Cambridge Healthtech Institute’s 5th Annual
Antibodies Against Challenging Targets
Biotherapeutic Innovation for Complex Target Biology
19 November 2026
The most consequential biological targets are often the hardest to drug—membrane-embedded, structurally dynamic, intracellular, or shielded behind restrictive biological barriers. This conference brings together academic and industry scientists tackling these challenges head-on, from GPCR and ion channel antibody discovery to induced proximity strategies, alternative scaffolds, and transport across the blood-brain and other barriers. Sessions emphasise physiologically relevant discovery platforms—native antigens, microphysiological systems, and function-first screening—that are closing the gap between tractable biology and clinical impact. Across modalities and target classes, this program charts the engineering and discovery strategies redefining what is therapeutically accessible.
Coverage will include, but is not limited to:
Strategies for GPCR and Ion Channel Targets
- De novo Design
- High-Resolution Mapping
- State-Dependent Recognition
- Structural Validation
- Therapeutics in Development
Modality-Driven Strategies for Intractable Targets
- Alternative Scaffolds
- Induced Proximity
- Intracellular Access
- Target-Enabling Conjugates
- Target-Enabling Multi-Specificity
Physiologically Relevant Discovery and Screening
- Function-First Screening
- High-Content Imaging
- Microphysiological Systems
- Multiplexed in vivo Screening
- Native Antigen Platforms
Targeting Restrictive Barriers and Systemic Biology
- Emerging Therapeutic Indications
- Human-Centric Target Validation
- Proteopathy Targets
- Translational Omics
- Transport Across Biological Barriers
The deadline for priority consideration is 26 March 2026.
All proposals are subject to review by session chairpersons and/or the Scientific Advisory Committee to ensure the overall quality of the conference program. Additionally, as per Cambridge Healthtech Institute’s policy, a select number of vendors and consultants who provide products and services will be offered opportunities for podium presentation slots based on a variety of Corporate Sponsorships.
Opportunities for Participation: