From Discovery to Delivery: Optimizing Small Molecule Development & Hot Melt Extrusion for Enhanced Bioavailability

From Discovery to Delivery: Optimizing Small Molecule Development & Hot Melt Extrusion for Enhanced Bioavailability

King of Prussia, PA
Thursday 24th April
11:00 am
ET

Live Seminar in King of Prussia, PA

Bringing a small molecule from discovery to a viable drug product requires overcoming significant challenges—from selecting the right candidate to ensuring optimal formulation. This seminar will explore key strategies to improve clinical success and leverage cutting-edge formulation technologies like Hot Melt Extrusion (HME) to enhance bioavailability. Join us for an insightful discussion led by industry experts, with opportunities for networking and Q&A.

Location:
Life Sciences Pennsylvania
411 Swedeland Road
Suite 23-1080
King of Prussia, PA 19406

Date and time: Thursday, April 24th 2025 at 11AM-3PM EST

Speakers:

Samuel S. Chuang, PhD
Senior Director, Scientific Advisory Services, Charles River Laboratories
With over 25 years in drug development spanning academia, biotech, and preclinical CROs, Sam specializes in regulatory strategy and toxicology. He has led global scientific teams, supported IND/CTA submissions, and advised on discovery and safety packages across various drug classes and therapeutic areas. Sam holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Tennessee-Memphis and has authored numerous scientific publications, abstracts, and a patent.

Hibreniguss Terefe, PhD
Director, Product Development, Ardena Somerset, NJ
With over 27 years in pharmaceutical R&D and manufacturing, Hibreniguss specializes in preclinical and clinical solid oral dosage form development. His expertise includes solubility enhancement, modified-release formulations, and twin-screw extrusion. He previously held leadership roles at Catalent Pharma Solutions and ExxPharma Therapeutics. He earned his Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and a Pharmacy degree from Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Germany, and was a Fulbright Visiting Scholar at UC Berkeley.

 

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Agenda

24 Apr

11:00am Meet and Greet

11:30am Lunch

12:00pm Session 1: Strategic Small Molecule Development

Presenter: Samuel S. Chuang, PhD
Senior Director, Scientific Advisory Services, Charles River Laboratories

Session Overview:
Early-stage drug development is complex, and hasty decision-making in hit-to-lead and lead optimization can lead to costly failures. This session will cover key strategies to refine your approach and improve clinical success:

  • Enhancing candidate selection in early drug discovery

  • Leveraging in vivo pharmacology for proof-of-concept data

  • Strengthening IND strategies for a smoother regulatory path

  • Optimizing CRO partnerships for efficiency and success

12:50pm Session 2: Unlocking the Potential of Hot Melt Extrusion

Presenter: Hibreniguss Terefe, PhD
Director, Product Development, Ardena Somerset, NJ

Session Overview:
Hot Melt Extrusion (HME) is a powerful technology for addressing solubility and bioavailability challenges in drug development. This session will highlight:

  • Improved bioavailability and product stability

  • Accelerated development timelines

  • Cost-effective and scalable manufacturing

  • Versatile formulation capabilities

1:30pm Q&A Session

An open forum to ask questions and gain deeper insights from our experts.

1:45pm Networking

A chance to connect with peers, explore collaborations, and hold 1:1 meetings.