Explore the Agenda
8:00 am Check In, Coffee & Light Breakfast
8:55 am Chair’s Opening Remarks
FROM PRECLINICAL TARGET VALIDATION TO TRANSLATIONAL PROOF-OF-MECHANISM: DE-RISKING EARLY DERMATOLOGY PIPELINES
9:00 am Strengthening Preclinical Confidence in Dermatology Drug Development: Using Translational Pharmacology Models to Validate Targets Before Clinical Trials
- Validating inflammatory pathways through translational in vivo models, including inducible skin challenge systems that allow early proof-of-mechanism testing before committing to full patient trials
- Benchmarking multi-pathway modulation against known therapeutic mechanisms to differentiate biological effects and prioritize the most promising targets for further development
- Using early translational pharmacology and experimental therapeutic studies to inform clinical strategy, generating mechanistic evidence that strengthens regulatory discussions and supports progression toward Phase II trials in indications such as HS
9:30 am Targeting Immune-Mediated Melanocyte Loss in Vitiligo: Advancing Anti- CXCL10 Therapy From Mechanistic Rationale to Phase II Readiness
- Advancing a first-in-class monoclonal antibody targeting CXCL10 to interrupt melanocyte apoptosis and T-cell recruitment, addressing a core pathogenic driver of vitiligo rather than symptomatic repigmentation alone
- Translating strong mechanistic and preclinical rationale into a capital efficient early clinical strategy, including IV proof-of-concept studies and planned transition toward subcutaneous delivery ahead of Phase II
- Navigating trial-design and feasibility considerations in vitiligo, including learning from recent Phase II failures, optimizing site selection, and strengthening signal detection in a disease area with historically mixed clinical outcomes
10:00 am Morning Break & Refreshments
10:30 am Session Reserved
11:00 am Roundtable Disucussion: Advancing Translational Confidence in Dermatology Drug Development: Leveraging Predictive Skin Models, Precision Biomarkers & Smarter Preclinical Design to De-Risk Early Programs
- How can we improve the predictive value of preclinical dermatology models, such as humanized mouse skin models or ex vivo human skin systems, to better replicate human disease biology and generate stronger proof-of-concept before entering costly clinical trials?
- What strategies can help developers overcome key formulation and delivery challenges in topical drug development, ensuring sufficient drug penetration into the skin while avoiding systemic exposure and reducing variability in early efficacy data?
- Where should the field focus next to identify more precise biomarkers and mechanisms that allow earlier validation of therapeutic targets, particularly in underserved indications such as HS, vitiligo and alopecia where translational signals remain unclear?
12:00 pm Lunch & Networking Break
1:00 pm Designing Prevention Trials for Dermatology Conditions Such as Acne & BCC Syndromes
- Structuring prevention-focused clinical trials where event onset is unpredictable
- Managing long timelines and high placebo variability
- Identifying disease-modifying vs disease-preventing mechanisms early in development
1:30 pm Panel Discussion: Modernising Dermatology Trial Design: Reducing Placebo Noise, Updating Endpoints & Strengthening Site Execution
- Redesigning dermatology endpoints by addressing outdated scales, high placebo response, and the need for validated assessments in understudied diseases where current tools fail to capture meaningful patient change
- Improving trial integrity through stronger site strategy by prioritising dermatology-specific expertise, rigorous site preparation, and high-quality CRO oversight to minimise variability, reduce placebo inflation, and ensure reliable clinical evaluation
- Designing studies that reflect real-world dermatology by incorporating combination therapy considerations, cultural and behavioural adaptations, patient-centred outcomes, and feasible protocols that account for Europe’s fragmented healthcare pathways
2:00 pm Afternoon Break & Refreshments
FROM CLINICAL SIGNAL TO INVESTMENT CONFIDENCE IN DERMATOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
2:30 pm Panel Discussion: Leveraging Cross-Sector Partnerships: How Small Biotechs Navigate Big Pharma Interest in Dermatology
- What data packages de-risk acquisition or licensing for large pharma?
- How do biotechs time interactions with BD teams and investment banks?
- What distinguishes “interesting science” from investable clinical programs?