Main Conference Day 1 - European Time GMT+1
- Anette Sommer, PhD - Head of Bioconjugates Research at Lonza Advanced Synthesis – R&D, Synaffix BV
Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs) are rapidly changing the clinical treatment of cancer, and these sophisticated therapeutics have multiple interactions within the tumor microenvironment (TME) that are important for drug design. In this talk, I will share our experimental and computational results highlighting the impact of the TME on the ADC, including macrophage and protease effects, and the impact of the ADC on the TME, such as immune activation.
- Greg Thurber, PhD - Professor, Chemical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan
Conditional logic-gated bispecific ADCs can be optimised to enable precise tumour targeting while delivering deeper and broader efficacy by integrating dual-antigen recognition. This approach enhances potency, mitigates on-target/off-tumour toxicities, and addresses intratumoural heterogeneity. The talk will highlight engineering principles, preclinical validation, and translational insights advancing this next-generation ADC modality.
- Tiffany Thorn - Founder and CEO, BiVictriX Therapeutics
OASIS is a European research program dedicated to optimizing the clinical use of antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) by addressing resistance mechanisms. Through a multimodal approach integrating spatial tumor microenvironment profiling, genomics, liquid biopsies, and artificial intelligence–driven predictive modeling, OASIS aims to identify biomarkers of response and guide patient stratification. The project brings together academic, clinical, industrial, and patient partners to accelerate precision oncology.
- Noemie Corcos, PhD - Scientific Project Manager of OASIS, Gustave Roussy
To address critical challenges in ADC discovery, such as elucidating mechanisms of resistance and systematically identifying synergistic payload combinations, Turbine integrates transcriptomic, genomic, and protein–protein interaction data into computational “virtual cell” models. These models are trained on perturbation-response profiles to accurately recapitulate cellular behavior. In this presentation, we highlight the application of our virtual-cell–based screening framework for prioritizing synergistic payload partners, complemented by automated in vitro validation and mechanistic simulations that enable detailed interrogation of resistance pathways.
- Akos Tarcsay, PhD - Product Manager, Turbine
As the field increasingly recognizes the limitations of traditional cytotoxic payloads, differentiation through novel mechanisms of action has become essential. Amanitin-based ADCs, with their unique inhibition of RNA polymerase II, exemplify this next wave of innovation, designed to overcome resistance mechanisms. The Phase I/IIa experience with HDP 101, an anti-BCMA ADC with amanitin as novel payload, provides a clear view of the translational path associated with developing a first in class ADC payload. During dose escalation and at doses below the MTD, HDP‑101 has demonstrated objective responses, including complete remissions, in patients refractory to currently available therapies, including prior treatments directed at the same target.
- George Badescu, PhD - Chief Business Officer, Heidelberg Pharma
- Giuseppe Mazza, PhD - Co-Founder and CEO, Engitix Therapeutics
