On December 18th, 2024, the Polytechnic Institute of Guarda in Portugal will host the first RePo-SUDOE Conference, a landmark event in the field of drug repurposing. This initiative aims to bring together experts, researchers, and leaders from the bio-pharmaceutical sector to discuss the latest advances, share success stories, and identify opportunities and challenges in this promising field.
The day will begin with an opening session led by representatives from the Polytechnic Institute of Guarda, followed by a presentation of the RePo-SUDOE project, led by Hugo Filipe. This opening will set the stage for the event, emphasizing the importance of initiatives like RePo-SUDOE for the development of new therapeutic applications based on existing medications.
One of the main sessions will focus on exploring European initiatives in drug repurposing. Featured projects include RePo4EU, presented by Harald Schmidt from Maastricht University and Ana Sofia Carvalho from the University of Porto; canSERV, led by Enzo Medico from the University of Turin; EUCAIM, with Luis Martín-Bonmatí from La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital; and Remedi4All, presented by Alicia Soler from EATRIS. This session will offer a comprehensive view of pan-European efforts to accelerate innovation in this field, fostering enriching dialogue among participants.
In the afternoon, the conference will focus on success stories, presented by key figures such as Alejandro Rodríguez González from the Polytechnic University of Madrid, José A. Seoane from the Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology, and Gayo Diallo from the University of Bordeaux. These interventions will demonstrate how drug repurposing can transform the therapeutic landscape and open new possibilities in healthcare.
The event will conclude with a roundtable discussion on the challenges and opportunities faced by drug repurposing in the SUDOE region. Confirmed participants include Francisco George from the Portuguese Society of Public Health, Miguel Castelo Branco from the Academic and Clinical Center of Beiras, Jean Philippe-Borges from Cancéropôle Grand Sud-Ouest, and Ana Catarina Pinto from Bluepharma Pharmaceutical Industry. The roundtable will be moderated by Paula Coutinho from the Polytechnic Institute of Guarda, who will guide the discussion toward concrete proposals to overcome current challenges and strengthen collaboration in the region.
In addition to the main sessions, the program will include networking opportunities, such as coffee breaks, allowing participants to establish strategic contacts and share ideas in a more informal setting.
This conference represents a unique opportunity to explore the future of drug repurposing and its impact on biomedical innovation. With a focus on collaboration and knowledge exchange, the event promises to be a transformative space for researchers, companies, and organizations in the sector.
If you’re interested in participating and learning more about the future of this exciting field, don’t hesitate to register and be part of this unique experience: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1yoOmXmcocotsIBScAYnX1N5iLOmq_lSraafsjNwTfYg/edit
We look forward to seeing you in Guarda!