ELRIG launches first US drug discovery conference

ELRIG has announced the launch of its first US-based conference, expanding its long-running open-access drug discovery series into North America.

Drug Discovery USA 2026 will take place at Pfizer’s Cambridge, Massachusetts site from 16–17 June, bringing together scientists from academia and industry to explore how emerging small molecule and biologic approaches are expanding the range of druggable targets in early-stage discovery.

The free-to-attend meeting will focus on multifunctional therapeutic strategies designed to tackle historically difficult targets, reflecting recent progress in chemical biology and protein engineering that is reshaping how disease mechanisms can be modulated.

ELRIG, a not-for-profit, volunteer-led organisation supporting the global drug discovery community, said the event is intended to strengthen connections between European and US researchers while maintaining its open-access model.

The scientific programme is being shaped by conference directors Professor Aled Edwards of the Structural Genomics Consortium, Dr Marija Tadin-Strapps of Pfizer, and Dr Swarna Balasubramanian of AstraZeneca, who have brought together speakers from across academia and industry.

Alongside the main programme, the event will include an exhibition space and a ‘Breakthrough Zone’ for start-ups, as well as a poster competition for early career researchers.

Sanj Kumar, CEO of ELRIG, said the new conference expands the organisation’s mission beyond Europe while maintaining its focus on accessibility.

“ELRIG Drug Discovery USA expands the reach of our renowned, free-to-attend events, providing US-based scientists with easier access to high-quality science and networking opportunities,” he said. “It also acts as a bridge between international life science companies and the wider community.”

Professor Aled Edwards said advances in molecular design and mechanistic understanding are broadening the scope of what can be achieved in drug discovery.

“Continued innovation will be critical to fully realise the promise of these next-generation modalities,” he said.

Dr Swarna Balasubramanian added that the meeting will provide a platform to exchange ideas on how small molecules and biologics are redefining what is considered druggable.

“Progress in this space is vital for advancing transformative, life-changing therapies,” she said.

Drug Discovery USA 2026 is supported by Pfizer and Drug Discovery News, helping to deliver the event on an open-access basis.

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