In this MVA Oncology Network event we focus on how translational models can strengthen decision-making in early oncology development and improve the likelihood of success in clinical trials. You will gain insights into how different preclinical approaches contribute to predicting efficacy and safety. The programme will also highlight how modelling and simulation, ranging from more traditional methods to advanced AI-supported tools, can guide first-in-human study design and dose selection.
You will hear perspectives on how to anticipate toxicities, how to navigate the limitations of commonly used models, and how early regulatory planning can support smoother clinical progression. The event offers an opportunity to connect with peers working across oncology R&D, translational science, modelling, and regulatory strategy, and to exchange experiences on how to increase the chances of clinical success.
Date: Wednesday, 4th February 2026 (World Cancer Day)
Time: 14:00-18:00
Venue: Medicon Village, Auditorium, Building Inspira, Scheelevägen 4, Lund, Sweden
Program:
| 14:00 | Registration and Networking |
| 14:30 | Welcome Anette Steenberg, CEO, Medicon Valley Alliance |
| 14:40 | Targeting IL1RAP in cancer – translational aspects David Liberg, CSO, Cantargia |
| 15:00 | Mechanism-of-action-based and agnostic biomarker Discovery Björn Frendeus, CSO, Bioinvent |
| 15:20 | Development of translational in vitro models for the preclinical antibody discovery phase Tine Thurison Røndbjerg, Project leader and Principal scientist, Servier Symphogen |
| 15:40 | The Art and Science of Anticipating Toxicities in Early Oncology Development Anna Dahlman, Genmab |
| 16:00 | Coffee break |
| 16:30 | Bridging Preclinical and Clinical Oncology: Implementation of Model-informed drug development (MIDD) strategies enabling a clinical pharmacology development in patients Eva Berglund, Senior Director, Certara |
| 16:50 | Early Phase Regulatory Strategy – Case studies and best practices for navigating global regulatory environments to enable faster starts Jelena Kunic, Head of Site Activation Management & Clinical Trial Regulatory Affairs, Syneos Health |
| 17:10 | Panel discussion Moderated by Peter Ellmark, CSO, Alligator Bioscience |
| 17:40 | Networking and drinks |
| 18:00 | End of meeting |
Speakers
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David Liberg is Chief Scientific Officer at Cantargia and has over twenty-five years of research experience within immunology and tumor biology. He has a PhD from Lund University and has performed academic research at Imperial College, London. David has worked within the pharmaceutical industry for the last twenty years, engaging in preclinical and early-stage clinical projects in both cancer immunology and inflammation. |
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Björn Frendéus is the CSO of BioInvent, a Swedish Biotech developing antibody-based treatments for cancer immunotherapy. Björn got his PhD studying innate immune responses to microbial infection. Over the past decades, he has developed a strong interest in understanding the complex biology of antibodies and their targeted receptors, applying his knowledge to develop better antibody-based medicines. BioInvent is closely collaborating with the Antibody and Vaccine Group in the Cancer Sciences Division at the University of Southampton, UK, where Björn is a visiting professor. |
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Tine Thurison Røndbjerg is project leader and principal scientist at Servier Symphogen, responsible for implementing patient-derived 3D tumor models in the antibody discovery phase. Holding a PhD within translational cancer biology from The Finsen Laboratory, Copenhagen University Hospital and with academic research experience from University of California San Francisco, she brings extensive knowledge in translational in vitro cancer models. |
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Anna Dahlman is a project toxicologist at Genmab, responsible for hazard identification and risk assessment from discovery through preclinical and early clinical development. With a PhD in tumor biology and extensive experience across preclinical and translational science, she integrates mechanistic insights, NAM-based approaches, and evolving regulatory guidance to inform dose selection and clinical study design. |
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Eva Gil Berglund has over 20 years of experience as a Clinical Pharmacology reviewer and Senior Expert at the Swedish Medical Products Agency, working across therapeutic areas and regulatory procedures in the EMA network. She has contributed to EU guidance development, interaction-focused guidance, and harmonization efforts. At Certara, she supports clinical pharmacology strategy, pediatric development, regulatory interactions, and submission preparation. |
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Jelena Kunic is Head of Site Activation Management & Clinical Trial Regulatory Affairs at Syneos Health, She brings 18+ years of global clinical research leadership. She specializes in operational strategy, digital transformation, and building high-performing teams. Holding a Ph.D. in Molecular Medicine and Neuroscience, Jelena is recognized as a Syneos Health Rising Star and PharmaTimes Executive Committee Member, actively championing industry innovation, and diversity. |
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Moderator:
Peter Ellmark joined Alligator Bioscience in 2008 and has been CSO since 2021. He holds a PhD and an associate professorship in Immunotechnology at Lund University and has more than 20 years of experience developing antibodies for immunotherapy of cancer. Dr. Ellmark´s research interests are focused on developing mono- and bispecific antibodies, in particular CD40- and 4-1BB-targeting therapies, for tumour-directed immunotherapy of cancer. |
Deadline for registration is Monday 2nd February 2026
The MVA Oncology network
Joining the MVA Oncology Network is free of charge but is limited to Medicon Valley Alliance members. Non-member organizations and companies are welcome to attend one network event to evaluate the relevance in joining the network. For more information, please contact Katrine Brems Olsen at kbo@mva.org
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