RNA-targeted therapies are revolutionizing medicine, offering precision-based and innovative treatments for a wide range of diseases. From antisense oligonucleotides to small interfering RNA (siRNA) and messenger RNA (mRNA) therapies, these groundbreaking approaches are reshaping how we target genetic and infectious diseases, neurological disorders, and cancer.

Join us for an insightful discussion with San Diego’s leading industry experts as we explore the science behind nucleic acid-based medicines, their mechanisms of action, and their expanding impact on healthcare. Panelists will discuss mechanistic differences, key therapeutic areas, cutting-edge delivery strategies, and the challenges of translating these technologies into the clinic.

Ticket includes appetizers, desserts, and two drink vouchers. 

Program

5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.  Check-in & Networking
6:00 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.  Welcoming & Opening Remarks
6:15 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.  Panel Discussion
7:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.  Q&A
7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.  Networking

Speaker Bios

Eileen Blasi, Sr. Director of Toxicology at Avidity Biosciences

Currently, Eileen is Sr. Director of Toxicology and Precision Cardiology Team Lead at Avidity Biosciences, where she is responsible for program leadership, nonclinical toxicology, and regulatory strategy of multiple clinical and nonclinical assets in rare disease using antibody oligonucleotide conjugate (AOC) platform technology.  Prior to Avidity, Eileen was previously at Pfizer Inc, Pharmacia & Upjohn Company, and G.D. Searle/Monsanto where she held various positions in drug safety toxicology, regulatory strategy, safety pharmacology, and cardiovascular and metabolic discovery pharmacology. Over the past 20+ years, Eileen has worked on multiple programs in cardiovascular, renal, metabolic, oncology, and rare disease therapeutic areas covering small molecule, antibodies, conjugated molecules, and oligonucleotide modalities. Eileen received her undergraduate degree from Ithaca College and earned graduate degrees from Miami University and the University of Illinois. Eileen is a board-certified toxicologist (Diplomate of American Board of Toxicology,  2013).

Christine Esau, PhD, Vice President of Biology at Arrowhead

Christine is Group Vice President of Biology at Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, which develops RNAi medicines that treat intractable diseases by silencing the genes that cause them. Dr. Esau has more than twenty years of experience in the discovery and development of a broad range of RNA-based therapeutics utilizing multiple modalities. Previously, she oversaw preclinical activities at Genevant Sciences and Arcturus Therapeutics for a portfolio of siRNA and mRNA therapeutic programs. She performed pioneering work in microRNA targeting and biology at Ionis Pharmaceuticals and Regulus Therapeutics. Dr. Esau earned a BS in biology from Caltech and a PhD from MIT.

Tracy Kosman, PhD, TAKRA LLC

Tracy is an independent consultant with over 15 years of experience in research and drug discovery, specializing in neurodegenerative diseases. She provides strategic leadership from early discovery to early clinical consideration, with expertise in nucleic acid therapeutics. Tracy has worked with multiple therapeutic modalities at organizations such as Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Neurocrine, and n-Lorem foundation. She has contributed to the development of multiple drug candidates that entered the clinic, including co-inventing an FDA-approved ASO treatment for SOD1-mediated ALS. Tracy received a BA in biology from Lawrence University and a PhD in neurobiology and behavior from the University of California, Irvine.

Simone Visosky Ward, JD, PhD, IP Lawyer at Arcturus Therapeutics

Dr. Ward is a Patent Attorney with more than twenty-five years of combined experience in the life sciences and law. Simone leverages her scientific expertise in molecular biology, virology, and gene therapy in her law practice to advise in a range of intellectual property matters, including patents, trade secrets, IP transactions, and trademarks. Currently, Simone is Executive IP Counsel at Arcturus Therapeutics, where she advises in all areas of intellectual property related to mRNA therapeutics, vaccines, and rare diseases. Prior to joining Arcturus Therapeutics, Simone was an Associate Attorney at DLA Piper and Knobbe Martens. Simone’s scientific positions included serving as a contract Senior Virologist with the U.S. Navy and conducting research in viral vectors, RNA viruses, and viral vaccines at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, The Scripps Research Institute, and PaxVax, Inc. Simone holds a BA in biology from Sonoma State University, MA and PhD degrees in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a JD degree from the University of San Diego School of Law. Simone is licensed to practice law in California and is registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Hien Zhao, PhD, Executive Director of Pharmacology at Ionis Pharmaceuticals

Dr. Zhao has over 15 years of experience in Neuroscience Drug Discovery. She is currently an Executive Director of Neurology Research at Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a company focused on developing RNA therapeutics for various cardiometabolic and neurological indications. She leads target discovery, validation, and drug discovery efforts for rare as well as common neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Zhao is passionate about her work and impact on patients. Dr. Zhao received her BS in biochemistry from the University of Houston in Texas and her PhD in neuroscience from Washington University in St Louis, Missouri. She also completed a post-doctoral training at the University of Pennsylvania.

Pricing Information

• Members/Guests: $25
• Non-members*: $40

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Note: A confirmation email will be sent after registration has been completed. 

Maximum Capacity

75

Parking Information

Please park in the underground garage. You are welcome to pull into any available space.

Accessibility Accommodations    

This location is fully accessible to those with physical disabilities.