Understanding Physiological Barriers to Inform Drug Carrier Design

The 2016 Gordon Conference on Drug Carriers in Medicine and Biology builds on a rich tradition encompassing biological, physical and engineering principles through clinical application. Top academic investigators and leaders from pharma and biotech will gather to consider the latest advances, as well as critical hurdles requiring coordinated multidisciplinary solutions. The conference provides a dynamic, diverse and collegial environment with academic, industrial and clinical viewpoints. The meeting also provides a unique opportunity for young investigators and junior scientists to present their work in poster format and to exchange ideas with leaders in the field. Select poster presenters will be invited to provide short talks. This conference provides a key platform for discussion and dissemination of critical developments in the design of drug delivery systems to meet the many unique challenges of this field. Addressing these issues requires an interdisciplinary approach that engages basic biology and physiology, chemistry and physics that inform design, as well as engineering and clinical perspectives. The key barriers to delivery are the focus of sessions, ranging from endothelial and epithelial barriers to extracellular matrix and intracellular trafficking. Areas covered in the symposia include cancer, vaccines, infectious disease, nanomedicine approaches, and targeted delivery of drugs to the brain, lung, gut and other organs. The conference will feature cutting edge delivery systems based on polymers, lipids, conjugates, and advanced multicomponent nanoengineered systems containing all types of cargos (proteins, RNA, cells, anti-cancer agents, vaccines, imaging and diagnostic agents). The Waterville Valley Resort provides an excellent setting for opportunities for informal discussions in addition to outdoor recreation activities and a family-friendly setting, which are part of the conference registration. Early application is recommended, as attendance is limited, and the conference has been over-subscribed in the past. The co-chairs welcome applications from junior scientists to attend and present their research findings. Financial support through the conference budget will be made based on poster abstracts within the qualifying period.