2025 Pharm Forum Conference
Pharm Forum Highlights
Keynote Speakers
Russell Weiner, PhD
President, American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists
Russell Weiner, PhD, FAAPS, is a globally recognized leader in the biopharmaceutical field with over 30 years of expertise in drug development, personalized medicine, regulated bioanalysis, and developing biomarkers and companion diagnostic assays. In his most recent role as VP, Head of Translational Sciences at Alexion Pharmaceutical/AstraZeneca, Dr. Weiner is responsible for rare disease translational strategy, translational research, biomarker development, regulated bioanalysis, companion diagnostics, and the rare diseases biorepository. This end-to-end team supports discovery through phase IV life cycle management.
Challenges of Conducting Clinical Trials in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Case Studies on the Importance of Preanalytics
Abstract
Conducting clinical studies, particularly those involving bioassays, presents significant challenges, which are further amplified in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). While tasks like shipping samples are routine in high-income countries, they often become major hurdles in LMICs, jeopardizing the quality of precious clinical samples. These challenges are compounded by frequent infrastructure failures, such as power outages, water shortages, staffing instability, and protests. Operating outside major cities introduces additional obstacles. Successfully conducting clinical studies in such environments requires constant problem-solving, meticulous attention to detail, a contingency plan, and, above all, a can-do attitude to address the needs of underserved patients. This presentation will delve into the many pre-analytical challenges one must consider using the extreme case of conducting clinical trials in LMICs.
Read Dr. Weiner's Full Bio
Donghua Yin, PhD
Vice President and Head of Clinical Pharmacology, Pfizer Oncology Division
Dr. Yin brings over 20 years of experience in oncology drug development, with expertise in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. He has authored over 100 publications and holds 10 US patents. Currently serving as an Adjunct Clinical Professor at the College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Dr. Yin received his PhD in Pharmaceutics from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.
Applications of Model-Informed Drug Development in Oncology
Abstract
Modeling and simulation (M&S) have been an important tool to facilitate efficient and accelerated drug development. The applications of M&S across different stages of drug development have transformed the oncology drug development paradigm, as oncology therapeutics evolved from traditional cytotoxic agents to modern targeted therapies. The current presentation will highlight how various M&S techniques have been used to support preclinical to clinical translation, dose selection and optimization, Go/No Go decisions, and different clinical pharmacology assessments in oncology drug development. Case studies involving the use of M&S to support early- or late- stage development of different modalities of oncology investigational agents will be provided.
Read Dr. Yin's Full Bio
Networking Dinner at Memphis Made Brewing Company
May 10, 6 – 9 PM
Join pharmaceutical sciences professionals, academic faculty, and students from across the Southeastern U.S. at Memphis Made Brewing Company, a premier taproom and brewery. The Memphis Made taproom overlooks the Ravine, a unique park-like gathering place in the heart of the Edge District. While located in the center of Memphis, it’s tucked away from the hustle and bustle, providing a one-of-a-kind setting to celebrate, relax, or enjoy a few drinks.
Memphis Made Website
Explore the Vibrant City of Memphis!
Memphis, Tennessee, is celebrated for its vibrant music scene, attracting visitors to honor icons like Elvis Presley, BB King, and Aretha Franklin. Tourists can enjoy live blues on Beale Street, visit Sun Studio, explore Graceland, and see Isaac Hayes' gold-plated Cadillac at the Stax Museum. Memphis is also world renowned for its culinary tastes, including southern comfort food, BBQ, and more!
Memphis offers over 60 attractions, including the National Civil Rights Museum, the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, and the world's longest pedestrian bridge. The city is also home to a massive pyramid housing Bass Pro Shops, featuring an indoor swamp and a glass-bottom observation deck overlooking the Mississippi River.
Visit the Memphis Travel Website for MoreTravel and Hotel
Conference Location
University of Tennessee Health Science Center
College of Pharmacy Building
881 Madison Avenue
Memphis, TN 38163
Conference Hotel
Use the button below to book hotels at a discounted price.
Discounted Hotel* The discounted price is only available until April 09, 2025
Transportation During Conference
Download the Groove on demand app to travel inside the downtown Memphis without breaking the bank! You can find more details about the app on their website.
