Cambridge Healthtech Institute’s Inaugural

Antibodies against Challenging Targets

Biotherapeutic Innovation for Complex Target Biology

September 29 – October 1, 2026

Cambridge Healthtech Institute’s Inaugural Antibodies against Challenging Targets builds on the legacy of our membrane protein-focused programs while expanding to other difficult molecular and cellular targets. The conference highlights strategies for engaging GPCRs and ion channels in their native, dynamic states, alongside approaches for intrinsically disordered proteins, complex post-translational modifications, and other non-canonical targets. Attendees will explore innovations in de novo design, structural mapping, function-first screening, physiologically relevant assays, and context-dependent molecule engineering that collectively enable precision biotherapeutics. This program provides practical insights into overcoming biological complexity and translating discovery into effective, safe interventions across a broad range of challenging targets.

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

Epitope Complexity and Non-Protein Targets

Antigen Presentation
Conformational Heterogeneity
Intrinsically Disordered Proteins
Pathological Protein States
Targeting Glycans and Post-Translational Modifications

Modality-Driven Strategies for Intractable Targets

Alternative Scaffolds
Induced Proximity
Intracellular Access
Target-Enabling Conjugates
Target-Enabling Multispecificity

Physiologically Relevant Discovery and Screening

Function-First Screening
High-Content Imaging
Microphysiological Systems
Multiplexed in vivo Screening
Native Antigen Platforms

Precision Engineering for Context and Safety

Affinity-Tuning
Conditional Activation
Context-Specific Delivery
Logic-Gating
Optimization of Therapeutic Window

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 March 13, 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: