Pharmaceutical drug research and development is a costly, complex and time-consuming business. The average time from target to market is around 15 years, the approximate costs range from $500 million to $1 billion and it is estimated that of the 5000 new molecular entities developed only 5 will make it into the clinic and only 1 of the 5 will ever make an approved drug. The objective of these three introductory lectures are to outline the basic principles of drug discovery and development in three key phases (target identification, lead optimisation and early clinical development) and highlight how the industry is focussed on reducing attrition and timelines whilst improving clinical success.

The lectures will be given by three Pfizer representatives who have a wealth of expertise in drug development ranging from early stage research to clinical development. The lectures provide an excellent opportunity to get an insight into the drug development process and are suitable for students, postdocs, clinicians, PIs and everyone interested in drug development.

The lectures will be followed by a drinks and networking reception and a light dinner will be served.

If you are interested in attending please register at our Eventbrite page by May 25. Please note that seats will be allocated at a fist come first save basis.

Programme

15:00 – 15:45 Chris Bulawa, Senior Director, Rare Disease Research Unit

Finding and prosecuting the right drug target

15:45 – 16:30 Phil Jeffrey, Head of Translational Sciences, Rare Disease Research Unit

Early phase drug discovery – designing the molecule

16:30 – 17:00 Coffee Break

17:00 – 17:45 Michael Binks, VP Rare Disease Clinical Research, Pfizer

Making the medicine – clinical studies

17:45 – 19:00 Dinner and Networking