3Rs Impact Award at AbbVie 2021
• Pratik Saha, Director, GSK – GSK Transformational Medicines & Vaccines Award - 2023 – GSK R&D Impact Award – Gold Award 2022
• Ankit Baheti, Lead Scientist, Ferring - Dr. Anji Reddy Award for Excellence, Functional Excellence, Individual Category 2017
• Eric Munson, Professor, Purdue University - IPEC Americas Foundation: Ralph Shangraw Memorial Award 2020
Connect and Network
Experience an event that celebrates meaningful, one-on-one connections in a dynamic, bustling atmosphere.
With Discovery & Development US 2025, enjoy a vibrant crowd with the warmth of personal interactions and curated experiences