Pre-Conference Workshops (am) & Main Conference Day 1 Plenary (pm) - Europe/Amsterdam
Workshop Overview:
Process economics and manufacturing complexity are inherent to every oligonucleotide therapeutic project. The key question is when in the development lifecycle these challenges are recognized and addressed, and ideally before they become constraints. This workshop addresses interdependent scientific, technical, operational, and quality considerations that shape cost of goods (COGs) and long-term commercial viability. Through head-to-head comparisons of manufacturing approaches, practical decision frameworks, and case studies presented by invited experts, participants will develop a methodology for integrating molecule design, chemistry, therapeutic indication, anticipated commercial volumes, and manufacturing strategy into evidence-based, fit-for-purpose development and manufacturing decisions. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of key process trade-offs, technical and operational decisions that influence manufacturability – enabling informed choices at the right development stage, before expensive late-stage remediation becomes necessary.
- Thomas Rupp - Vice President, CMC Strategy, Axolabs Berlin GmbH
- Sonja Merkas, PhD - Founder and CEO, Livinovea
- Chris Oswald - Founder, Owner, and Principal Consultant, Coswald Consulting LLC
- Bruce Morimoto, PhD - Independent Consultant, TIDES Advisor
- Robert Hagopian - Global Director, Biotech Partnerships, PolyPeptide Group
- El Djouhar Rekaï, PhD - Process & Analytical Development Director at PolyPeptide Group, PolyPeptide Group
- Beatriz De La Torre, Ph.D. - Research Professor, Laboratory of Medicine and Med, University Of KwaZulu-Natal
- Alaric Desmarchelier, PhD - Business Development Manager - Peptides, Almac Group
- Marc Jacob, PhD - Head of Strategic Development, Chromatography Products, YMC America
- Thomas Müller-Späth, PhD - CEO, ChromaCon AG
- Sergey Tsukanov, PhD - Senior Director Chemistry, Eli Lilly and Company
- Jacob Challand Kofoed, PhD - Senior Principal Scientist, Peptide Research, Novo Nordisk A/S
Peptide and protein therapeutics offer a promising approach to treating obesity and type 2 diabetes. Incretin-based therapies are particularly effective due to their ability to target multiple metabolic pathways. A recent investigational molecule moving rapidly toward commercial launch exemplifies this class, incorporating both alpha-amino acids and non-standard residues to enhance efficacy and stability.
- Michael Kopach, PhD - Associate Vice President, Synthetic Molecule Design and Development, Eli Lilly and Company
- Claudia Höbartner, Ph.D. - Professor of Organic Chemistry, University of Würzburg
