53rd Organic Process Research and Development

10 March 2025 - 12 March 2025
Charleston Marriott | Charleston, USA
Spaces available

Event overview

BOOK NOW!

EARLY BIRD AVAILABLE (Save $200) 

Join us in this fantastic location and you will enjoy hearing cutting edge Scientific Content alongside our renowned Networking Receptions.  You will have the chance to connect with other like-minded chemists and benefit from Questions & Answer sessions and scientific discussion after each presentation.

Whether you are looking to learn about the latest scientific updates from industry or to meet and network with other chemists – our OPR&D Conference is the place to be.

Take advantage of our global network and extensive reach.

We invite key industrial experts from around the globe to share their discoveries with you. Each speaker is hand-picked and we work hard to ensure that a wide variety of topics are covered to ensure our programme is comprehensive and relevant. You will be re-invigorated and boosted once back in the lab.

Come and improve your efficiency and learn how to be more innovative in your synthetic route design, development and optimisation.

The chemical and pharma industries are fast moving and ever changing and the efficient conversion of a chemical process into a process for manufacture on tonnage scale has always been of importance. However, in the current economic and regulatory climate, it has become increasingly vital and challenging to do so efficiently and sustainably. OPR&D focusses on all these essential aspects of the chemical industry and has a reputation for quality and excellence.

We provide a safe, comfortable environment where you can meet new partners face-to-face, network with peers, and source innovative solutions in our exhibition area.

A few highlights from San Diego 2024

       

 

 

 

Benefits of Attending

arrow

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

  • Process Research & Development Chemists
  • Chemical Engineers in Industry
  • Heads of Departments & Team Leaders

HOW WILL YOU BENEFIT FROM ATTENDING?

  • Benefit by hearing from key speakers who will present detailed case studies.
  • Learn how to design for efficiency and optimise your development objectives.
  • Access how industry strategies are evolving to meet today’s challenges.
  • Learn how your peers are developing solutions to common problems.
  • Gather important information on technical developments and equipment.
  • Bring yourself up-to-date on current developments and future trends in pharmaceutical development.
  • Meet and network with the key people working in the pharmaceutical industries.
  • Save time by picking up essential tips from experts in their fields.

 

Optional Short Course - Applications of Artificial Intelligence to Process Chemistry

arrow

Applications of Artificial Intelligence to Process Chemistry

Tuesday March 11th, 2025 | 2.00pm – 5.00pm
Tutor: Dr Ben Littler
| Scientific Update Ltd

This presentation will focus on how artificial intelligence is assisting in solving process chemistry challenges. Multiple use-cases will be presented, along with an overview of emerging techniques. The target audience is generalist chemists who want to learn more about this emerging field.

Short course fee – $599.00

You can select to attend the short course during registration process or you are welcome to email Hannah or Phoebe at [email protected]

Sponsorship Opportunities

arrow

We have several sponsorship opportunities still available for this conference. These include networking and reception sponsorship.

Your company logo with link to your website would appear here and for premium sponsorship such as networking and reception, adjacent to the conference pages as well.

See out sponsorship section on the advantages that sponsorship can bring to your business.

Here is what our Sponsors said in 2023

“Amazing event – thank you for all your hard work to put it together!”

“The conference as always was organised to perfection, we thoroughly enjoyed our time and were able to get some leads which can hopefully open up some doors.”

 

MEDIA SPONSORS

Event speakers

Dr Alonso Argüelles
Dr Alonso Argüelles
Sr. Advisor-Chemistry, Synthetic Molecule Design and Development , Eli Lilly and Company
Dr Cheng Yi Chen
Dr Cheng Yi Chen
Chief Technology Officer , Process Development Executive, Asymchem Inc.
Arrow Down

Dr. Cheng Yi Chen is a distinguished leader in chemical process development with over three decades of experience across at some of the most prominent names in the pharmaceutical industry, including Bristol Myers Squibb, Mirati Therapeutics, and Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson. In his current role as Chief Technology Officer at Asymchem Group, Dr. Chen oversees the development and manufacturing of all small molecule drug substance and drug products. His extensive expertise spans across R&D leadership, CMC strategy, GMP compliance, regulatory interactions, and global supply chain management, making him a pivotal figure in advancing pharmaceutical innovation from new molecular entities (NMEs) to commercialization.

Dr. Chen’s impact is further evidenced by his significant contributions to the commercial launch of multiple oncology drug substances, including the breakthrough drug adagrasib (MRTX849). His leadership in developing cost-effective and sustainable manufacturing processes for small molecules has resulted in successful filing of multiple INDs and NDAs, reinforcing his reputation as a leading authority in chemical process development. With a proven record of building high-performing teams, Dr. Chen has consistently driven innovation in drug development, contributing to the successful market entry of numerous pharmaceutical products.

Beyond his industry leadership, Dr. Chen is a prolific contributor to the scientific community. He has authored more than 120 publications and patents and delivered over 80 invited presentations at prestigious conferences worldwide. His ability to bridge the gap between scientific research and regulatory requirements has been instrumental in accelerating development timelines for life-saving therapies, further solidifying his influence on the advancement of modern medicine.

Dr. Chen holds a PhD from the Ohio State University, where he completed the first total synthesis of dl-Stenine under the guidance of Professor David J. Hart. His career achievements have been recognized with numerous awards, including the CEO Special Recognition Award at Mirati Therapeutics and the prestigious Edward J. Grabowski Award for Excellence in Process Research at Merck.

Dr Cynthia Hong
Dr Cynthia Hong
Associate Principal Scientist in Biocatalysis, Process Chemistry, Merck
Dr Sean Kelly
Dr Sean Kelly
Senior Scientist , Genentech, Inc.
Arrow Down

Sean Kelly is a Senior Scientist working in the Synthetic Molecule Process Chemistry group within Genentech Research and Early Development in South San Francisco for the last 10 years. An organic chemist by training, Sean has always been interested in the adoption of new synthetic technologies into processes and the interface of synthetic chemistry and chemical engineering. This includes past work in biocatalysis, aqueous micellar catalysis, and most recently the integration of Process Analytical Technologies and continuous flow chemistry into early stage development and manufacturing processes at Genentech.

Dr Sharon Kirk
Dr Sharon Kirk
Investigator in Drug Substance Development, GSK
Dr Nicholas Massaro
Dr Nicholas Massaro
Senior Scientist II ∙ Process Development and Manufacturing, Cambrex
Dr Christina M.Older
Dr Christina M.Older
Principal Scientist, DuPont Electricals & Industrial
Arrow Down

Christina received her Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Alberta, Canada with Prof. Jeffrey Stryker in 2000, focusing on mechanistic organometallic chemistry.  She then moved in search of warmer climes for post-doctoral research at Stanford University, California with Prof. Trost.

In 2003 she started her industrial career by joining DuPont’s Central Research & Development (CR&D) in Wilmington, Delaware, where she worked on designing novel thermomorphic catalysts for commercial applications.  Later, she shifted roles to become a process chemist with DuPont’s OLED business, developing cost-effective and robust chemical processes for electronic-grade small molecules and specialty polymers for the emerging solution OLED market.  In 2017 Christina joined DuPont’s new Emerging Technologies group to focus more on early R&D.  She has since been technical lead on such diverse projects as colorless polyimides, thermal interface materials and polyester medical adhesives.

 

Dr Harsh Kumar Patel
Dr Harsh Kumar Patel
Principal Scientist – Chemical Process Development, Bristol Myers Squibb
Arrow Down

Dr. Harshkumar Patel is a Principal Scientist working in Chemical Process Development (CPD) at the BMS New-Brunswick site in New Jersey. Harsh is originally from Mumbai, India where he pursued a bachelor’s in pharmacy and Master’s in Pharmaceutical chemistry. In 2012, he moved to the United States and attended University of Utah for doctoral studies in the laboratory of Prof. Matthew Sigman. His Ph.D. thesis focused on development of novel chemical transformations, specifically development of redox-relay enantioselective Heck reactions using Palladium catalysts. He is passionate about developing safe, economic, and sustainable processes to supply high quality active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for the medicines being delivered to patients.

Dr Zhihui Peng
Dr Zhihui Peng
Pfizer ,
Arrow Down

Zhihui Peng obtained his PhD degree in synthetic organic chemistry from the University of California at Irvine under the supervision of Prof. Keith Woerpel. Zhihui began his career at Merck Process Research in 2003, and joined Pfizer in Groton, CT in 2008. He is currently an Associate Research Fellow at Chemical & Research Development (CRD) organization of Pfizer, leading the commercial route and commercial process development to support Pfizer’s small molecule portfolio.

Dr Trevor Rainey
Dr Trevor Rainey
Principal Scientist, Gilead
Arrow Down

Trevor Rainey received his B.Sc. degree in Chemistry from the University of Texas at Austin; he then continued at UT, completing his Ph.D. degree whilst working under the supervision of Prof. Philip D. Magnus in the field of natural product total synthesis. Following graduation, Trevor moved to Princeton University where he worked as a post-doctoral fellow in the laboratory of Prof. Sir David W.C. MacMillan in the area of asymmetric organocatalysis. Trevor relocated to Montana in 2008 where he assumed a position as Assistant Professor at Montana State University before then leaving academia and accepting a position at Gilead Sciences in 2016. Over the past 9 years spent at Gilead, Trevor has had the opportunity to work on and lead numerous development programs.

Dr Yogesh Sanghvi
Dr Yogesh Sanghvi
Founder and President, Rasayan Inc.
Arrow Down

In 1981, Dr. Sanghvi received his Ph.D. in organic chemistry from National Chemical Laboratory (Pune, India), where he worked on the synthesis of natural products.  From 1982 – 1985, his post-doctoral research on the synthesis of modified nucleosides was carried out at University of London with Professor C.B. Reese. In 1986, he joined the Nucleic Acids Research Institute at ICN Pharmaceuticals, California. At ICN, he was involved in the design, synthesis and screening of novel nucleosides and nucleotides as antiviral and antitumor agents. From 1989 – 2003, he worked at Ionis Pharmaceuticals, California. The focus of his research at Ionis has been on the discovery, development and manufacture of oligonucleotide-based therapeutics, DNA and RNA modifications in combinatorial and diagnostic research.

Dr. Sanghvi has authored/co-authored over 220 scientific publications in leading journals, including several book chapters and has co-inventorship of more than 40 patents. Throughout his professional history, he has attended and made numerous presentations at local and international scientific meetings and have successfully organized several symposiums. He is an editor of two books entitled Carbohydrate Modifications in Antisense Research and Palladium-Catalyzed Modification of Nucleosides, Nucleotides and Oligonucleotides. He is also a member of editorial board for Current Protocols in Nucleic Acid Chemistry, a Wiley publication.

In May 2003, he founded Rasayan Inc., a company focused on the consulting, outsourcing services and supply of products related to nucleic acid field.  Rasayan is engaged in the strategic planning, securing raw materials for manufacture of oligonucleotide-based drugs on large-scale, experimental design, optimization of synthesis and purification protocols on lab scale to kilo scale, including process chemistry. Dr. Sanghvi is also a founding member of Sapala Organics, a CRO/CMO located in Hyderabad, India. Currently, he serves as President of Sapala business in North America looking after sales and marketing for the company. His specific interests include design, synthesis, chemistry and biochemistry of novel carbohydrates, nucleosides, nucleotides, and oligonucleotides for their application in therapeutics, combinatorial chemistry, and medical diagnostic research.

 

Dr Jon Reeves
Dr Jon Reeves
Distinguished Research Fellow, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Arrow Down

Jonathan Reeves received a B.S. in chemistry from Hope College in Holland, MI in 1997. He then obtained his Ph.D. in 2002 from the University of Pittsburgh under the guidance of Professor Peter Wipf. After two years as an NIH postdoctoral fellow at Indiana University with Professor David R. Williams he joined the Chemical Development department at Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals in Ridgefield, CT in 2004, where he is currently a Distinguished Research Fellow.

Dr Jennifer Rutherford
Dr Jennifer Rutherford
Technical Marketing Chemist, Takasago International Corporation
Arrow Down

Dr. Rutherford earned her PhD in physical organic chemistry with Prof David Collum at Cornell University.    and was an NIH postdoctoral fellow with Prof Stephen Buchwald at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.      She joined Pfizer in the Chemical Technologies group in Process R&D in Groton, CT, where her work focused on catalysis, automation, flow technologies, and developing and implementing new technologies for the process chemistry environment.      She moved on to a tenure-track position teaching organic chemistry at Lafayette College in Easton, PA, and then to a role as a Product Development Chemist at Restek, a chromatography consumables manufacturer in Bellefonte, PA.   In April 2023, she is joined Takasago International Corporation as a Technical Marketing Chemist.

 

Dr Steven A. Weissman
Dr Steven A. Weissman
Cognition Therapeutics
Arrow Down

Steven Weissman is Cognition Therapeutics’ vice president and head of CMC. In this role, he is responsible for the process development and manufacturing oversight for lead candidate, CT1812. Before joining Cognition, Dr. Weissman was the director of chemical development at Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, where he was responsible for clinical supply and eventual global commercial manufacturing of telotristat etiprate. Previously, during his 18-year tenure at Merck in manufacturing and process chemistry roles, he contributed to developing scalable routes to over 30 clinical candidates and to the commercial manufacturing synthesis of approved HIV therapies, Isentress and Crixivan.

Dr. Weissman has co-authored 32 peer-reviewed research articles and is an inventor on 13 U.S. patents. In addition, he was a member of the editorial advisory board for the ACS journal, Organic Process Research & Development. He earned a B.A. in chemistry from the University of Vermont, a Ph.D. in chemistry from Tufts University and conducted his post-doctoral training with Nobel laureate, Herbert C. Brown, at Purdue University.

Sponsors

Interested in sponsoring an event?

If you are interested in Sponsoring this event we still have some great sponsorship opportunities available at the conference. See our sponsorship section on the advantages that sponsorship can bring to your business or contact Dr Claire Francis at [email protected]

Exhibitors

Cambrex

Cambrex is a leading global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) that provides drug substance, drug product, and analytical …

Toggle

Heraeus Precious Metals GmbH & Co. KG

Heraeus Precious Metals is globally leading in the precious metals industry.

Toggle

HiTec Zang GmbH

HiTec Zang GmbH develops, produces and sells software, equipment and systems for chemical and biotechnological process development…

Toggle

Takasago International Corporation

Toggle

Technobis

Technobis is a world-leading laboratory technology provider for chemical synthesis, solid-state research, process development and formulation.

Toggle

Unchained Labs

Toggle

Why exhibit?

  • Meet delegates from key international companies
  • Interact directly with senior scientists, department heads and key decision-makers
  • Ability to demonstrate your company’s products or services

The conferences are designed to provide exhibitors with the maximum time to network with delegates.

Other Information

Benefits of Attending

arrow
  • Continuing Professional Development (CPD ) keeps you up to date on current and emerging developments.
  • Learn from a wide range of industrial case studies given by hand-picked industrial speakers.
  • Take home relevant ideas and information that are directly applicable to your own work, with the full proceedings in colour.
  • Save time. Our intensive, commercial-free programme means less time away from work.
  • Meet and network with the key people in the industry in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.

General Information

arrow

Registration for each conference includes:

  • Attendance at all the sessions
  • Conference booklet to include speaker abstracts (where provided)
  • Lunch & refreshments daily
  • Unlimited access to the exhibition
  • Place at the networking reception
  • Mobile Conference App

Why Exhibit?

arrow
  • Meet delegates from key international companies
  • Interact directly with senior scientists, department heads and key decision-makers
  • Ability to demonstrate your company’s products or services

The conferences are designed to provide exhibitors with the maximum time to network with delegates.

What our Exhibitors said in 2024!

All well organized with a smile. Relevant participants and really network atmosphere.

This is an excellent conference to connect, listen to amazing speakers on fascinating topics which help in day to day chemistry.

A great focused conference with multiple networking opportunities.

Thank you Hannah, Claire & Team!!

 

Sponsorship

arrow

Promote your company at one of our prestigious conferences with sponsorship packages to suit your budget.
Please contact Hannah May or call on +44 (0) 1892 956 222

A 2023 sponsor said it was an “Amazing event – thank you for all your hard work to put it together! ”

 

 

Discounts

arrow

Most events have a SUPER SAVER and EARLY BIRD available.

Please refer to the individual conference for details of these special rates.

 

Free Poster Board

arrow

Registered academic delegates can present a scientific technical poster FREE and have this published in the conference proceedings.

Please send an abstract of your poster by email.

Any Industrial delegates will have to pay for a Poster board

Registration

If this section is not loading, please click here to register.

Prefer a booking form?

Download our booking form and return it to us by email.

Download Booking Form
Address
Website
Phone

Become a speaker at one of our events

Share your expertise with a global audience of industry professionals. Scientific Update is continually seeking thought leaders and industry innovators to speak at our renowned conferences and training courses.

53rd Organic Process Research and Development

10 March 2025 - 12 March 2025
Charleston Marriott | Charleston, USA