Innovative therapeutics: from molecules to medicines

The Socrates Intensive Programme offers annual courses focusing on the specific aspects of innovative therapeutics. The 2004 meeting was coordinated by the University of Parma and covered various subjects in the field of advanced drug delivery and pharmaceutical technology, including sessions on biopharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics, polymers, oral delivery, colloidal vectors, peptide and protein delivery, vaccines, oligonucleotide delivery, gene delivery, non-conventional routes of administration, and a graduate student symposium. The meeting had a highly interactive character and provided a unique opportunity for young scientists to present and discuss their work in an international setting.     

Gene-targeted therapeutic strategies--Royal Pharmaceutical Society Symposium. 9-10 December 1999, London, UK

This meeting highlighted the approaches that are currently available for gene-targeted therapeutics. The meeting focused on two strategies: antigene and anti-message. Polyamides (an example of antigene targeting) have exhibited significant antiviral activity, particularly against AIDS. The design of these agents and the mechanisms by which these compounds interact with DNA were discussed. Antisense oligonucleotides and ribozymes, agents used in the anti-message strategies, are proving to be attractive drug candidates for cancer chemotherapy. Antisense technology has been used for patients with B-cell lymphomas, resulting in complete remission of the disease in some cases. The unavailability of appropriate delivery systems for these DNA-targeting drugs continues to limit their widespread use. As was emphasized in this meeting, DNA-targeting drugs will continue to play an important role in clinical medicine for the foreseeable future.     

AUS-CRS 2011: 5th Annual Meeting of the Australian Chapter of the Controlled Release Society

AUS-CRS 2011, the 5th Annual Meeting of the Australian Chapter of the Controlled Release Society was held as a satellite meeting to the Australian Peptide Conference at Hamilton Island, Queensland, Australia in October 2011. The conference provides a forum for showcasing a range of research towards improving drug delivery across Australia and New Zealand, with international visitors from beyond also participating, this year from the UK and Sweden. This year's meeting had an emphasis on peptide and protein delivery because of its association with the Australian Peptide Conference, although invited and contributed talks from a range of other fields of delivery research were also presented with excellent talks on lipid-based drug delivery, pulmonary delivery, anticancer drug delivery and drug development from a range of academic and industry speakers.     

10th anniversary Inflammation and Immune Diseases Drug Discovery and Development Summit. 20-21 March 2006, New Brunswick, USA

The meeting was hosted by the Strategic Research Institute (SRi) celebrating its 10th anniversary of meetings targeting the inflammatory response. Entitled the 10th International Inflammation and Immune Diseases Drug Discovery and Development World Summit, it was held in New Brunswick, USA on 20-21 March 2006. A composition of keynote sessions and two parallel tracks, the meeting drew on the wide-ranging application of targeting drugs that modulate the immune response and have anti-inflammatory activity in a number of human diseases, including psoriasis, actinic keratosis, allergic dermatitis, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Data were presented supporting all stages of drug discovery from target identification and validation through to lead identification and optimisation to both early- and late-stage clinical development. In addition, a number of enabling technologies were described that supported the identification of potential new therapeutics, for tracking antigen-specific B- and T cells through to the development of an immune response and for the development of novel delivery vehicles as a route to minimise toxicity profiles.     

The 2nd Annual Irish Drug Delivery Network Conference with UK and Ireland Controlled Release Society: advancing drug delivery

This meeting was part funded by Science Foundation Ireland and by the University College Dublin Seed-Funding program, and was an opportunity for the Irish Drug Delivery Network to invite selected internationally-recognized scientists from across Europe onto a program, together with some of its own principal investigators. The meeting was co-promoted by the UK and Ireland Controlled Release Society. Topics included fluorescent dyes for stability testing of proteins, engineering of nano-containers, peptide-polymer conjugates, designing novel biomaterials, oral liquid-emulsion drug delivery systems, barrier modulation for drug delivery to the eye using siRNA, cell-specific targeting in the lungs, hot-melt extrusion and modified cyclodextrins for delivery of siRNA. The conference was attended by 85 researchers and the Irish Drug Delivery Network co-chairs were Caitriona O'Driscoll (University College Cork) and David Brayden (University College Dublin).     

The second annual symposium on nanomedicine and drug delivery: exploring recent developments and assessing major advances. 19-20 August 2004, Polytechnic University, Brooklyn, NY, USA

The meeting was dedicated to novel aspects of nanomedicine, including polymer drug delivery systems (DDS) and biomaterials. Self-assembled micellar DDS have been evaluated in terms of morphology, biological properties, and results of clinical trials. Important advances in the design of nanoparticles as DDS have been highlighted in various presentations. Unexpected issues of polymer-related biological effects, including gene expression, were stressed in relation to polymer DDS. Great potential of nanofabrication of biomaterials, and preliminary data on the design of polymer scaffolds were demonstrated in a number of reports. This symposium demonstrated how timely the development of nanosised DDS is, with advances in understanding the disease-related mechanisms, and outlined the major areas of application of nanomedicine technology.     

Brief family treatment intervention to promote aftercare among substance abusing patients in inpatient detoxification: transferring a research intervention to clinical practice

Two earlier studies showed that a brief family treatment (BFT) intervention for substance abusing patients in inpatient detoxification increased aftercare treatment post-detox. BFT consisted of meeting with the patient and a family member with whom the patient lived to review aftercare plans for the patient. A phone conference was used when logistics prevented an in-person family meeting. Based on the earlier research results, we trained a newly hired staff person to continue providing BFT. We monitored key process benchmarks derived from the earlier research studies to ensure ongoing fidelity in delivering BFT. This method proved successful in transferring BFT from delivery in a research study to ongoing delivery in routine clinical practice after the research ended. It also ensured that a high proportion of patients had their families contacted and included in planning the patients' aftercare.     

The 15th International Society of Aerosols in Medicine Congress. Perth, Australia, 14-18 March 2005

This international meeting brought together approximately 250 delegates from the pharmaceutical industry, academia, hospitals and government agencies, to discuss the latest research and development on areas related to inhalation aerosols. Fundamental science and applied research encompassing both the biological and physicochemical aspects were presented. There was a wide range of topics covered, from immune modulation to pharmaceutical regulatory issues, including aerosol clearance; industry innovations; aerosols and in utero effects; technical advances in imaging; inhalation catastrophes; as well as recent advances and future directions in aerosol delivery systems. This biennial congress has provided an excellent forum for stimulating fruitful discussion of aerosols in medicine.     

Drug transport and drug delivery--the Midnight Sun meeting

The Midnight Sun Meeting on Drug Transport and Drug Delivery was held on the island of Tromso in northern Norway, where the sun does not set for 2 months during the summer. The meeting was hosted by the University of Tromso's newly established Institute of Pharmacy and the Controlled Release Society (Nordic Chapter). The meeting, attended by approximately 80 delegates from across Europe, showcased recent advances in drug transport through biological barriers, solid-state pharmaceuticals and particulate drug delivery systems. This report will focus on the particulate and solid-state pharmaceuticals sessions, in which lectures were given to demonstrate the benefits in cognitive function associated with omega-3 fish oils, the increase in drug release rates observed on the processing-induced deformation of tablet granules, and the size of polymeric particulates being directly and linearly related to the molecular weight of a polymer. The meeting was held as a single-session event, giving delegates the opportunity to attend all presentations. There was a small poster and exhibitor display, and the meeting attracted sponsorship from a number of companies, namely Polypure AS, Weifa AS, ProBioNeutraceuticals AS, Lipoid GmbH, Clavis Pharma AS and Thermometric AB.     

Beyond the genome--SMi Conference 27-28 January 2003, London,UK

Over a decade of astonishing developments, genomics and proteomics have promised a fundamentally new approach to drug discovery. Although there has been an undeniable increase in the range of potential targets available, this has not led to an increased output of the drug discovery pipeline into the clinic. With tighter markets and increasing competition, the major pharmaceutical companies are under intense pressure to achieve rapid, concrete delivery of those early promises, but there remain acute problems in the genes-to-drugs pipeline. This meeting showcased a range of novel approaches from proteomics and bioinformatics to address these problems. A common theme in the range of proteomics offerings was the prioritization of potential novel targets on the basis of their accessibility to drugs and their functional link to disease phenotypes. Informatics and in silico offerings also concentrated on fast, accurate, drug-focused workflows built on large integrative databases and novel data-mined algorithms.     

Disposition of non-viral gene delivery systems and oligonucleotides

At the 1998 annual meeting of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS), held in San Francisco, there was a roundtable discussion meeting entitled 'Disposition of Non-viral Gene Delivery Systems and Oligonucleotides'. Four speakers presented the advances made by their research groups in this area. The non-viral delivery systems utilized lipid, peptide, and polymeric carriers. The disposition of naked plasmid DNA was compared with complexed and condensed DNA. Although the disposition kinetics were more favorable with cationic systems, the expression levels obtained from naked DNA were superior. Interpolyelectrolyte complexes (IPECs) containing pluronic units are efficient for transfection. With the FDA approval of the first antisense oligonucleotide for therapeutic applications, there is growing interest in the development of antisense oligonucleotides. ISIS Pharmaceuticals Inc (Carlsbad, CA, USA) is evaluating various routes of delivery for oligonucleotides, including oral, rectal, inhalation, intravitreal and dermal routes.     

Millennium Pharma Summit--strategic planning to increase growth and generate pharmaceutical shareholder value. 26-27 January 2000, London, UK

With mergers and acquisitions (M&As) being the 'watch words' of the moment among those involved in the pharmaceutical industry, this meeting aimed to bring together the senior hierarchy of both medium and big pharma to discuss the issues pertinent to competitive survival and shareholder profit delivery. Along with a more objective analysis delivered by a number of management consultancy representatives, the summit presented delegates with interesting and often controversial viewpoints on: strategic partnerships and alliances; developing organizational models to generate profitability; the promotion of innovative R&D to maximize shareholder value; the development of marketing strategies in line with increasing consumer power; and, past, present and future consequences for the industry as a result of 'merger mania'.     

Vaginal drug delivery. 7-8 June 1999, London, UK

This meeting collected experts from the field of clinical medicine and pharmaceutical companies to discuss various issues concerning vaginal drug delivery. The conference was divided into large sub-categories, such as the advantages of a vaginal system, including its potential use in providing both disease-specific and systemic drug administration. The specific need for topical microbicides and anti-HIV systems were highlighted. Discussions included the unique anatomical and physiological characteristics of the human vagina as well as the potential lack of an animal model to predict clinical results. Specific formulation techniques discussed included: polycarbophil, as a bio-adhesive; a hydrogel, Hycor-V; membrane lipids, such as Q-vail; and a hybrid emulsion system, such as the Site Release system. The potential development of vaginal vaccines and vaginal rings to provide systemic drug delivery were also discussed. Finally, there was discussion regarding the information needed to evaluate and develop novel actives and delivery systems. The general agreement from representatives of regulatory bodies was that, because of the uniqueness of this anatomical area and technology used, early participation of regulatory agencies to assist with development is highly recommended. The conference was chaired by Dr Ian Wilding (Chief Executive, Pharmaceutical Profiles, Nottingham, UK) and Professor SS Davis (Chairman, West Pharmaceutical Services, formerly DanBioSyst UK Ltd, Nottingham, UK). Forty participants from industry and academia were in attendance. Speakers included representatives of academic institutions from Europe and the US, the FDA, the National Institutes of Health as well as from numerous international pharmaceutical corporations.     

Adaptations and innovations in drug delivery

The most recent meeting organized by the Society for Medicines Research, entitled Improving Medicines Through Drug Delivery, was held at the National Heart and Lung Institute in London on July 5, 2001. Drug delivery is increasingly becoming a central technology in the research and development of better medicines. This is so for at least three reasons. First, new drugs are being derived from complex biological molecules that are not readily amenable to oral delivery. Second, improved medicine is recognized as requiring better dosing regimens for the patient. Both compliance and preference are improved by reduced dosing frequency, and it is rare for new products to require three-times-daily administration. Lastly, drug delivery technology has come a long way in the past 20 years, beyond controlled-release pharmaceuticals to polymer conjugates and dry powder-inhaled proteins.     

Next generation vaccines

In February this year, about 100 delegates gathered for three days in Vienna (Austria) for the Next Generation Vaccines conference. The meeting held in the Vienna Hilton Hotel from 23rd-25th February 2011 had a strong focus on biotech and industry. The conference organizer Jacob Fleming managed to put together a versatile program ranging from the future generation of vaccines to manufacturing, vaccine distribution and delivery, to regulatory and public health issues. Carefully selected top industry experts presented first-hand experience and shared solutions for overcoming the latest challenges in the field of vaccinology. The program also included several case study presentations on novel vaccine candidates in different stages of development. An interactive pre-conference workshop as well as interactive panel discussions during the meeting allowed all delegates to gain new knowledge and become involved in lively discussions on timely, interesting and sometimes controversial topics related to vaccines.     

Oligonucleotide Therapeutics--IBC Sixth International Conference. 3-5 May 1999, La Jolla, CA, USA

A wide array of strategies was presented for exploiting antisense oligonucleotides (AS ONs). Vitravene (ISIS Pharmaceuticals Inc), a first-generation phosphorothioate (PS) oligodeoxynucelotide (ODN) has been approved for use in the US and European markets for the treatment of CMV retinitis. A number of pharmaceutical companies introduced numerous compounds in both phase I and pivotal phase II clinical trials, for treatment of a wide range of diseases, including cancer, inflammation and viral agents. Advances in AS ON delivery were also described, including topical and oral routes of administration. New chemical modifications incorporated into second-generation oligonucleotides demonstrated superior potency and duration of action in a number of preclinical models. Finally, in response to the explosion in new genomic sequence information generated by the Human Genome Project, a number of companies are combining bioinformatics with high-throughput screening (HTS) to rapidly discover new drug targets. As a result, there was much excitement exhibited by researchers attending this meeting and a strong feeling that this new drug paradigm is delivering on its initial promise.     

American College of Rheumatology Spring Clinical Meeting 2000. 10-12 March 2000, New Orleans, LA, USA

The spring clinical meeting was independently planned by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) CME Committee and the ACR Professional Meetings Committee. This meeting was intended to provide an update of knowledge in the broad field of rheumatology through appropriate reviews of established concepts from a clinical perspective. Mini-symposia on the advancements in osteoporosis and bone diseases and practical approaches to uncommon rheumatic syndromes, were attractive features of this meeting.     

Cancer-induced bone diseases--second international conference. 27-29 March 1999, Davos, Switzerland

After the first successful meeting on this topic, held in London in 1997, 550 registrants from 39 countries gathered in Davos to consider basic and clinical aspects of cancer metastases to bone, and to review current and future therapies. The conference brought together basic scientists in bone cell biology and cancer with clinical oncologists involved in the management of patients exposed to this common complication of many cancers. A recurring theme of the meeting was the importance of continuing dialog among the bone and cancer biologists and the clinicians. The meeting consisted of 8 major lectures and 64 poster presentations, from which 18 were selected for oral presentation and discussion. Two industry-supported symposia were held in conjunction with the meeting to consider specific treatment modalities.     

American Society of Gene Therapy - Third Annual Meeting

The field of gene therapy, delivering genes to directly treat diseases, has had a remarkable year. This is no more evident than in the scope of the third annual meeting of the American Society of Gene Therapy (ASGT). Clear progress has been made in both ex vivo clinical protocols and in vivo administration. The meeting covered every major method of gene delivery, from injection of naked DNA to advanced synthetic gene delivery systems, as well as the major viral-based vectors. The optimism of the society was tempered, however, by the much-publicized death of a patient in a clinical trial at the University of Pennsylvania last year. There was a correspondingly high regulatory presence at the meeting, with several presentations by representatives of the US FDA and National Institutes of Health (NIH). Major clinical advances in gene therapy have been in genetic diseases, including hemophilia, severe combined immunodeficiency, and cystic fibrosis. Therapies are in later-stage clinical trials, and evidence of efficacy has been demonstrated, most notably by the apparent cure of SCID-affected children in Paris by ex vivo gene therapy with cytokine receptor subunit genes. Cancer gene therapy is also making significant headway, with many products entering phase II and III trials. Basic technology development is proceeding in vector targeting, enhancement of gene transfer efficiency, and regulating expression of therapeutic genes. In addition, basic research demonstrates the promise of new combined modes for treating diseases such as muscular dystrophy, lysosomal storage diseases and cardiovascular disease.