Drug Discovery USA 2026

Emerging multifunctional small molecule and biologic approaches to drug difficult targets.

Free-to-attend!

Date

June 16 – 17 2026

Location

Pfizer, Cambridge (MA) USA

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Recent advances in chemical biology and protein engineering are expanding the boundaries of which proteins can be modulated pharmacologically. Multifunctional small molecules (such as molecular glues, targeted protein degraders, and allosteric modulators) are enabling precise control over protein stability, localization and activity, often by exploiting endogenous cellular pathways.

In parallel, novel biologic modalities, including engineered antibodies, multi-specific binders, peptide scaffolds, nucleotide and RNA therapeutics, offer complementary strategies to engage complex or transient target surfaces with high affinity and specificity. Collectively, these approaches are reshaping early‑stage drug discovery by providing versatile platforms to modulate challenging targets through mechanisms beyond simple inhibition.

Furthermore, hybrid strategies that integrate small molecules with biologics, such as antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) and chemically enhanced biologics, are demonstrating synergistic potential. Together, these emerging technologies highlight a rapidly evolving therapeutic landscape in which difficult to drug targets are increasingly accessible, opening new avenues for disease intervention and precision medicine. Continued innovation in molecular design, delivery, and mechanistic understanding will be critical to fully realize the promise of these next‑generation modalities.

Track Information

Coming soon.

Science Committee

Conference Directors

ELRIG Team

Aled Edwards

Structural Genomics Consortium

ELRIG Team

Marija Tadin-Strapps

Pfizer

Swarna Balasubramanian Director, Search & Evaluation, BD&L, AstraZeneca

Swarna Balasubramanian

AstraZeneca

Speakers

View our speaker lineup, their talk titles and abstracts.

Agenda

View the agenda for this conference.

Exhibitors

Find exhibitors on the event floorplan.

Venue & Accommodation

Pfizer 
1 Portland St
Cambridge
MA 02139
United States

 

Book your accommodation with ELRIG’s Registration & Accommodation Partner MICE Concierge Ltd. More details coming soon.

Please note: if you are speaking at this event the ELRIG team will contact you directly regarding accommodation. 

Resources

Social Media

Download our useful social media images to share that you’ll be attending this conference with your network.

Sponsorship Opportunites

We have several sponsorship opportunities available to exhibitors that can provide a wide range of new and exciting benefits for your organisation. We are also happy to discuss a tailored package to suit your budget.

Or visit our interactive floorplan to view available exhibitor spaces and book your booth at this conference.

FAQs

Are ELRIG events really FREE to attend?

Yes ELRIG events are FREE to attend.

We are a not-for-profit organisation hosting events for the drug discovery community. We believe that access to high quality science should be accessible to all. Find out more here.

We’re grateful for the support from our exhibitors who help us cover the costs of our events from sponsorship and stand sales. If you come to our events, please take the time to visit our exhibition and meet our exhibitors.

Or if you’re interested in exhibiting at an event, check out our sponsorship page.

How do I change / cancel my registration?

As a non-profit organisation, we aim to reduce food waste, and your cancellation helps support our sustainability efforts.

If your circumstances change and you can no longer attend, please cancel your ticket. Your confirmation email includes a link to the cancellation site.

Delegates: What do I need to bring with me?

Please save your ticket to your smart device or print a copy. Upon arrival at the venue visit the ELRIG registration and scan the QR Code. Your badge will be automatically printed. If you forget or lose your QR Code you can enter your email address to print your badge.

Refreshments will be provided, please bring your own reusable cups to help us reduce plastic waste at our events.

Can I register on arrival?

ELRIG events are often sold out and we are unable to cater to drop-ins. If you haven’t pre-registered we may be unable to let you in.

Event Partners & Sponsors

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