An upcoming conference on therapeutic oligonucleotides is set to take place in Gothenburg, Sweden, organized by ELRIG, a non-profit organization dedicated to drug discovery. This event will bring together leading scientists from both academic and industrial backgrounds to explore advancements in the field of oligonucleotide-based drug candidates. The two-day gathering will feature keynote speeches by Prof Rory Johnson of University College Dublin and Dr Shalini Andersson of AstraZeneca, focusing on innovative approaches to overcoming challenges in drug target identification and development. Discussions will cover recent breakthroughs in ensuring safety and efficacy, targeted delivery methods, and clinical applications.

The conference aims to create an open platform for networking and collaboration among researchers working with various modalities of drugs, including antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and small interfering RNA (siRNA). Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in poster presentations, networking sessions, and guided tours of AstraZeneca's R&D facility. Early-career professionals are also encouraged to showcase their research through a poster award competition.

Prof Rory Johnson, an esteemed Associate Professor at University College Dublin, will deliver his presentation on the first day. His research focuses on uncovering the roles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in human health using advanced bioinformatic techniques. With extensive experience across institutions worldwide, Prof Johnson has contributed significantly to establishing foundational annotations for lncRNA genes. In his talk, he will delve into genomics-powered lncRNA therapeutics for oncology, highlighting potential targets for therapeutic intervention.

Dr Shalini Andersson, Vice President of Nucleic Acid Therapeutics at AstraZeneca, will address attendees on the second day. Her career spans multiple leadership positions within AstraZeneca, where she has been instrumental in advancing nucleic acid therapies. As part of collaborative efforts with prominent pharmaceutical companies, she plays a pivotal role in expanding target spaces through targeted delivery mechanisms. Her keynote speech will focus on developing nucleic acids into effective therapeutics while emphasizing the importance of accelerating these treatments towards clinical success.

Dr Fredrik Edfeldt, Conference Director at ELRIG, expressed excitement about fostering an environment conducive to interdisciplinary collaboration. He emphasized that RNA therapeutics hold immense promise for creating more efficient and less toxic drugs tailored specifically for individual patients. By bringing together experts like Prof Johnson and Dr Andersson, this year’s event aims to inspire new insights into genomic tools that can enhance our understanding and treatment of human diseases.

This gathering represents a significant step forward in uniting the global scientific community around the shared goal of improving patient outcomes through cutting-edge research and innovation in therapeutic oligonucleotides. Both keynote speakers bring invaluable expertise that promises to shape future directions in this rapidly evolving field.