Keynote Sessions

Tuesday, January 19th 2027

Plenary Keynote Session (Shared with Co-located PGAI)

Beyond the Funnel: Machine Learning-Powered Lab-in-the-Loop for Drug Discovery
 Richard A. BonneauRichard A. Bonneau, PhD, Vice President, Drug Discovery, Prescient Design, a Genentech Co.
We will explore how new generative AI methods are uniquely positioned to accelerate and enhance drug discovery, illustrating our "lab in the loop" process for drug discovery and lead optimization. We will differentiate between design modules, where AI can enhance tools' power and accuracy, and process optimization problems, which involve connecting data and models to experimental design for faster and improved drug discovery. The discussion will cover powerful new design modules and multi-modal foundation models that span multiple drug modalities, with primarily focus on small-molecule and large-molecule drug discovery.

Wednesday, January 20th, 2027

PepTalk Keynote Panel

Peptides at the Inflection Point: From Constrained Scaffolds to AI-Designed Clinical Candidates—Where is Peptide Therapeutics Headed?
Peptide therapeutics are entering a pivotal moment, shifting from a traditionally constrained modality into one of the most dynamic and innovative spaces in drug discovery. Once limited by stability and delivery challenges, peptides are now being reimagined through advances in structural design, novel conjugation strategies, and the integration of AI-driven discovery platforms. As a result, they are increasingly bridging the gap between small molecules and biologics, unlocking new possibilities for targeting previously intractable biology. This panel brings together perspectives from across the ecosystem to explore how these technological and scientific inflections are reshaping the field, where the most meaningful clinical and commercial opportunities are emerging, and how peptides may define the next wave of precision therapeutics. 

  • What are the most exciting scientific and clinical advances shaping peptide therapeutics today? 
  • Where do peptides offer clear advantages over antibodies and small molecules? 
  • What are the key bottlenecks limiting broader development and adoption? 
  • Which emerging modalities show the most promise (e.g., radioligand therapies, peptide–drug conjugates, antibody–peptide hybrids)? 
  • How is AI reshaping peptide discovery and optimization? 
  • What does it take for new entrants to succeed in the peptide therapeutics space? 
  • What are investors prioritizing in this evolving landscape?

PANEL MODERATOR:
Charles JohannesCharles Johannes, PhD, Founder & Principal, EPOC Scientific; President & Co-Founder, Peptide Drug Hunting Consortium (PDHC)


PANELISTS:
Simon BaileySimon Bailey, PhD, MBA, COO and President, R&D, Unnatural Products, Inc.
Stephen T. BuckleyStephen T. Buckley, PhD, Scientific Vice President, Advanced Drug Delivery, Novo Nordisk A/S
Tomoyuki IgawaTomoyuki Igawa, PhD, Vice President & Head, Discovery Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Danjuma QuarlessDanjuma Quarless, PhD, Senior Director, AI & Biotech Innovation, Lilly Ventures, Eli Lilly & Company
Thomas Von ErlachThomas Von Erlach, PhD, CEO & CSO, Vivtex Corporation