As the pharmaceutical industry increasingly focuses on translational research, the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy (UKCOP) is set to host its 12th annual Therapeutics, Outcomes, Discovery & Delivery (TODD) Symposium, a premier gathering of top national scientists. The symposium will take place on October 15, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Lee T. Todd, Jr. Building.

This year’s theme, Translational Chemical Biology, represents one of the most innovative and fast-growing fields in drug discovery. The symposium brings together leading experts to explore how the intersection of chemistry and biology is creating new therapies with real-world clinical impact.

Translational chemical biology has significantly advanced the field, enabling researchers to target previously "undruggable" molecules for drug discovery, simplify complex molecular synthesis pathways, and improve access to intricate drug molecules. 

“At the University of Kentucky, the Center for Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation (CPRI) plays a pivotal role in advancing these efforts,” said Jon Thorson, Ph.D., associate dean of research at UKCOP. “As a designated Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE), the CPRI’s COBRE for Translational Chemical Biology supports junior faculty, fosters collaborative research, and drives early-stage innovation in chemical biology tools.”

The COBRE aligns with CPRI’s overarching mission to be a leader in drug discovery and development within Kentucky and beyond.

“Translational chemical biology drives discoveries that bridge the gap between basic research and clinical applications,” said Tom Prisinzano, Ph.D., professor and chair of the 2024 TODD Symposium. “This symposium offers a unique opportunity to share breakthroughs that could lead to new therapeutic approaches, shaping the future of drug discovery.”

The symposium will feature several distinguished speakers, including: 

• F. Peter Guengerich, Ph.D., Vanderbilt University – “Mechanisms of Cytochrome P450 Catalysis of Complex Reactions: Relevance to Drug Metabolism” 

• Amit Choudhary, Ph.D., Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard – “Protein Editing Using Small Molecules” 

• Kathie Seley-Radke, Ph.D., University of Maryland, Baltimore County – “Flex-nucleosides: A Strategic Approach to Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Therapeutics”

Additional talks from UK faculty will be presented by: 

• Lindsay Czuba, Ph.D., Pharmaceutical Sciences – “Dynamics of Bile Acid Transport: Mechanisms & Modulators” 

• Jurgen Rohr, Ph.D., Pharmaceutical Sciences – “Aureolic Acid Anticancer Drugs: A Long Way to the Clinic” 

• Yosra Helmy, Ph.D., Veterinary Science – “Quorum-Sensing Inhibitors: A Promising Approach for Controlling Multi-Drug Resistant Salmonella Infections” 

• Ashfaqul Alam, Ph.D., Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics – “Small Molecule-Mediated Inhibition of Enteric Pathogens”

A poster session will also be held during the symposium, with abstract submissions open until October 8.

In addition to knowledge-sharing, the symposium offers valuable networking opportunities for attendees to connect with leading experts and explore collaborative research opportunities. Registration is free and must be completed online by October 8.

All members of the scientific community are invited to attend the event, which promises to inspire the next generation of pharmaceutical breakthroughs. The symposium is proudly supported by the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy and the Rho Chi Pharmacy Honor Society.