Cambridge Healthtech Institute’s Inaugural
Peptide Therapeutics: Accelerating Discovery and Development
January 21-22, 2026
The next generation of peptide-based therapeutics is being shaped not by synthetic chemistry, but by recombinant expression and advanced protein engineering. Cambridge Healthtech Institute’s Inaugural Peptide Therapeutics: Accelerating Discovery and Development conference focuses on recombinant peptides and miniproteins as emerging biologic modalities with therapeutic potential. Tools include AI/ML-based structure prediction, library design, expression optimization, and early preformulation strategies. With a focus on biologically expressed leads, the program explores how advances in display technologies, structural validation, and stability assessment are driving the selection of high-value candidates for further development.
Coverage will include, but is not limited to:
- Lead Identification and Selection
- AI/ML-based design and prediction (binding affinity, structural stability, protease resistance)
- Natural product-inspired peptide mining (plants, venom, microbiome)
- RNA sequencing and ribosome profiling to discover novel microproteins
- Screening platforms: phage/yeast/mRNA display, DELs, high-throughput binding assays
- Protein Engineering & Optimization
- Scaffold selection and optimization (knottins, DARPins, avimers, helix–loop–helix miniproteins)
- Directed evolution
- Helical stabilization, cyclization, or stapling to improve drug-like properties
- Sequence trimming to reduce size while maintaining activity
- Biological Expression Systems
- Recombinant production (E. coli, yeast, or mammalian systems)
- Secreted vs. intracellular expression
- Challenges in yield, solubility, and correct folding
- Codon optimization, fusion partners, and expression vectors
- Characterization and Early Preformulation
- Stability testing (thermal, proteolytic, oxidative)
- Aggregation and solubility assessment
- Early formulation screening for pH, buffer, and excipients
- Biophysical methods: CD, DSC, DLS, NMR, LC-MS
- Computational formulation prediction tools
- Developability and Drugability Assessments
- In silico screening of ADME/tox properties
- Immunogenicity risk prediction
- Predicting manufacturability: aggregation propensity, hydrophobicity, PTMs
- Early PK/PD modeling for candidate prioritization
- Case Studies and Emerging Modalities
- Miniproteins as cytokine mimics or antagonists
- Cell-penetrating peptides and BBB-crossing miniproteins
- Targeted delivery using peptide conjugates
The deadline for priority consideration is June 27, 2025.
All proposals are subject to review by session chairpersons and/or the Scientific Advisory Committee to ensure the overall quality of the conference program. Additionally, as per Cambridge Healthtech Institute’s policy, a select number of vendors and consultants who provide products and services will be offered opportunities for podium presentation slots based on a variety of Corporate Sponsorships.
Opportunities for Participation: