Events
QB3 Symposium: Innovation in Autoimmune Therapies from Discovery to Translation
Background
Approximately 1 in 15 people in the United States is affected by an autoimmune disease, including rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. These conditions are notoriously difficult to diagnose, and existing treatments are often hindered by non-specificity, leading to significant adverse side effects.
Yet there is reason for optimism. Researchers have made major strides in our understanding of the immune system, including the mechanisms behind loss of immune tolerance and the development of antigen-specific therapies. This progress, combined with a surge in investment—over $2.9 billion poured into companies targeting autoimmune diseases in 2024 alone, up from $1 billion in 2023—signals a transformative moment for the field.
Despite these exciting strides, the unmet need for patients remains immense. This convergence of scientific breakthroughs and growing market interest inspired our team at QB3 to focus this year’s symposium on autoimmune disease research. We hope that you will join us for this in-person event.
Goals
• Highlight advancements and innovation in autoimmune disease research
• Foster connection between basic researchers, industry leaders, investors, and startup founders
• Identify emerging opportunities and motivate translation of cutting-edge discoveries into impactful therapies
Audience
We are bringing together industry and academic scientists; potential funders; and companies, from startups to big pharma, committed to the mission of tackling autoimmune diseases.
Venue
All sessions will be held in the auditorium at Bakar Labs, located at 2625 Durant Ave., Berkeley, CA 94720. Followed by a reception in the Bakar Labs courtyard.
Sponsored By
Agenda
8:00-8:30 AM Check-in and breakfast
8:30-8:40 AM Welcome address (David Schaffer, QB3/Bakar Labs)
8:40-8:45 AM Session Overview
8:45-9:25 AM Mark Anderson (Keynote), UCSF Diabetes Center, Immune Tolerance Network
9:25-9:45 AM Julie Zikherman, UCSF
9:45-10:00 AM Panel Discussion 1
10:00-10:20 AM Coffee Break
10:20-10:25 AM Session Overview
10:25-10:45 AM Averil Ma, UCSF
10:45-11:05 AM Greg Barton, UC Berkeley
11:05-11:25 AM Renuka Nayak, UCSF
11:25-11:40 AM Panel Discussion 2
11:40-12:40 PM Lunch
12:40-12:45 PM Session Overview
12:45-1:05 PM Robert Saxton, UC Berkeley
1:05-1:25 PM Calvin Kuo, Stanford
1:25-1:45 PM Joe DeRisi, UCSF
1:45-2:00 PM Panel Discussion 3
2:00-2:20 PM Break
2:20-2:25 PM Session Overview
2:25-2:40 PM Tyler Chavez, Biogen
2:40-2:55 PM Maggie Louie, Aqtual
2:55-3:10 PM Melanie Matheu, Lyric Bio
3:10-3:25 PM Ena Ladi, Genentech
3:25-3:40 PM George Kwong, Caribou Biosciences
3:40-3:55 PM Panel Discussion 4
3:55-4:15 PM Break
4:15-5:00 PM Maya Bader, Lupus Research Alliance; Siquan Sun, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine; Josh Gertsman, Aditum Bio
5:00-6:00 PM Networking Reception
Organizers
This symposium is directed by Katarina Klett, Innovation Discovery Program Manager at QB3, with support from the QB3 events and programs team.
If you have any questions about this event, please email Katarina.
Planning Committee
Speakers
