Next-Gen Targeting in Oncology: Smarter Preclinical Strategies from Discovery to IND
How today’s innovators are tackling difficult cancer targets, refining models, and advancing ethical, effective drug development
Learn more about our innovative oncology R&D, integrating scientific expertise with the 3Rs: Replace, Reduce, Refine of animal use in research for ethical responsibility. Featuring ChemPartner’s end-to-end platforms, case studies on KRAS G12C inhibitors and HER2 x TROP2 bispecific ADCs, and integrated preclinical planning to enhance efficiency and translatability in drug development.
Date: Tuesday, 30th September 2025
Time: 8:00 – 11:00
Venue: Medicon Valley Alliance, Arne Jacobsens Allé 15, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark – Hub 2
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Program
| 8:00 |
Networking, registration and light breakfast |
| 8:30 |
Welcome and introduction to Medicon Valley Alliance
David Munis Zepernick, Director, Member Engagement & Communication, Medicon Valley Alliance |
| 8:35 |
Introduction to ChemPartner
Set the theme: smarter oncology R&D, scientific rigor, ethical responsibility
Acknowledge ChemPartner’s commitment to innovation and the 3Rs
Takashi Willebrand, ChemPartner |
| 8:40 |
Turning Complexity into Confidence: Smarter Study Design for Hard-to-Target Oncology Programs
ChemPartner’s Amanda Miles showcases our end-to-end screening platforms that transform challenging cancer targets into successful therapies. Explore case studies on KRAS G12C inhibitors, featuring biochemical assays, 2D/3D models, and orthotopic metastasis studies with sotorasib. Plus, witness our platform validation via HER2 x TROP2 bispecific ADCs, demonstrating superior binding, cytotoxicity, and tumor regression in xenografts. We provide efficient strategies accelerating preclinical success from discovery to IND.
Amanda Miles, PhD, Chempartner
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| 9:30 |
From Data to Decision: De-risking IND Through Integrated Preclinical Planning
Learn how we embrace ethical strategies for de-risked IND success. XinXin Yang from ChemPartner highlights early pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and toxicology integration to streamline oncology R&D. Our case studies illustrate savings in time, cost, and animals and include mouse PK via serial bleeding, reducing animal use and the amount of compound needed. We also feature bioluminescent imaging (BLI) with IVIS, which assesses in-life tumor growth in metastatic models without per-time-point sacrifices. Also, learn about our organoid models, which replace animals for FFA-induced NASH modeling, revealing lipid accumulation, inflammation, and fibrosis.
XinXin yang, PhD, ChemPartner |
| 10:25 |
Closing and Invitation to Connect
Summary of themes: strategic design, ethical execution, and cross-function alignment
Takashi Willebrand, ChemPartner |
| 10:30 |
Networking |
| 11:00 |
End of Good Morning Meeting |
Speakers
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Amanda Miles, PhD, is Director of Scientific Communications at ChemPartner and Project License holder for the company’s UK in vivo oncology facility. With a career devoted to advancing translational cancer research, Amanda combines deep scientific expertise with a strong commitment to animal welfare, championing the implementation of the 3Rs in study design and execution. Amanda earned her PhD in tumour antigen identification, focusing on targeted treatments for male urological cancers, and has since built extensive experience in developing and refining robust translational cancer models. Prior to joining ChemPartner, she led Technical Operations at Crown Bioscience’s UK site, managed a team of seven Study Directors, and contributed to global R&D strategy. |
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XinXin Yang, PhD, serves as Executive Director of DMPK and Exploratory Toxicology at ChemPartner, leading teams advancing drug candidates from PCC to IND. Leveraging deep expertise in pharmacokinetics, bioanalysis, and chemical biology, she ensures scientifically rigorous and ethical program delivery, actively integrating the 3Rs principles. Prior to ChemPartner, she directed multiple drug discovery programs, guiding projects from screening through PK/PD and toxicology, focusing on anti-infectives. Her foundation includes a PhD in Chemical Biology, where she elucidated sterol metabolic pathways in tuberculosis, identifying key enzymes and metabolites essential for virulence. Her career bridges mechanistic insights into disease biology with extensive experience in advancing therapeutics through discovery and development. |
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Yinfei Yin, PhD, is Senior Vice President and Head of Biology, BD, and Marketing at ChemPartner, where he leads a global team of over 900 scientists providing comprehensive preclinical services from early discovery to IND. A preclinical oncology expert, Yinfei earned his PhD from the University of Nottingham, focusing on the role of Helicobacter pylori-stimulated EGF receptor in cancer development. He has extensive experience in target validation platforms, in vivo oncology models, and the development of advanced imaging and reporter technologies. Prior to ChemPartner, Yinfei held senior leadership roles at Crown Bioscience and PRECOS, driving innovation and operational excellence in global preclinical research. His work spans oncology, CNS disorders, immunology, and inflammatory diseases, with a consistent focus on accelerating drug discovery for clients worldwide. |
| Moderator |
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Takashi Willebrand is a Business Developer for the Nordics at ChemPartner. He brings 10 years of experience in preclinical business development, combining a foundation in science with a strong customer-focused and strategic mindset. He holds a degree in chemical engineering with a pharmaceutical focus from Uppsala University, complemented by studies in business and administration. Takashi began his career at the R&D bench and is now known for his integrity, drive, and excellent listening skills, making him a trusted point of contact for clients. |
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