SAN DIEGO, Sept. 04, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – After two years of virtual gatherings, the Oligonucleotide Therapeutics Society (OTS) is excited to announce the return of its 18th Annual Oligo Meeting. Taking place from October 2 to 5 at the Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak in Phoenix, Arizona, this event will foster face-to-face interactions among delegates from various countries. This year’s meeting will feature a hybrid format, allowing those unable to attend in person to participate virtually from their homes or offices.

As a nonprofit organization, OTS is dedicated to advancing research and development in oligonucleotide therapeutics. The society’s founders aimed to unite diverse expertise in the field to maximize the therapeutic potential of oligonucleotides. The Annual Meeting serves as a platform for the realization of OTS’s mission, welcoming anyone interested in oligonucleotide therapeutics to engage with experts, post-doctoral researchers, and students, promoting a collaborative exchange of innovative ideas.

Thanks to the hard work of professionals in the field, numerous oligonucleotide therapies have gained approval from global regulatory bodies. The advances in mRNA technology have also facilitated the development of two COVID-19 vaccines, while over 100 oligonucleotide therapies are currently being explored for common illnesses, such as cancer and Alzheimer’s, in addition to rare diseases. Remarkably, these therapies are paving the way for personalized treatments for individuals facing ultra-rare, life-threatening conditions.

During the meeting, attendees will have the chance to hear from prominent experts, students, and postdoctoral researchers in oligonucleotide therapeutics. Various compelling topics will be explored, including chemistry, AI and machine learning, genome and RNA editing, as well as ongoing preclinical and clinical studies.

The Clinical Session is expected to be particularly dynamic, with discussions on topics such as Clinical Advances in CRISPR Cas9 Therapeutics, SLN360 and Lp(a) Control, and Insights from ALS Clinical Trials. Notable speakers include experts from leading organizations like Biogen, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Intellia Therapeutics, Silence Therapeutics, and the n-Lorem Foundation.

A special segment of the event will commemorate the Oligonucleotide Therapeutics Society’s 20th anniversary, featuring insights from the founders and past board members who were instrumental during the organization’s early years. Notable figures include Masad J. Damha, PhD, Gunther Hartmann, MD, PhD, Anastasia Khvorova, PhD, Art Krieg, MD, Mano Manoharan, PhD, Brett Monia, PhD, John Rossi, PhD, Georg Sczakiel, PhD, Hermona Soreq, PhD, and Cy Stein, MD, PhD.

Additionally, the OTS will present two Lifetime Achievement Awards this year to individuals who have made significant contributions to the field. Ryszard Kole, PhD, Professor Emeritus at the University of North Carolina, will receive the OTS Lifetime Achievement Award for 2020, while C. Frank Bennett, PhD, Senior Vice President of Research at Ionis Pharmaceuticals, will be honored with the OTS Lifetime Achievement Award for 2021.