WORKSHOP STREAM A
DISCOVERY & PRECLINICAL
Synopsis
Designed for CSOs, preclinical researchers, discovery scientists, directors of biology and research, novel modality scientists, in vivo/in vitro modelling experts and many more. Connect with an intimate group of discovery and preclinical experts for a more discursive session
9:00 am Workshop A: Decoding Immune Crosstalk in Complex Skin Diseases to Inform Translational Strategy
Synopsis
Understanding the cellular interplay in chronic and immunemediated skin diseases is critical to uncover pathogenic nodes earlier in development. This interactive workshop will explorethe immune–stromal–neuronal axis and how it shapes disease progression in conditions such as HS, urticaria, AD, and PN. Through discussion of human-centric approaches, spatial transcriptomics, and next-generation in vitro models, attendees will share insights into how to dissect crosstalk beyond canonical immune mechanisms, building translational strategies that account for heterogeneity, fibrosis, and neuroinflammation.
Key Objectives
- Mapping Cellular Interplay: Explore immune, stromal, and neuronal crosstalk as key drivers of dermatological disease heterogeneity
- Bridging In Vitro and Translational Needs: Identify strategies for incorporating multicellular complexity into human in vitro models, including skin-on-a-chip (SoC) approaches and 3D co-cultures to improve translatability in the absence of reliable small animal models
- Targeting Pathogenic Nodes Early: Discuss approaches to uncover and validate pathogenic checkpoints before patient stratification using molecular profiling and mechanistic insight
- Leveraging Human Data & Spatial Tools: Understand the growing role of single-cell and spatial transcriptomics in deciphering disease-specific inflammation across diverse dermatologic indications
WORKSHOP STREAM B
CLINICAL & TRANSLATIONAL UTILITY
Synopsis
Tailor-made for medical directors, CMOs, clinical program leads, translational and clinical development heads, BD experts, clinicians and more. Share expertise from diverse clinical challenges and innovation in dermatology
9:00 am Workshop B: Strategic Decision-Making in Dermatology R&D: Pathway Prioritization, Pipeline Design & Clinical Potential Assessment
Synopsis
In recent years, the immunodermatology landscape has been expanding with new targets, modalities and evolved pathway understanding. The importance of selecting the “right” targets and constructing a robust future-ready dermatology pipeline for success.
This workshop acts as an opportunity to benchmark approaches with peers, hear case studies on how leading companies have evolved their pipelines, and engage in open discussions unpacking the real-world decision-making
Key Objectives
- Target and Pathway Prioritization: How do R&D leaders determine which interleukins, immune cells, or mechanisms to pursue? What level of translational insight, competitive mapping, and early clinical validation is required to justify target advancement?
- Pipeline Architecture Strategy: How do companies shape their dermatology portfolios – from single-indication blockbusters to modular or multi-asset programs? How do commercial opportunity, patient population needs, and longterm differentiation potential shape early decisions?
- Assessing Clinical and Commercial Innovation Potential: What frameworks do teams use to evaluate whether a candidate brings genuine innovation to the field? What data is needed and when, to gain internal buy-in?
12:00 pm Lunch & Networking
1:00 pm Workshop C: Advancing Modality Innovation in Dermatology: Matching Biology with the Right Therapeutic Platform
Synopsis
With expanding insights into the molecular drivers of dermatologic diseases, discovery and early development teams are increasingly tasked with aligning the right therapeutic modality to complex biological targets. From immune engagement to genetic correction, this workshop explores how new formats like bispecifics, gene therapies, and oligonucleotides are reshaping the future of skin-targeted
treatments.
Key Objectives
- Emerging Immune-Engaging Modalities: Bispecifics, trispecifics, and nanobodies for selective immune modulation in dermatologic disease
- Genetic & RNA-Based Approaches: Leveraging gene therapies, siRNA, and antisense technologies to address monogenic and inflammatory skin conditions
- Modality x Route of Administration: Evaluating how topical, oral, subcutaneous, or intradermal routes influence efficacy, tissue penetration, and durability
- Early Modality Selection Strategy: Key considerations for choosing the optimal format based on target biology, disease mechanism, and translation potential
1:00 pm Workshop D: Closing the Gap from Approval to Implementation: Reviewing Market Access, Drug Pricing, Reimbursement
Synopsis
With only 20% of patients being treated by approved therapies there are a huge portion of dermatology patients not receiving treatment they could benefit from. How can we best understand, break down and close this gap to ensure eligible patients can access treatment?
Key Objectives
- Learn from Case-Based Presentations: Exploring successes and learnings in implementation science
- Understanding Factors Affecting Implementation: Market access, drug pricing and reimbursement, adoption by prescribers and patients
- Navigating Access Challenges That Patients May Face: Including strictness of inclusion/exclusion criteria, geographic location, and more
- Understanding Patient Preference: Considering delivery routes such as systemic, oral, or topical options
- Getting Clinician Buy-In: Focusing on HCP education and engagement to understand and address barriers to implementation