The 55th Organic Process Research & Development (OPR&D) Conference once again brought together the global process chemistry community for three days of outstanding science, industry insight and professional exchange in Toronto.
For the Scientific Update team, the event began several days before the conference officially opened. Claire, Bec, Vicky, Hannah and Ben travelled to Toronto early to prepare for the arrival of delegates, speakers, sponsors and exhibitors from around the world. As always, our aim was to create an environment where scientists could learn from one another, share experiences and gain practical insights that they can take back to their own organisations.
A Warm Welcome to Toronto
The conference officially began with our Speakers’ Reception on the evening before the event. This informal gathering provided an opportunity to reconnect with returning speakers, welcome first-time presenters and set the tone for the days ahead.
From the outset, there was a genuine sense of excitement. The programme featured speakers from leading pharmaceutical companies, CDMOs and academic institutions, creating a diverse agenda that reflected many of the key challenges and opportunities currently shaping process chemistry.
Day One: Science Takes Centre Stage
As delegates arrived on the first morning, anticipation for the scientific programme was clear. The day began with presentations covering commercial route development, impurity control strategies and process development for novel therapeutic candidates.
Throughout the day, attendees heard from scientists representing organisations including Merck, Pfizer, Eli Lilly, Bristol Myers Squibb, Lonza, Cambrex, Eurofins and Lhasa. The breadth of expertise on display provided valuable insight into how different organisations are approaching process development, manufacturing efficiency and the challenges of bringing new medicines to patients.
What stood out was the level of engagement throughout every session. Questions continued well beyond the presentation rooms, demonstrating the relevance of the topics being discussed and the enthusiasm of delegates to explore them further.
The day concluded with our reception, kindly sponsored by Eurofins, where delegates enjoyed drinks, dinner and the opportunity to relax after a packed day of science.
Scientific Highlights
One of the strengths of OPR&D has always been the diversity of perspectives represented within the programme.
This year’s conference explored topics including commercial route development, process robustness, stereochemistry, photochemistry, sustainable manufacturing and AI-enhanced drug development. Speakers shared practical experiences from real development programmes, providing attendees with valuable insight into the scientific and operational challenges facing the industry today.
A recurring theme throughout the conference was the growing role of digital technologies in process chemistry. Discussions around artificial intelligence generated significant interest, with speakers exploring how AI can support decision-making, accelerate development timelines and help scientists focus their efforts on higher-value activities.
Innovation was also evident in discussions around automation and advanced technologies. One of the conference keynote presentations, delivered by Professor Jason Hein from the University of British Columbia, examined how autonomous robotics can augment process chemistry and transform the way scientists approach development work.
Equally important was the breadth of scientific content. From process development for oncology therapies and inflammatory disease treatments to greener manufacturing approaches and improved synthetic route design, delegates were exposed to a wide range of case studies, experiences and approaches from across the global process chemistry community.
What makes OPR&D particularly valuable is the opportunity to hear how scientists across industry and academia are tackling similar challenges from different perspectives. The programme encourages the exchange of ideas, practical lessons and experiences that extend far beyond any single presentation.
Day Two: Learning Beyond the Lecture Theatre
Day two began with our now-traditional wellness run and walk through Toronto, led by Hannah, Vicky and Ben. Delegates joined the 5km route through the city before returning to the hotel for a well-earned Canadian breakfast.
A special mention goes to Keeley and Lucy from the hotel, who joined the group and helped showcase some of Toronto’s most notable landmarks along the way.
Back at the conference, the scientific programme continued with presentations from AbbVie, Gilead and AstraZeneca, alongside keynote speaker Professor Jason Hein. Once again, the quality of the presentations and audience participation was evident throughout the day.
Following lunch, delegates split into two groups, with some visiting the Eurofins CDMO facility while others took the opportunity to explore Toronto before reconvening at the Steam Whistle Brewery for an evening reception, kindly sponsored by Apeloa.
The brewery proved to be an excellent venue and a memorable setting to round off another successful day of presentations.
A Programme That Resonated
As the conference progressed, feedback from delegates, speakers, exhibitors and sponsors consistently highlighted the quality of the scientific programme.
Several attendees described the event as one of the strongest conferences they had attended, praising both the breadth of topics covered and the high standard of presentations. Others commented on the diversity of scientific content, the engagement from delegates and the welcoming atmosphere throughout the event.
It was particularly rewarding to hear so many attendees describe the programme as informative, engaging and highly relevant to the challenges facing today’s process chemistry community. The positive feedback reinforced what was evident throughout the conference: a strong programme, excellent speakers and an audience eager to learn and contribute.
The Final Day
The final morning continued the momentum with presentations from Genentech, Amgen, Chugai Pharmaceutical and Boehringer Ingelheim.
A highlight of the morning was our second keynote presentation, delivered by Dr Margaret Faul of Amgen, who explored how innovative drug substance development is helping advance molecules through the development pipeline and ultimately towards patients.
Thank You, Toronto
Toronto proved to be a fantastic host city for OPR&D 2026. Over three days, the conference showcased not only the strength of the science being conducted across the industry but also the collaborative spirit that continues to define the global process chemistry community.
We would like to thank all of our speakers, delegates, sponsors and exhibitors for helping make this year’s event such a success. The enthusiasm, engagement and willingness to share knowledge are what make OPR&D such a valuable forum year after year.
As always, our attention now turns to the next events in the Scientific Update calendar. We look forward to welcoming many of you to EWOC Europe and OPR&D Copenhagen later this year.
Looking further ahead, we are also delighted to have recently confirmed our next US 57th OPR&D Conference and 2nd ChemTides Conference which will take place in San Diego in March 2027. Super Early Bird registration is now available, and we would be delighted to welcome you there.
We hope to see you again soon.
