From the Laboratory to the Clinic, hosted by the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, is a translational research conference held each Summer at Trinity College, Oxford. The conference facilitates presentations from leading research scientists, clinicians, and industrialists, and explores how the latest discoveries in immunology and molecular medicine can be applied to improve outcomes for patients.
The conference is organised by an international academic and industrial committee including Professor Sir Marc Feldmann and Professor Sir Ravinder Maini. In one of the greatest medical success stories of the 20th Century, Feldmann and Maini invented and developed anti-TNF therapy for treating rheumatoid arthritis. In doing so, they laid the groundwork for biologics to improve the quality of life for millions of people. This August, Feldmann and Maini were awarded a Royal Medal (Applied Sciences) for their work.
In 2024, the conference celebrated 25 years since the approval of Feldmann and Maini’s anti-TNF therapy and Mike Shepard’s anticancer antibody - trastuzumab. The conference itself also celebrated its 40th year, having been established in 1984.
'From the Laboratory to the Clinic 2024: 25 Years of Biological Therapy' took place from Tuesday 27 to Friday 30 August and hosted over 35 speakers. It began with a session about the ‘Beginnings and Impact’ of biological therapies, during which Professor Sir Ravinder Maini spoke about the origins of their partnership and how they navigated drug development and clinical trials for their completely novel therapeutic. Subsequent sessions focussed on cancer therapeutics and neuroimmune interactions, before introducing pioneering new technologies including protein degraders and novel elements of antibody engineering. Scientists from biotech and pharmaceutical companies including Genentech and Bristol Myers Squibb presented their solutions for the ‘future of biologics’, drawing together diverse ideas and experience which resulted in inspiring conversations about where novel technologies may lead us. Throughout the conference, scientists, students and postdoctoral researchers presented posters during lunches and breaks.
Beyond the auditorium, the annual Conference Dinner and Drinks Reception was held this year at Wadham College, a short and sunny walk from the presentations at Trinity.
About the conference, Professor Sir Marc Feldmann said 'it was a pleasure to see so many friends again and celebrate two major milestones.'
Dr Kathy Seidl, Global Head of the Oncology Drug Discovery Unit at Takeda, said 'the historical perspectives by giants in the field for the 25 years of biologics development was priceless. The evolution of small molecule inhibitors for validated biologic targets, taking learnings from the clinic was beautiful science and provides inspiration to young scientists to focus on detailed mechanisms to fully understand how to develop innovative therapies. The conference always has a broad range of topics that have learnings for all attendees.'
More information about the 2024 conference can be found on the Kennedy Institute website.
The theme for next year’s conference, taking place on 2 - 5 September 2025, is 'Generating more effective vaccines and therapeutics' and the website for registration will go live in the Spring.