Conference Day One | Wednesday, October 15

For more information, download the event guide.

8:00 am Check-In & Light Breakfast

8:50 am Chair’s Opening Remarks

Strategies to Obtain High Quality Datasets to Enhance Validation of Models

9:00 am Building Purposeful Datasets to Reduce Model Bias & Improve Predictive Accuracy

  • Ryan Emerson SVP, Data Science & GM, Platform Solutions, A-Alpha Bio Inc.

Synopsis

  • Learn why retrofitting existing experimental data for model training often introduces intrinsic bias that skews outcomes
  • Explore strategies for designing data collection protocols explicitly for machine learning, ensuring consistency and reducing noise
  • Understand the importance of resource investment in systematic data generation and where to prioritize for maximum impact

9:30 am Enabling Generalizable Models Through Smarter Data Aggregation & Validation Approaches

  • Neeraj Agrawal Director, Attribute Sciences, Process Development, Amgen

Synopsis

  • Discuss the limitations of model generalizability due to inconsistent data protocols and lack of standardized evaluation
  • Review current industry efforts – such as consortia and cross-pharma collaborations, to pool and harmonize data
  • Learn how to avoid misleading conclusions by adopting statistically rigorous model performance assessments

NEW COMPANY!

10:00 am Implementing Active Learning Loops to Combat Bias & Improve Model Performance Over Time

  • Joel Karpiak Senior Director, Head of Protein Design & Informatics, GlaxoSmithKline

Synopsis

  • Discover how active and continuous learning systems allow models to improve with each new dataset, reducing initial bias
  • Examine the impact of bias from datasets favoring only “good” molecules and how this limits model creativity and exploration
  • Understand how integrating real-time lab results into training loops supports model refinement and validation

10:30 am Speed Networking

Synopsis

This session is a great opportunity to introduce yourself to the attendees that you would like to have more in-depth conversations with. This session is the ideal opportunity to get face-to-face time with many of the computational drug experts to establish meaningful business relationships.

11:00 am Morning Break

11:30 am Panel Discussion: The Data Dilemma – Standardizing Datasets to Improve Model Predictability

  • Kannan Sankar Senior Expert - Data Science & Bioinformatics, Novartis
  • Shipra Malhotra Senior Scientist - Biologics, Computational & Machine Learning, Takeda Pharmaceutical
  • Jenna Caldwell Associate Principal Scientist, AstraZeneca

Synopsis

  • What progress has been made in creating high-quality, standardized datasets to train robust predictive models?
  • How are industry leaders overcoming data silos and inconsistencies to drive better biologics insights?
  • What role do partnerships, consortia, or public databases play in improving interoperability and model performance?

Enabling Design of Complex Biologic Formats to Expand Therapeutic Possibilities

12:15 pm Expanding Predictive Design Beyond Monoclonal Antibodies to Bi- and Multispecific Protein Therapeutic

Synopsis

  • Discuss challenges within multi-specific protein therapeutic design and discovery, exploring how computational tools can support the optimization tasks  
  • Learn about critical data gaps and strategic data generation approaches specifically tailored for multi-specifics
  • Examples and case studies demonstrating the application of computational and machine learning models to optimize next-generation multi-specific therapeutics

NEW COMPANY!

12:45 pm Designing & Predicting Properties of Emerging Biologic Formats Using AI & Structural Insight

Synopsis

  • Examine the current limitations of predictive tools for formats like VHHs, Fabs, ARC molecules, and RNA conjugates
  • Learn how AI can be tailored to support design and developability assessments across diverse biologic architectures
  • Encourage greater collaboration between structural biologists, AI developers, and discovery teams to accelerate innovation in this space

1:15 pm Lunch Break & Networking

2:15 pm Leveraging Sample-Based Quantum Diagonalization (SQD) in Medicinal Chemistry: Applications in Biologics Design

  • Gopal Karemore Global Quantum Lead in Healthcare & Life Sciences, IBM

Synopsis

  • Boost binding affinity accuracy by precisely ranking biologic candidates and minimizing false positives early
  • Enhance biologic design with better in silico models that capture key molecular interactions and behaviors
  • Improve pharmacokinetic predictions by modeling complex enzyme interactions to reduce toxicity and development risks

2:45 pm Computational Approaches to Enable Challenge GPCR Agonist

Synopsis

  • Apply structure-based and AI-driven methods to identify and optimize novel GPCR agonists with improved specificity
  • Leverage predictive modeling and AI-based protein design to address limited GPCR structural data
  • Accelerate GPCR-targeted drug discovery by integrating virtual screening with ligand-receptor interaction analysis

3:15 pm Panel Discussion: From Hype to Impact – Realizing the Value of AI in Biologics Design

  • Gabor Oroszlan In Silico Lead, Project Manager, Senior Scientist, VRG Therapeutics
  • Jing Wang Director, Eli Lilly & Co.
  • Jinbo Xu Professor, Toyota Technological Institute at Chicago
  • Yao Fan Director - Protein Design & Optimization, Tectonic Therapeutic

Synopsis

  • What are the current limitations and tangible successes in applying AI/ML to biologics discovery and developability?
  • How are organizations measuring ROI from computational investments — speed, cost, accuracy, or all three?
  • What infrastructure, culture, and talent are needed to effectively scale AI adoption across discovery and development pipelines?

4:00 pm Chair’s Closing Remarks

4:10 pm End of Conference Day One