UC Irvine presents “From Molecular Biology to Human Therapies: Strategies, Challenges and Opportunities,” a two-day conference showcasing advances in disease treatment. The School of Biological Sciences is hosting the event with the schools of medicine and physical sciences. The Food and Drug Administration and United States Pharmacopeia are sponsors.

This inaugural symposium brings together academia and industry to learn from each other and form partnerships. Organizers hope these collaborations will lead to better therapies for health disorders.

Each morning will feature a keynote address and disease presentations. Afternoon sessions will include information on treatment technologies and innovations. Poster sessions will run throughout the conference.

Monday, April 20

8 a.m.-5 p.m.: Conference sessions and speakers

8:30-9:30 a.m.: Steve Kozlowski, FDA Office of Biotechnology Products director, gives a keynote presentation on biopharmaceutical safety.

9:30-10:30 a.m.: Frank LaFerla, UCI Institute for Brain Aging & Dementia director, discusses Alzheimer’s disease.

10:45-11:45 a.m.: Thomas Lane, UCI molecular biology & biochemistry professor, talks about autoimmune disorders.

5 p.m.: Networking reception

Tuesday, April 21

8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.: Conference sessions and speakers

8:30-9:30 a.m.: Dr. Roger Williams, United States Pharmacopeia chief executive officer, gives a keynote address on compendial challenges.

9:30-10:30 a.m.: Marian Waterman, UCI microbiology & molecular genetics vice chair, gives a presentation on cancer.

10:45-11:45 a.m.: Peter Donovan and Hans Keirstead, UCI Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center co-directors, discuss stem cells.

3:30 p.m.: Reception