Korea Drug Development Fund hosts 6th Science Conference

The Korea Drug Development Fund (KDDF) successfully concluded its 6th annual Science Conference, held from August 27 to 28 at the Alpensia Resort in Pyeongchang. Under the theme ‘Science-Driven Technology Translation: From Discovery to Clinical Impact’, the event brought together approximately 100 experts from industry, academia, research institutes, and hospitals.

The conference focused on the scientific processes required to bridge the gap between basic scientific discoveries and actual clinical benefits for patients. Key sessions covered novel target discovery and validation, biomarkers, translational strategies, platform technologies, and designing for clinical impact. Notable presentations included discussions on AI-based drug development, single-cell analysis, targeted protein degradation, and RNA therapeutic delivery.

Keynote speaker Professor Charles Lee from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine presented on structural variants in complex regions of the human genome and their implications for disease biology. The event also featured interactive group discussions on nine core topics, including multi-omics, predictive biomarkers, and therapeutic resistance, aimed at identifying critical scientific questions for the future of the drug development ecosystem.