Felix Schumacher

This workshop will focus on the practical design and optimisation of oligonucleotide conjugates, exploring what works, what doesn’t, and the innovative strategies currently being applied in the field. Examine multiple targeting modalities including carbohydrates, lipids, peptides, and receptor antibodies, and learn how the choice of linker chemistry influences tissue-specific delivery, efficacy, and safety. The session will highlight real-world lessons from trial-and-error approaches, literature benchmarks, and emerging AI/ML tools, equipping attendees to design conjugates that are clinically feasible and optimised for CNS targeting.

Highlights Include:

• Which targeting modalities are prioritised for CNS, and why?
• How conjugation chemistry affects oligonucleotide stability, efficacy, and delivery; and how this is being validated
• What mechanistic lessons can be learned from failed versus successful conjugates
• How linker-cargo design can maximise therapeutic index and minimise off-target effects
• Where AI/ML can guide conjugate selection versus where empirical validation is required
• How to balance chemical feasibility, manufacturability, and safety for clinical-grade conjugates