7th Annual

Small Molecules for Cancer Targets

Discovering Orally-BioAvailable, Targeted-Oncology Therapeutics

September 23 - 24, 2025 ALL TIMES EDT

Join fellow discovery researchers at CHI’s Small Molecules for Cancer Targets conference to stay abreast of the new era of small-molecule based cancer drug discovery. Progress is mounting thanks to innovations in medicinal chemistry that allow targeting of specific cancer-associated molecules. Success is exemplified by two KRAS-based drugs recently having obtained regulatory approval and a few molecular degrader-based therapies in late-stage clinical trials. This new generation of targeted small-molecule anti-cancer candidates offer the potential of less toxicity than traditional chemotherapy because they are designed to destroy or inhibit cancer-specific targets only. Small molecule-based targeted oncology therapies also have advantages over biologics in that they offer the patient convenience of oral bioavailability and the potential to be deployed against wider range of targets because of their cell permeability.

Tuesday, September 23

7:00 amRegistration Open and Morning Coffee

7:55 amWelcome Remarks

PROGRESS AGAINST PRIZED CANCER TARGETS

8:00 am

Chairperson's Remarks

Heike Wobst, PhD, Director, Pharmacology, Jnana Therapeutics

8:05 am

A First-in-Class RAS-PI3Ka Interaction Inhibitor in Clinical Trials 

Dominic Esposito, PhD, Senior Director, Protein Sciences, Septerna

I present our BBO-10203 compound, an orally available drug candidate which binds covalently and specifically to the RAS-binding domain of PI3K-alpha kinase and prevents activation by KRAS, inhibiting tumor growth in mutant KRAS or PIK3CA driven tumors. Unlike other PI3K inhibitors, BBO-10203 does not provoke hyperglycemia as insulin signaling does not rely on RAS proteins to activate glucose uptake pathways.

8:35 am

Discovery of AMG 410, an H/N-RAS Sparing pan-KRAS Inhibitor with Dual GTP(on)/GDP(off)-state Activity for the Treatment of Diverse KRAS-mutant Tumors

Wei Zhao, PhD, Senior Principal Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry, Amgen Inc

KRAS is one of the most frequently mutated oncogenes in human cancers. Our medicinal chemistry effort guided by experiences in the development of sotorasib (KRAS G12Ci) and structure/property-based design principles led to the identification of AMG 410, an orally bioavailable, reversible pan-KRAS inhibitor. AMG 410 is highly selective against both HRAS and NRAS, and is a dual GTP(on)- and GDP(off)-state inhibitor. AMG 410 showed good preclinical efficacy and tolerability.

9:05 am

NRX-0305: A Pan-Mutant Brain-Penetrant BRAF Degrader with Broad Preclinical Activity and Synergy with MEKi in Class 1/2/3 BRAF-Mutant Cancers

Alexandra Borodovsky, PhD, Director, Preclinical Pharmacology, Nurix Therapeutics Inc.

NRX-0305 is an orally bioavailable pan-mutant BRAF degrader that selectively targets Class 1/2/3 mutations while sparing wildtype BRAF. It potently degrades mutant BRAF, suppresses ERK signaling, and synergizes with MEK inhibitors, yielding robust anti-tumor activity in vitro and in vivo, including BRAF inhibitor–resistant and brain metastasis models. Mutant BRAF degradation, alone or in combination with existing agents, may overcome key limitations of current therapies for diverse BRAF-driven cancers.

9:35 amNetworking Refreshment Break

Join your colleagues for a cup of coffee or refreshments and make new connections

10:05 am

FEATURED PRESENTATION: Drugging the p53 Y220C Mutant with a Covalent Activator

Daniel A. Erlanson, PhD, Chief Innovation Officer, Frontier Medicines Corporation

Loss-of-function mutations of the TP53 gene are the most common genetic defects across all human cancers. The p53 Y220C mutation, which occurs in ~1% of cancers, leads to destabilization, aggregation, and loss of p53 protein function. Frontier Medicines has used multiple approaches to discover FMC-220, a potential first-in-class covalent activator of p53 Y220C, which is highly potent and selective in restoring p53 tumor suppressor function.

10:35 am

Discovery of MOMA-341, a Chemically Distinct, Potent, and Selective Covalent Inhibitor of Werner Syndrome Helicase (WRN)

Momar Toure, PhD, Director, Medicinal Chemistry, MOMA Therapeutics

MOMA-341 is a chemically distinct, potent and selective clinical stage covalent inhibitor of WRN. Leveraging MOMA's KNOWMATIC platform and the presence of cysteine 727 in an allosteric binding pocket, covalent inhibitors were designed to achieve high potency.  Optimization was based on precise refinement of covalent warhead trajectory, compound rigidity, and improvement of binding affinity to drive high kinact/KI.  Optimization of potency and ADME properties, guided by in silico prediction of in vivo target occupancy, led to the discovery of MOMA-341, which demonstrates tumor regression at low doses in MSI-H mouse xenograft models and is in clinical development.

11:05 am

Targeting Allosteric Sites of WRN Helicase

Justyna Sikorska, PhD, Associate Principal Scientist, Mass Spectrometry & Biophysics, Merck

Werner Syndrome helicase (WRN) targets mismatch repair deficiency in cancer cells, making it a key target for MSI-H or MMRd tumors. In this presentation, we will describe the identification of a novel allosteric binding pocket using fragment-based screening. Moreover, we will discuss in more detail the chemical progression of one of the fragments hit and underscore the challenges faced in targeting this dynamic helicase.

11:35 amEnjoy Lunch on Your Own

SMALL MOLECULES AND THE TUMOR MICRO-ENVIRONMENT

1:15 pm

Chairperson's Remarks

William N. Pappano, PhD, Research Fellow, AbbVie, Inc.

1:20 pm

Discovery of ABBV-973, a Potent, Pan-Allele Small-Molecule STING Agonist for Intravenous Administration for Cancer Immunotherapy

Kenneth Bromberg, PhD, Senior Principal Research Scientist, AbbVie Inc.

STimulator of INterferon Genes (STING) is an innate immune sensor that is critical for driving anti-tumor immune responses. We implemented a fragment-based screening approach to discover ABBV-973, a potent pan-allele STING agonist for cancer immunotherapy. The profile of ABBV-973 enables robust anti-tumor activity while mitigating T cell toxicity. Furthermore, we developed multiple strategies to further minimize cytokine release syndrome-like toxicity, a key challenge for translating STING agonists clinically.

1:50 pm

Using Stapled Peptide Helicons as Protein Degraders

Markus Haeberlein, PhD, Executive Vice President Discovery Science, Parabilis Medicines

I describe how we engineer precisely tuned, stabilized helical peptide therapeutics to unlock traditionally undruggable targets. I focus on using our helicons to eliminate disease-driving proteins, including those that small molecule glues and degraders cannot access. A wide range of ligands for E3 ligases can be incorporated as amino acid side chains on a Helicon.

2:20 pmPoster Spotlights

2:50 pmBreakout Discussions (In-Person Only)

In-Person Breakouts are informal, moderated discussions, allowing participants to exchange ideas and experiences and develop future collaborations around a focused topic. Each discussion will be led by a facilitator, or facilitators, who keeps the discussion on track and the group engaged. To get the most out of this format, please come prepared to share examples from your work, be a part of a collective, problem-solving session, and participate in active idea sharing. Please visit the Breakouts page on the conference website for a complete listing of topics and descriptions.

In-Person Only BREAKOUT 5: Covalent Approaches for Drug Discovery

Sherry Ke Li, PhD, Principal Scientist, Biochemical & Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech, Inc.

  • How to prioritize targets for covalent drug discovery
  • Assessing if a covalent ligand or fragment for a novel target can be progressed to a drug (e.g., sufficient pocket, supportive biology) 
  • Role of SPR and other biophysical tools for covalent drug discovery 
  • Targeting amino acids beyond cysteine​

In-Person Only BREAKOUT 6: Lead Generation for Small Molecule Cancer Targets 

Nava Krishnan, PhD, Associate Research Fellow, Primary Pharmacology Group, Pfizer Inc.

Douglas J. Marcotte, Senior Director, In Vitro Pharmacology and Protein Science , Valo Health

  • ​Favorite biophysical tools 
  • Integrating results from various Hit ID campaigns (FBDD, DEL, HTS)
  • Degrader v Inhibitor approaches

3:35 pmGrand Opening Refreshment Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing and Best of Show Voting Begins

Don’t miss the opportunity to meet the Discovery on Target community, including leading service providers and poster presenters in our first Exhibit Hall break! Grab a cup of coffee or refreshment, vote for awards, and explore booths to fill the Game Card for a chance to win raffle prizes.

DEGRADERS & CANCER

4:35 pm

Target-Anchored Monovalent Degraders: Case Study on SMARC A 

Nicholas F. Endres, PhD, Senior Scientist, Biochemical & Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech, Inc.

Monovalent degraders are molecules that can induce target degradation without containing known ligase binding motifs. As the rules by which these molecules can induce degradation are poorly understood, they are typically found serendipitously. I will describe a systematic drug discovery campaign that led to a potent monovalent degrader of BRM, an important lung cancer target. Furthermore, I will show that this molecule works by covalently recruiting the ligase FBX022.

5:05 pm

Characterization of Selective CBP Degraders for the Treatment of Solid Tumor Indications

Molly Wilson, PhD, Senior Scientist, Foghorn Therapeutics

CREB binding protein (CBP) and E1A binding protein P300 (EP300) are paralog lysine acetyltransferases that function as transcriptional coactivators. Their bidirectional synthetic lethal relationship creates a unique therapeutic opportunity for selectively targeting CBP in EP300-mutant cancers. We demonstrate the potent antiproliferative activity of our selective CBP degraders, both as single agents and in the context of select combination therapies.

5:35 pm

Mini-PROTACs

Hai Rao, PhD, Professor and Chair, Department of Biochemistry, Southern University of Science and Technology, China

Proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) that selectively eliminates detrimental proteins represents a promising therapeutic strategy for various diseases. We have developed a set of PROTACs with the short and interchangeable degradation signals that attract several distinct E3 ubiquitin ligases. We demonstrate the utility and efficacy of these mini-PROTACs in vitro and in vivo against several oncogenic drivers, expanding the repertoire of limited ligands and degradation pathways available for PROTACs.

6:05 pmWelcome Reception in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing

Engage with the community, explore the latest innovations, network with service partners and providers, meet the poster presenters, vote for our Best of Show Poster and Best of Show Exhibitor awards in a relaxed, social atmosphere.

7:05 pmClose of Day

Wednesday, September 24

7:30 amRegistration and Morning Coffee

TACKLING CHALLENGING CANCER TARGETS WITH SMALL MOLECULES

7:55 am

Chairperson's Remarks

Gottfried Schroeder, PhD, Associate Principal Scientist, Quantitative Biosciences, Merck & Co., Inc.

8:00 am

Discovery of the Potential First-in-Class MALT1 Protease Inhibitor ABBV-525 for the Treatment of B Cell Lymphomas

William N. Pappano, PhD, Research Fellow, AbbVie, Inc.

The MALT1 paracaspase is constitutively activated in various B cell malignancies by chronic stimulation of the B cell receptor or through gain-of-function mutations in upstream components of the NF-kB pathway. ABBV-525 allosterically inhibits MALT1 and has potent preclinical activity as a monotherapy or bolsters combination therapeutics in models of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. ABBV-525 is an investigational drug currently in Phase I clinical studies for the treatment of B cell malignancies.

8:30 am

FORX-428: A Novel, Potent PARG Inhibitor Demonstrating Strong Anti-Tumor Activity in Preclinical Cancer Models

Luca Iacovino, PhD, Senior Scientist, Biophysics, FoRx Therapeutics

FORX-428 is a potent and orally bioavailable inhibitor of poly(ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase (PARG), a key enzyme in the DNA damage response. Inhibition of PARG by FORX-428 leads to PAR chain accumulation, inducing replication stress and tumor cell death. The compound exhibits strong, reversible binding to PARG, selective cytotoxicity across different cancer cell lines, and robust anti-tumor efficacy in xenograft models, demonstrating best-in-class potential among PARG and PARP inhibitors.

9:00 am

An MTA-Cooperative PRMT5 Inhibitor with Potent Oral in vivo Efficacy

Mikkel Vestergaard, PhD, Principal Scientist, Medicinal Chemistry, Amgen Research Copenhagen

MTAP-deleted cancers accumulate of MTA, partially inhibits PRMT5, creating a vulnerability. We identified AM-9959, a side product of DEL91, bound to the PRMT5:MEP50+MTA complex, forming an inhibitory ternary complex. Subsequent optimization of AM-9959 led to AM-9747. AM-9747 selectively inhibited PRMT5 dimethylation, thereby reducing viability in MTAP-deleted cells. AM-9747 was well tolerated and effectively inhibited arginine dimethylation and tumor growth in MTAP-deleted tumors without impacting the growth of MTAP-WT tumors. This presentation will also cover: DEL Synthesis, Hit Validation and Hit Optimization.

9:30 am

Generative Phosphoproteomics for Rational Drug Design: AP3-Powered Discovery of ACR-2316, a Novel WEE1/PKMYT1 Inhibitor Designed to Overcome Resistance and Induce Complete Tumor Regression 

Reina Improgo, PhD, Associate Director, Drug Discovery, Acrivon Therapeutics

Acrivon’s Predictive Precision Proteomics (AP3) platform enables biological SAR for optimal drug design through global pathway insights into drug activity and resistance mechanisms. AP3 powered the discovery of ACR-2316, a novel, potent WEE1/PKMYT1 inhibitor. Through dual WEE1/PKMYT1 inhibition, combined with strong PLK1 activation, ACR-2316 induces apoptotic cancer cell death with complete tumor regression in mice. ACR-2316 is advancing in a Phase 1 clinical trial in AP3-prioritized solid tumor types.

10:00 amCoffee Break in the Exhibit Hall with Book Raffle and Poster Viewing

Start your morning with coffee, connections, and cutting-edge research! Vote for the Best of Show Poster and stay to celebrate the winner! Visit with industry-leading service providers, fill out the Game Card to win a raffle prize and vote for the People’s Choice Best of Show Exhibitor.

PLENARY KEYNOTE PROGRAM

10:50 am

Welcome Remarks from Tanuja Koppal, PhD, Discovery on Target Team Lead

Tanuja Koppal, PhD, Senior Conference Director, Cambridge Healthtech Institute

11:05 am PLENARY KEYNOTE:

GLP-1 Unveiled: Key Takeaways for Next-Generation Drug Discovery

Lotte Bjerre Knudsen, PhD, Chief Scientific Advisor, Head of IDEA (Innovation&Data Experimentation Advancement), Novo Nordisk AS

This talk will explore the evolution of GLP-1 as a significant component in diabetes and obesity treatment, as well as its direct impact on multiple co-morbidities. It will highlight the role of industry innovation and scientific persistence in overcoming challenges posed by its short half-life, ultimately leading to the successful development of GLP-1 therapies. Key lessons from this journey will inform future drug discovery strategies, emphasizing that today’s drug discovery must be based on human data.

11:40 am PLENARY KEYNOTE:

Medicines, Integrins, and Organoids

Timothy A. Springer, PhD, Professor, Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School; Senior Investigator, Boston Children's Hospital; Founder, Institute for Protein Innovation

Integrins are therapeutically important cell surface adhesion molecules that localize cells within tissues and  provide many signals. Despite their essential role in stimulating growth of stem cells into organoids, the potential of integrins to regulate formation of more tissue-like organoids is unexplored. I will discuss the effects of integrin agonists and antagonists on organoid formation with a long-term goal of guiding development of vascularized, mixed-lineage organoids.

12:15 pmClose of Small Molecules for Cancer Targets Conference

12:15 pmNetworking Lunch in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing





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