This meeting will present current approaches and technologies in drug discovery within oncology and neuroscience research. The programme brings together perspectives on how different preclinical strategies and model systems support drug development from early discovery through IND.
Key aspects of antibody–drug conjugate (ADC) development will be covered, including considerations related to efficacy, safety, and resistance. Approaches to improving targeting, stability, and overall therapeutic performance will be outlined, alongside examples from ongoing research programmes.
The meeting will also address challenges in central nervous system (CNS) drug discovery, focusing on how different experimental models are used to study disease mechanisms and evaluate drug candidates. Particular attention will be given to the role of in vitro systems, organoid models, and in vivo studies in generating translationally relevant data.
Overall, the event provides an overview of how combined methodologies and platforms support decision-making and progression in modern drug discovery.
Date: Wednesday, 20 May 2026
Time: 8:00 – 11:00
Venue: Medicon Valley Alliance, Arne Jacobsens Allé 15, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark – Hub 2
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 | Welcome and introduction to ChemPartner Takashi Willebrand, Associate Director, ChemPartner |
| 8:50 | Strategies for Overcoming Resistance and Off-Target Toxicity in Next-Generation ADCs Yinfei Yin, SVP, ChemPartner |
| 9:35 | Closing the Translational Gap in CNS Drug Discovery: Organoids as an Intermediate Platform Bridging In Vitro and In Vivo Systems Ruiben Feng, Executive Director, ChemPartner |
| 10:20 | Closing and Invitation to Connect Takashi Willebrand, Associate Director, ChemPartner |
| 10:25 | Networking |
| 11:00 | End of Good Morning Meeting |
Speakers
 |
Takashi Willebrand is Associate Director 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. |
 |
Yinfei Yin 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.
|
 |
Ruiben Feng, PhD, is a senior neuroscientist and global R&D leader with more than three decades of experience spanning academia, biotechnology, and preclinical drug discovery. He currently serves as Principal Scientist of Neurobiology and Neuropharmacology and IACUC Chairperson at ChemPartner Corporation in Watertown, MA, while also holding the role of Executive Director of Biology and Pharmacology and IACUC Chairman at Shanghai ChemPartner.
|
| Organized by | In collaboration with |
 |
 |