Drug Repurposing for Rare Diseases 2022
09:00 – 18:30, 10th October 2022
America Square Conference Centre, London
#DrugRepo22 begins in
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We are delighted to announce our ninth annual Drug Repurposing for Rare Diseases Conference and, for the first time since 2020, it’s returning live and in-person!
Our annual conference highlights the role that drug repurposing can play in lowering the cost and accelerating the development of rare disease treatments.
The drug repurposing field has shifted after stepping into the limelight during the COVID-19 pandemic. The world is beginning to care about drug repurposing and is recognising the opportunities to repurpose a drug to treat an often rare and neglected condition.
Repurposing schemes, projects and ideas are all in place to accelerate access to desperately needed medicines – the answers have been right under our noses all along!
At Drug Repurposing for Rare Diseases 2022, Beacon is shifting its programme to match the new drug repurposing landscape; one that’s filled with hope, promise and innovation. Instead of inspiring attendees with case studies on how you could succeed with a repurposing project, we’re taking a more active approach by sharing how you can take your repurposing project to the next level.
Beacon has seen numerous projects come to the forefront that have drastically changed the repurposing landscape. These projects are making a measurable difference in the lives of patients. Structural changes have been introduced to improve how the scientific community approaches drug repurposing projects. Every innovation is advancing repurposing projects in a meaningful, patient-centric way.
Beacon’s programme will highlight those who dared to believe in drug repurposing and are bringing repurposed medicines to patients at an accelerated rate.
What can you expect at #DrugRepo22
Expert speakers highlighting major projects driving repurposing across the UK and Europe
Quickfire presentations proposed and delivered by registered delegates
Opportunities to make valuable connections with repurposing innovators, patient group pioneers and market access experts
Illustrations of excellence in academia, industry, healthcare and patient advocacy
Inspiring examples of determination, resilience and strength within the rare disease community
Complimentary food and refreshments throughout and a closing drinks reception
Don’t take our word for it. Hear from our previous delegates!
What opportunities are available?
Speaking opportunities
If you’re a researcher, healthcare professional, patient or patient group with experience of repurposing for rare diseases, get in touch with maryrose@rarebeacon.org to discuss how we can share your journey at our conference.
We also offer opportunities for companies to share their drug repurposing work as part of our sponsorship packages, get in touch with sophia@rarebeacon.org to find out more.
Sponsorship and exhibition opportunities
Opportunities for companies
We have a range of partnership packages suitable for every budget, which include opportunities to speak, exhibit and advertise.
What’s more, by partnering with Drug Repurposing for Rare Diseases 2022, you will be providing an opportunity for all members of the rare disease community to meet – in person – and share ideas, making a life changing difference to the millions of patients and families living with rare diseases.
Get in touch with sophia@rarebeacon.org to discuss your options.
Opportunities for patient groups
We have a limited number of exhibition opportunities available for patient groups, and priority will be given to those with connections to drug repurposing. To express your interest, get in touch with maryrose@rarebeacon.org.
What is drug repurposing?
Drug repurposing is the process of finding new drugs for existing treatments. This is often done by generating scientific evidence about the effect of a drug in a condition that it is not licenced to treat. Drug repurposing goes by many names: drug repositioning, drug reprofiling and drug rescue.
Advancing rare disease research is no easy feat. Developing treatments that patients can access is even more challenging. The high cost of drug development, limited understanding of rare diseases and small patient populations make the development of rare disease treatments less appealing for companies.
Drug repurposing helps to overcome some of these challenges as it:
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- Reduces the time needed to test the effect of drugs in people
- Reduces the cost involved in getting a drug ready to test in people
- Reduces the knowledge gap present when running a clinical trial
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Watch our CEO, Dr Rick Thompson, explain drug repurposing at our 2019 Drug Repurposing for Rare Diseases Conference.
Please note: this video was recorded prior to Beacon’s rebrand in February 2022. Previously we were known as Findacure.