Michigan Drug Discovery & Development Symposium
Washtenaw Community College | Morris Lawrence Bldg. 4800 E Huron River Dr., Ann Arbor, MI
Advancing Innovation. Connecting Michigan’s Biosciences Community.
Key Program Highlights
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AI and the Future of Drug Discovery – Explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the path from target identification to therapeutic development.
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Radiopharmaceuticals: The Next Frontier – Discover how this rapidly growing field is reshaping disease diagnosis and treatment.
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Drug Development & Regulatory Strategy – Gain insights into IND applications, evolving clinical trial models, and regulatory frameworks.
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Translating Innovation to Market – Learn how emerging companies are navigating funding models and commercialization pathways.
Why Attend?
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Inspiring Keynote & Panels
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Research Presentation & Posters
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Exhibits
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Networking Opportunities
Who Should Attend?
- Faculty, researchers, and students from Michigan’s leading universities
- Bio-industry professionals and CRO representatives
- Entrepreneurs, innovators, and members of the biosciences community
Agenda
| May 11 | |
| 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM | Networking Breakfast Continental Breakfast + Networking + Sponsors and Exhibitors |
| 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM | The Evolving State of Drug Discovery: Redefining Development Models This session brings together industry leaders to explore how drug discovery is being reimagined amid rapid scientific, technological, and market shifts. Panelists will examine breakthroughs in digital innovation, cross-sector collaboration, regulatory changes, and evolving business strategies—focusing on how these forces converge to transform therapy discovery, development, and delivery to accelerate patient impact. |
| 9:35 AM - 10:30 AM | Innovations in Drug Discovery and Development Hear about exciting new scientific breakthroughs and technology advances in drug discovery and therapeutics development from Michigan academic and industry researchers. |
| 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM |
Networking Break
Coffee + Networking + Innovator Hot Pitches + Sponsors and Exhibitors Get a front-row seat to the future of biotechnology at Innovator Hot Pitches. Michigan’s early-stage startups will deliver rapid-fire pitches showcasing breakthrough products, bold technologies, and transformative ideas. Discover the next wave of biopharma and research innovators, spark dialogue, and connect with visionary entrepreneurs driving the future of healthcare and patient outcomes. |
| 11:00 AM - 11:55 AM | AI and the Future of Drug Discovery: Revolutionizing the Path from Target to Therapeutic Discussion on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the landscape of drug discovery—from initial target identification through preclinical development to the clinic and patient. |
| 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM | From Breakthrough Science to Transformative Medicines: Navigating Drug Discovery in the Modern Innovation Era Plenary Keynote: Dr. Felicia Pagliuca will share insights on translating breakthrough science into transformative medicines within today’s rapidly evolving innovation ecosystem. Drawing on her experience as an innovator and leader in cell and genetic therapies, she will discuss emerging technologies shaping discovery, building high-performing R&D teams, and balancing scientific ambition with regulatory and commercial realities in the global biotech landscape. |
| 1:30 PM - 2:10 PM | T1-INNOVATION—Translating Innovation to Market: From Bench to Business The challenges and opportunities in translating groundbreaking research into successful commercial products, with a focus on entrepreneurship, and scaling biotech ventures. |
| 1:30 PM - 2:10 PM | T2-DRUG DEVELOPMENT—Investigational New Drug (IND) Applications – Types, Requirements and Opportunities This session will review the different types and essential components of INDs, regulatory requirements for submission, approval process, critical steps in planning and executing successful INDs, and the strategic opportunities that arise at this stage of the drug discovery and development pathway. |
| 2:15 PM - 2:55 PM | T1-INNOVATION—Navigating Current Funding Models for Drug Discovery and Development This session will explore strategies for securing funding in a rapidly changing research environment that can sustain and accelerate commercialization. Experts will discuss funding sources including governmental programs, partnerships with strategics, and philanthropic collaborations. |
| 2:15 PM - 2:55 PM | T2-DRUG DEVELOPMENT—Revolutionizing Drug Development: Emerging Trends in Clinical Trials and Regulation This session will explore how evolving FDA regulations and innovative approaches are reshaping the landscape of clinical trials and drug development. Discussion will highlight how new models, technologies, and regulatory frameworks are accelerating development timelines, enhancing patient engagement, ensuring data integrity, and driving more efficient and flexible trial designs. |
| 2:55 PM - 3:25 PM |
Networking Break
Coffee + Networking + Innovator Hot Pitches + Sponsors and Exhibitors Get a front-row seat to the future of biotechnology at Innovator Hot Pitches. Michigan’s early-stage startups will deliver rapid-fire pitches showcasing breakthrough products, bold technologies, and transformative ideas. Discover the next wave of biopharma and research innovators, spark dialogue, and connect with visionary entrepreneurs driving the future of healthcare and patient outcomes. |
| 3:25 PM - 4:10 PM | Radiopharmaceuticals: The Next Frontier in Disease Treatment Explore the explosive growth of radiopharmaceuticals and their transformative potential in diagnosing and treating diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s, and cardiovascular conditions. This session will delve into the latest advancements, industry trends, and the challenges of scaling up production and deployment for clinical use, showcasing how this emerging field is revolutionizing modern medicine. |
| 4:15 PM - 5:00 PM | How the Regulatory and Legislative Policy is Reshaping Drug Discovery and Development A session covering the latest legislative developments at the state and federal levels that are impacting how therapies are discovered, developed and brought to market. Topics will include policies related to funding of research and commercialization, FDA and business regulations,and legislation affecting rare diseases, biopharma business models, use of animals in research, and more. |
| 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM | Networking Reception and Poster Session Appetizers + Networking + Posters + Sponsors and Exhibitors |
Felicia Pagliuca, Ph.D.
Senior Vice President, Cell and Genetic Therapy Research and
Site Head LC1
Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Dr. Felicia Pagliuca is currently Senior Vice President, Cell and Genetic Therapy Research at Vertex Pharmaceuticals. She received a BS from Duke University and a PhD from Cambridge University where she was a Marshall Scholar. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship with Dr. Douglas Melton at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute, where she worked with Dr. Melton to discover how to generate stem cell-derived pancreatic beta cells in the lab. She co-founded Semma Therapeutics with Dr. Melton in 2014. While at Semma, she served as Vice President of Cell Biology Research and Development, where she led the development of investigational cell therapies for the treatment of type 1 diabetes. She joined Vertex Pharmaceuticals in 2019, when Semma was acquired by Vertex, and served as the company’s Vice President and Disease Area Executive for type 1 diabetes for 5 years before moving into her current role.
From Breakthrough Science to Transformative Medicines: Navigating Drug Discovery in the Modern Innovation Er
In this fireside chat, Dr. Felicia Pagliuca of Vertex Pharmaceuticals will share insights on advancing breakthrough science into transformative medicines within today’s rapidly evolving innovation ecosystem. Drawing on her experience as an innovator and entrepreneur, and leading cutting-edge programs in cell and genetic therapies, she will discuss how emerging technologies are reshaping discovery and development strategies. The conversation will explore lessons learned in building high-performing R&D teams, integrating new platforms into pipelines, and navigating regulatory and marketplace dynamics. Dr. Pagliuca will also reflect on balancing scientific ambition with commercial realities in a competitive global biotech environment. This forward-looking dialogue will offer practical perspectives for researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders working to translate innovation into impact.
Speakers:
- Andrea Gonzalez, PhD, Professor and Director, MSU Drug Discovery
- Felicia Pagliuca, PhD, Senior Vice President, Cell and Genetic Therapy Research and Site Head, Leiden Center, Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Call for Scientific Posters
Showcase Your Work at the Drug Discovery & Development Symposium
Academic drug discovery has become a vital complement to traditional pharmaceutical development, fueling the search for innovative new medicines. The Cutting Edge / Drug Discovery & Development Symposium provides a platform to highlight research and development efforts across Michigan’s universities, research institutes, and biotech/pharma companies.
We invite faculty, students, and researchers to present scientific posters that showcase their projects, case studies, and new technologies in drug discovery and development. Poster presentations offer an excellent opportunity to share your work, spark meaningful conversations, and build connections with peers, industry professionals, and potential collaborators.
Poster Submissions
Posters should align with the main program topics:
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Assay Development and Screening
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Clinical Trials and Development
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Decision Support and Tools
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Medicinal Chemistry and Lead Discovery
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Platform Enabling Technologies
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Pre-Clinical Optimization
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Target ID & Validation
Submission Requirements:
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Abstract must include: title, author(s), description, and university or company affiliation
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Deadline: April 15, 2026
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There is no cost to submit an abstract; however, event registration is required upon acceptance
Poster Specifications
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Dimensions: 48” x 36” (landscape orientation)
Presentations
Posters will be displayed throughout the day in the exhibit hall and highlighted during networking breaks and lunch, giving participants valuable opportunities to engage directly with attendees.
Don’t miss the chance to showcase your science and contribute to Michigan’s growing drug discovery ecosystem.
| Price | |
|---|---|
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Academic
Registration Ends 5/11/26 at 11:59 PM EDT
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$99.00
Price will increase to $119.00 on
4/4/26
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Industry
Registration Ends 5/11/26 at 11:59 PM EDT
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$199.00
Price will increase to $249.00 on
4/4/26
|
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Student
Registration Ends 5/11/26 at 11:59 PM EDT
|
$39.00
Price will increase to $49.00 on
4/4/26
|
| Price | |
|---|---|
|
Academic
Registration Ends 5/11/26 at 11:59 PM EDT
|
$129.00
Price will increase to $149.00 on
4/4/26
|
|
Industry
Registration Ends 5/11/26 at 11:59 PM EDT
|
$299.00
Price will increase to $349.00 on
4/4/26
|
|
Student
Registration Ends 5/11/26 at 11:59 PM EDT
|
$39.00
Price will increase to $49.00 on
4/4/26
|
Event Location
Washtenaw Community College
Morris Lawrence Building
4800 E Huron River Dr
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
MichBio has not arranged official room blocks for the Drug Discovery & Development Symposium. However, attendees are encouraged to secure accommodations near the venue.
Ann Arbor Regent Hotel & Suites
2455 Carpenter Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
(734) 973-6100 | Visit Hotel Website
Doubletree by Hilton Ann Arbor North
3600 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105
(734) 769-9800 | Visit Hotel Website
Days Inn by Wyndham Ann Arbor
2380 Carpenter Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48108
(734) 585-2475 | Visit Hotel Website
CONNECT AND INSPIRE MICHIGAN'S BIOSCIENCES COMMUNITY
Spotlight your brand among top researchers, bio-industry professionals, and decision-makers at The Cutting Edge/Drug Discovery & Development Symposium. This event is held biennially and highlights the path from therapeutic discovery to commercialization and features keynote speakers, panel discussions, poster sessions, and invaluable networking opportunities.
Sponsorship or advertising offers unparalleled visibility and connects you with the University Research Corridor and the state’s thriving bioindustry. Don’t miss your chance to stand out in this influential community—partner with us today!
Questions on sponsorship, exhibitor or marketing opportunities, please email Emily Brockman or Jamie Krajny.
For questions, don't hesitate to reach out.
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