Dave Brown

Company: Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Job title: Senior Director, Structural Biology & Biophysics

 

Seminars:

Panel Discussion: Exploring Future Directions in Structure-Based Drug Design 4:00 pm

  • What are the emerging trends in structure-based drug design that hold the most promise for advancing therapeutics across different modalities?
  • How can the integration of various structural biology techniques unlock new opportunities for multi-modal therapeutic approaches?
  • What areas of structural biology require greater focus or investment to accelerate progress and benefit multiple therapeutic modalities?
  • Looking ahead: What are the key scientific or technological breakthroughs we can expect in the next 5-10 years that will transform structure-based drug design?

day: Day 2

Panel & Audience Discussion: Beyond the AI Hype – Overcoming the Barriers to Fully Maximizing AI in Drug Design 5:00 pm

This panel brings together experts to discuss the real challenges in adopting AI in drug design, moving beyond the hype to practical solutions for overcoming barriers related to data quality, integration, and model reliability.

  • What are the current limitations and challenges in leveraging AI within the context of drug design and structural biology?
  • How can the scientific community ensure that AI models are properly validated, integrated with experimental data, and implemented in real-world workflows?
  • What advancements are needed in AI, data management, and experimental techniques to unlock its full potential for drug development?

day: Day 1

SBD101: Mastering the Foundations of Structure-Based Drug Design for Accelerated Discovery
9:35 am

New to Structure-Based Drug Design? Looking to deepen your understanding or refresh your knowledge? The SBD101 Workshop is a brand-new addition designed to equip attendees with the essential principles and practical foundations of structurebased drug design. This workshop is the perfect introduction—or refresher—ahead of the main scientific program.

Join industry experts and emerging leaders as they provide a comprehensive overview of SBDD strategies, tools, and techniques. From fundamental concepts to the latest advancements driving the field, this session will set the stage for engaging discussions during the conference days.

Highlights include:

  • Learn the principles and tools, including molecular docking, crystallography, and computational modeling, that drive target and drug design strategies
  • Understand how to leverage protein-ligand interactions, 3D structural insights, and dynamic simulations to optimize lead compounds effectively
  • Hear real-world examples demonstrating how SBDD accelerates early drug discovery and addresses complex challenges in hit-to-lead optimization

Whether you’re transitioning into SBDD, seeking to broaden your expertise, or preparing to apply these methods in your work, this workshop is your go-to resource for building confidence in structure-based drug design.

day: Pre-Conference Workshop Day

Dave Brown