DIA 2019 Global Annual Meeting

Component Type: Forum
Level: Intermediate
CE: ACPE 1.00 Knowledge UAN: 0286-0000-19-527-L04-P; CME 1.00; IACET 1.00; RN 1.00

A discussion of advances in artificial intelligence and related technologies in computer, information and data science, specifically as they apply to challenges and emerging application areas within pre-clinical drug discovery and early drug development.

Learning Objectives

Describe translatable experiences and practices concerning impactful applications of artificial intelligence.

Chair

Scott Spangler, MA

Speaker

Panelist: Activity Metabolomics and ArtificiaI Predictions
Erica Majumder, PhD

Challenges and Opportunities in Near-Term Quantum Computation
Yudong Cao, PhD, MS

Panelist
Craig Lipset, MPH

Component Type: Forum
Level: Intermediate
CE: ACPE 0.75 Knowledge UAN: 0286-0000-19-733-L04-P; CME 0.75; IACET 0.75; RN 0.75

New gene editing technology known as “clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats” or CRISPR can alter the genes of cells, including embryos, changing the organism and its descendants, and raising critical ethical, legal, and social concerns. First discovered in 2014, scientists have rapidly used this technology in many species. This technique can also alter genes in microorganisms to create superbugs, and in 2016, the Pentagon listed it as a weapon of mass destruction. In 2018, a Chinese researcher stated that he had edited human embryos and transferred them into a womb, producing twin girls. Yet CRISPR can have ‘off-target’ effects, accidentally eliminating additional DNA, and genes may have multiple, unknown functions. In March 2019, scientists recommended a moratorium on transfer of altered embryos into wombs, and a registry of all CRISPR trials. Questions remain, however of how long such a moratorium should last, when it should end, who should decide, based on what criteria, whether all nations and researchers will agree, and what should be done if non-compliance occurs. Questions emerge of when CRISPR will be “safe enough” for initial research studies, and later for broader clinical use. The first human offspring may need to be followed through adulthood and the birth of their own children. This talk will explore these critical challenges, related to ethical principles of autonomy, risks, benefits and social justice, and how these questions might best be addressed.

Learning Objectives

Discuss the critical challenges related to ethical principles of autonomy, risks, benefits of gene editing technology.

Chair

Robert Klitzman, MD

Component Type: Forum
Level: Advanced
CE: ACPE 1.00 Knowledge UAN: 0286-0000-19-559-L04-P; CME 1.00; IACET 1.00; RN 1.00

Precision Medicines in Clinical Trials (PMCT) are demonstrably impactful in drug development yet are not widely adopted by industry. This forum explores reasons for low adoption from the viewpoints of scientists, drug developers and regulators and explores solutions.

Learning Objectives

Describe the value of precision medicine trials (PMCT) as an innovative approach to drug development; Identify the regulatory, scientific, operational and technical challenges and barriers to the execution of these trials.; Explain key considerations for precision medicine trial design and execution.

Chair

Anita Nelsen

Speaker

Academic Perspective from Korea
Yeul Hong Kim, MD, PhD

Panelist
Edward Abrahams, PhD

Panelist
Rebecca Blanchard, PhD

Component Type: Forum
Level: Intermediate
CE: ACPE 1.25 Knowledge UAN: 0286-0000-19-632-L04-P; CME 1.25; IACET 1.25; RN 1.25

In today’s pharmaceutical and biotech industry we are at an inflection point with regard to the future of therapeutic development. In this forum the focus will be to explore how industry, agencies, and academic institutions collaborate to drive innovative technologies to speed therapeutic development. Specifically, the forum will explore how we are leveraging STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) programs both independently and interactively to enable current and future entrepreneurial opportunities. The goal is to foster an environment where we best take advantage of the opportunities presented by advances in life sciences and technology.

Learning Objectives

Evaluate the quality of interaction among various stakeholders in cure-based drug development; Assess the quality of those interactions in their own environments; Recognize the importance of fostering an environment where creativity and an entrepreneurial spirit is nurtured. Determine how STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) programs are put to use to address the aforementioned objectives.

Chair

Dan Tierno, MA, MBA

Speaker

Industry Perspective
Yaron Drucker, MBA

Student Perspective
Advaita Chandramohan

Panelist
Melanie Matheu, PhD