In the rapidly evolving landscape of drug discovery, the identification and validation of novel therapeutic targets are pivotal to expanding the druggable genome and tackling unmet medical needs. ELRIG’s German Forum, provided the stage for expert speakers to share novel research that is actively shaping the future of the field.

Our Forum Directors Susanne Müller-Knapp & Saman Honarnejad curated a lineup of leading academic and industry experts to reflect on the latest approaches, opportunities and challenges to exploit historically challenging and novel target classes using state-of-the-art methodologies.

These six speakers showcased new strategies that are redefining drug discovery, spanning novel target identification, AI-driven molecular design, and state-of-the-art screening technologies. As we further explore advances in challenging targets such as solute carriers, novel probe modalities such as targeted protein degradation c and development of novel screening methods will be necessary.

• Hauke Cornils demonstrated how CRISPR screening, combined with high-dimensional readouts, is revolutionizing target identification and validation.
• Paola Bonetti explored how antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) technology is being leveraged to modulate RNA splicing and induce targeted degradation, opening new therapeutic possibilities for neurological diseases.
• Katharina Duerr highlighted the power of mass spectrometry and cryo-EM in tackling challenging membrane protein targets, accelerating the drug discovery pipeline.
• Lukas Friedrich discussed AI-driven methods that are transforming early-stage drug design, even in data-scarce environments.
• Kamyar Hadian illustrated how combining target-based and phenotypic screening is uncovering new therapeutic avenues, including drug repurposing.
• Martin Schroeder showcased advancements in targeted protein degradation, expanding the ligase and target space to address previously undruggable proteins.

Delegates made full use of the q&a sessions at the end of each talk, creating a focused, buzzy atmosphere that expanded beyond the auditorium into the breaks & dedicated networking session.

Simply put, this forum highlighted the need for novel technologies and highlighted that progress depends on collaboration between different disciplines. Combining new screening methods, AI-driven design, and innovative target strategies to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

As a not-for-profit organisation hosting free-to-attend events, ELRIG encompasses this ethic of coming together and building a future together in all that we do. Which wouldn’t be possible without our generous partners for this event: Berlin Partner & Axxam as well as our exhibitors: Beckman Coulter, Nuclera and EditCo.

We’re thrilled that so many delegates joined us from across Germany and Europe for this event to support ELRIG’s German Forum. We’re already planning our return in 2026!