PRECISION MEDICINE
AND THE FUTURE
OF GENOMICS
PMFG 2024 SUMMIT

Overview /Program
  • Elucidate advancements in newborn sequencing technologies, addressing implementation challenges and fostering discussions on best practices.
  • Explore the potential long-term health impact of early genomic information, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and personalized care for newborns.
  • Explore cutting-edge innovations in population screening, keeping attendees informed about large-scale genomic advancements.
  • Investigate integrating genomic data into population health management, discuss effective utilization strategies within healthcare systems, and foster ethical conversations on large-scale genomic screening responsibly.
  • Spotlight cutting-edge developments in personalized and precision therapies, showcasing the latest advancements contributing to more effective and targeted treatments.
  • Facilitate discussions on the role of genomics in tailoring treatment plans for complex diseases, exploring how genomic insights can enhance therapeutic decision-making.

PROGRAM

Location : Al-Mayassa Theatre

08:30 - 09:00

Opening Ceremony and Welcome Remarks

TRACK-1
GENOMIC NEWBORN SCREENING

Track-1(Session) Learning Objectives

  • To evaluate the latest advancements in genomic technologies and their potential applications in newborn screening and early diagnosis.
  • To discuss the ethical, legal, and social implications of integrating genomic data into newborn healthcare, ensuring responsible and equitable implementation.
  • To analyze the latest advancements in genomic technologies and their implications for personalized treatment approaches, while evaluating the ethical, legal, and social considerations surrounding their implementation in clinical practice.
  • To explore advanced strategies and technologies for accelerating the diagnosis of rare diseases through genomic analysis, improving early detection and treatment outcomes.
09:00 - 0 9:10

Global Advancements In Genomic Newborn Screening

Introduction: Nicolas Encina, Executive Director, International Consortium on Newborn Sequencing (ICoNS), USA

09:10 - 09:15

Shaping the Future of Health from the Very Beginning- Qatar’s Newborn Genome Screening Program

Introduction: Dr. Ammira Akil, Lead, Genetic and Metabolic Disorders Clinical Research Program, Sidra Medicine, Qatar

09:15 - 09:45

Opening Keynote Address

The Path to Lifelong Genomic Medicine

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Robert Green, Director, Genomes2People Research Program, Harvard Medical School-USA

Session Chair: Nicolas Encina, Executive Director, International Consortium on Newborn Sequencing (ICoNS), USA

09:45 - 10:30

OPENING PANEL- Setting the stage for PMFG 2024 Summit

2024 in Review: Milestones in Precision Health and the Road Ahead

Featured by: Dr. Robert Green, Dr. Zornitza Stark, Dr. Slim Salama, Dr. Joanne Hakett, and Dr. Chantal Matheiu

Hosted by Dr. Khalid Fakhro, Chief Research Officer, Sidra Medicine.

10:30 - 11:00

VIP visit to Exhibition and Networking Coffee

AL-Mayassa Foyer and The Spider Exhibition Zone

TRACK-1 Cont.

11:00 - 11:30

Featured Keynote Address with Q&A
Accelerating Rare Disease Diagnosis
Introduction: Dr. Nicola Withers, Associate Director of Market Development, AMEA, Illumina, Australia.
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Zornitza Stark, Clinical Lead, Australian Genomics; Clinical Geneticist, Victorian Clinical Genetics Services.
Session Chairs: Dr Robert Green, Director, Genomes2People Research Program, Harvard Medical School-USA

11:30 - 12:00

Expert Address with Q&A
The Pivotal Role of Rare Disease Industry in Newborn Genome Sequencing
Expert: Dr. Amy Ponte, Director, Global Scientific Affairs & Diagnostics, Specialty Care, Rare Diseases, Sanofi, USA
Session Chair: Nicolas Encina, Executive Director, International Consortium on Newborn Sequencing (ICoNS), USA

TRACK-2- POPULATION GENOMIC COHORTS

Track-2 (Session) Learning Objectives

  • To analyze the latest insights and initiatives from global health population cohorts, understanding their impact on genomic research and precision medicine.
  • To evaluate the strategies and outcomes of international collaborations in genomics, fostering a comprehensive understanding of global health and population-based genomic studies.
  • To understand the role and initiatives of the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health (GA4GH)in promoting international standards and frameworks for genomic data sharing and its impact on global health research.
12:00 - 12:10

Introduction
Session Chairs:
Dr. Hamdi Mbarek, Director of Research and Partnerships, Qatar Precision Health Institute (QPHI), Qatar
Dr. Wadha Al-Muftah, Director of Qatar Genome, Qatar Precision Health Institute (QPHI), Qatar

12:10 - 12:30

From Global Genomic Research to Local Precision Health
Keynote Speaker: Mr. Peter Goodhand, CEO, Global Alliance for Genomics and Health (GA4GH), Canada

12:30 - 12:50

Our Future Health Consortium: Building a Diverse Health Database to Enhance Medical Research and Improve Population Health Outcomes
Speaker: Dr. Raghib Ali, CEO, Chief Investigator and Chief Medical Officer, Our Future Health, UK

12:50 - 13:10

UK-Qatar Precision Healthcare Collaborative- Consortium
Speaker: Dr. Panagiotis Deloukas, Director of the WHRI, Professor of Cardiovascular Genomics, Clinical Pharmacology and Precision Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, UK

13:10 - 13:30

PANEL DISCUSSION
Featured by: Mr. Peter Goodhand, Dr. Raghib Ali, Dr. Amy Ponte, and Dr. Panagiotis Deloukas
Hosted by: Dr. Hamdi Mbarek and Dr. Wadha Al-Muftah

LUNCH BREAK

TRACK-3- GENETIC DIVERSITY ON GLOBAL SCALE

Track-3 (Session) Learning Objectives

  • To examine the role of genetic diversity in enhancing the accuracy and effectiveness of precision healthcare strategies.
  • To identify the challenges and opportunities in integrating genetic diversity data into clinical practice for improved patient outcomes.
  • To understand the impact of structural genomic variation on human biology, evolution, and disease, and explore how these insights contribute to advancements in genetic research and clinical applications.
  • To understand how leveraging advanced ancestry algorithms can improve insights into underserved populations, while maintaining ethical research practices and addressing unique challenges in genetic studies
14:30 - 14:35

Introduction
Session Chairs:

Dr. Radja Badji, Translational genomics manager at Qatar Precision Health Institute (QPHI), Qatar Foundation

Dr. Rozaimi Razali, Assistant Professor, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Qatar

14:35 - 15:00

Unraveling Structural Genomic Variation: Insights into Human Biology, Evolution, and Disease.
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Charles Lee, Scientific Director and Professor, the Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, USA

15:00 - 15:20

QPHI; New Genomic Insights From an Age Old Region
Speaker, Dr. Said Ismail, Acting President, Chief Scientific and Operations Officer, Qatar Precision Health Institute (QPHI), Qatar

15:20 - 15:40

Leveraging Ancestry Algorithms to Enhance Understanding of Underserved Latin American Populations
Speaker, Dr. Carlos Bustamante, Founder and CEO, Galatea Bio Inc, USA.

15:40 - 16:00

Sidra Medicine’s Endeavors to leverage Population Genomics for Precision Medicine
Speaker, Dr. Younes Mokrab, Head of Medical and Population Genomics,Lead of Neurological Disorders Research Program, Sidra Medicine, Qatar.

16:00 - 16:15

China’s Experience In Population Genomics Projects
Speaker, Dr. Xin Jin, Director, the Institute of Precision Health, Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI Genomics)Group, China

16:15 - 16:30

SHORT BREAK

FINAL CLOSING KEYNOTE SESSION

Final Keynote Session Learning Objectives

  • To examine the integration of deep phenotyping and genomics in precision health programs aimed at improving outcomes for children with rare diseases.
  • To identify the roles of collaborative initiatives, such as One Child Every Child, Care for Rare, and FaceBase, in advancing research and clinical care for pediatric patients with complex genetic conditions.
  • To discuss the application of precision health strategies in pediatric genetics, including the use of genomic and phenotypic data to enhance diagnosis and personalized treatment.
16:30 - 17:00

Final Dual Keynote Session
One Child Every Child, Care for Rare and FaceBase: Precision Health Programs Integrating Deep Phenotyping and Genomics.

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Francois Bernier, Director of Clinical Genetics Unit, Scientific Director of Precision Health, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Canada
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Benedikt Hallgrímsson, Deputy Director, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicin, University of Calgary, Canada

Session Chairs:
Dr. Ibrahim Janahi, Acting Chief Medical Officer, Chair of Medical Education, Sidra Medicine, Qatar
Dr. Tawfeg Ben Omran, Division Cheif, Genetic and Genomic Medicine, Sidra Medicine, Qatar.

17:00 - 17:30

FIRESIDE CHAT
Featured by Dr. Francois Bernier, Dr. Benedikt Hallgrímsson and hosted by Dr. Ibrahim Janahi and Dr. Tawfeg Ben Omran

Closing Remarks

TRACK-4: IMPLEMENTING GENOMICS: BRIDGING SCIENCE AND HEALTHCARE

Track-4 (Session) Learning Objectives

  • To analyze the processes and challenges involved in integrating genomic research findings into clinical healthcare practices.
  • To evaluate the impact of implementing genomics on patient care and healthcare outcomes, and identify best practices for effective integration.
  • To understand how integrating CLIA-certified next-generation sequencing with specialized expertise can enhance the discovery and diagnosis of rare diseases, and improve the process of communicating genetic results to patients.
  • To identify strategies to ensure equitable access to advanced genetic diagnostics and personalized treatments for all patients with genetic diseases, regardless of socioeconomic status.
  • To evaluate emerging trends and advancements in genomic medicine, and understand their potential impact on clinical practice and patient outcomes.
  • To develop strategies for integrating new genomic technologies and methodologies into clinical workflows, ensuring effective implementation and improved healthcare delivery.
08:30 - 08:35

Introduction

Sesion Chairs:

Dr. Sonia Davila, Executive Director, Translational Medicine Division, Sidra Medicine, Qatar

Dr. Mohammed Yousuf Karim, Division Chief, Hematology, Immunology and Transfusion, Sidra Medicine, Qatar

08:35 - 08:55

Successes and Challenges of Genomic Testing in the NICU
Keynote Speaker, Dr. Nancy B. Spinner, Chief of the Division of Genomic Diagnostics at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, USA.

08:55 - 09:10

Ensuring Equity in Genetic Diagnostics: Strategies for Universal Access to Advanced Testing and Personalized Treatments.
Speaker, Dr. Tan Ee Shien, Head of SingHealth-Duke-NUS Genomic Medicine Centre, Head Genetics Services, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore

09:10 - 09:25

Integrating Genetic Results: Leveraging CLIA-Certified NGS for Rare Disease Discovery and Patient Care
Speaker, Margaret Harr, Clinical Genetics Counselor, Center for Applied Genomics, Children Hospitall of Philadiliphoa, USA

09:25 - 09:45

The “Omics” Clinical Model for Accurate and Cost-effective Diagnosis​
Speaker, Dr. Madhuri Hedge, Senior Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer, Revvity, USA

09:45 - 10:05

Empowering Precision Cancer Care through Multi-omics and Artificial Intelligence
Speaker, Dr. Marilyn M. Li, Vice Chief of the Division of Genomic Diagnostics and Director of Cancer Genomic Diagnostics at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, USA.

10:05 - 10:20

Genomic Medicine Implementation in Qatar
Speaker, Dr. Tawfeg Ben Omran, Division Chief, Genetic and Genomic Medicine – Sidra Medicine, Qatar

10:20 - 10:30

GROUP Q&A

Featured by: Dr. Nancy B. Spinner, Dr. Tan Ee Shien, Dr. Margaret Harr, Dr. Madhuri Hedge, Dr. Marilyn M. Li, Dr. Tawfeg Ben Omran
Hosted by: Dr. Sonia Davila and Dr. Mohammed Yousuf Karim.

10:30 - 11:00

Visit to Exhibition and Networking Coffee

AL-Mayassa Foyer and The Spider Exhibition Zone

THE DEBATE

The debate session lerning objectives:

  • To analyze diverse perspectives on the ethical, social, and scientific implications of human advancement in the modern era.
  • To evaluate current and emerging technologies that could shape the future of humanity, considering both potential benefits and risks.
  • To engage in critical discussions on the boundaries of human progress and the role of responsible innovation in shaping sustainable futures.
11:00 - 12:15

Shaping the Future: Exploring the Boundaries of Human Advancement

Moderator: Dareen Abu Ghaida, Principal news presenter, Al Jazeera English, Qatar
Debaters:

  • Dr. Edison Liu, Former President and CEO of The Jackson Laboratory, and Director of NCI-designated Cancer Center, USA.
  • Jamie Metzl, Technology Futurist, Geopolitics Expert, Entrepreneur, and Sci-Fi Novelist, USA
  • Sarah Chan, Centre for Biomedicine, Self and Society, Usher Institute, The University of Edinburgh, UK

TRACK-5: GLOBAL HEALTH INNOVATIONS

Track-5 (session) Learning Objectives

  • To identify and analyze pioneering genomic solutions developed by global health start-ups to address healthcare challenges and improve patient outcomes.
  • To evaluate the impact of innovative genomic technologies on global health, and discuss strategies for fostering collaboration and investment in start-up initiatives to drive future advancements.
  • To analyze the key challenges and strategies involved in developing a health spin-off in genomics, including navigating regulatory hurdles, securing funding, and achieving market adoption.
12:15 - 12:35

Special Lecture: Innovating in Genomics: Journey of a Health Spin-off – Navigating Regulatory Hurdles, Funding Strategies, and Market Adoption
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Gordon Sanghera, CEO and co-founder of Oxford Nanopore Technologies, UK
Introduced by: Dr. Ammira Akil, Lead, Genetic and Metabolic Disorders Clinical Research Program, Sidra Medicine, Qatar

12:35 - 13:15

PANEL DISCUSSION

Building a Robust Biomedical Innovation Economy in Qatar – Key Opportunities and Challenges

Chaired by: Dr. Iyabo Tinubu-Karch, Chief Executive Officer, Sidra Medicine, Qatar

Featured by:

  • Omar Al-Ansari, Secretary General, Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council (QRDI), Qatar
  • Dr. Mohammed Ghanem, Qatar Investment Authority, Healthcare (QIA), Qatar
  • Dr. Gordon Sanghera, Co-founder and CEO, Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT), UK
  • Dr. Dr. Stephen Squinto, Chief Investment Officer of J.P. Morgan Life Science Private Capital, J.P. Morgan Asset Management, USA.

LUNCH BREAK

TRACK-6: CAPACITY BUILDING FOR PRECISION MEDICINE– THE ROLE OF QATAR’S HIGHER EDUCATION SECTOR

Track-6 (session) Learning Objectives

  • To examine the strategic initiatives led by Qatar Foundation’s Precision Health Technical Executive Committee to advance precision health in Qatar.
  • To explore the collaborative roles of Qatar’s leading research and healthcare institutions in precision medicine, including contributions from genomics, bioinformatics, and biomedical ethics.
  • To evaluate the integration of ethical considerations in biomedical research and precision health, with a focus on insights from Islamic bioethics.
  • To assess the role of precision medicine in diagnosing and managing monogenic immune disorders, highlighting recent advancements and interdisciplinary collaboration in Qatar.

Session Chairs:

Dr. Feras Qasem Alali, Associate Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies

Dr. Sahar Da’as, Manager, Research Branch Zebrafish Functional Genomics Core Facility, Sidra Medicine, Qatar.

14:15 - 14:25

HBKU’s Impact on Advancing Precision Health: Innovations and Contributions

Dr. Markus Wenk, Dean, College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khlaifa University (HBKU) Qatar.

14:25 - 14:35

From Ivory Towers to Global Impact: How Universities Are Driving Tomorrow’s Precision Health
Dr. Medhat Askar, Associate Vice President for Clinical Affairs, College of Medicine, Qatar University, Qatar.

14:35 - 14:45

Precision medicine for monogenic immune dysregulation
Dr. Khaled Machaca, Associate Dean of Research, Weill Cornell Medicine Qatar

14:45 - 14:55

Contributing to Precision Medicine in Qatar: The Role of Education and Collaboration in Bioinformatics
Dr. Mohammad Asif Khan, Associate Dean, College of Computing and IT University of Doha For Science and Technology, UDST.

THE PANEL

Qatar Foundation Precision Health Technical Executive Committee Update

Chaired by: Dr. Hilal Lasuel, RDI Advisor to the Chairperson of Qatar Foundation and Executive Director of RDI-CPO, Qatar.

Featured by:

Dr. Markus Wenk, Dean, College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khlaifa University, Qatar

Dr. Ahmed Elmagarmid, Executive Director, Qatar Computing Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar

Dr. Khaled Machaca, Associate Dean of Research, Weill Cornell Medicine Qatar, Qatar

Dr. Omar Albagha, Acting Executive Director of Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Qatar

Dr. Said Ismail, Acting President, and Chief Scientific Officer, Qatar Precision Health Institute, Qatar

Dr. Mohammed Ghali, Professor of Islam and Biomedical Ethics, College of Islamic Studies, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar

Dr. Khalid Fakhro, Chief Research Officer, Sidra Medicine, Qatar

15:45 - 16:00

SHORT BREAK

TRACK-7: TECH TALKS

Track-7 (Session) Learning Objective:

  • Understand how generative AI and machine learning revolutionizing diagnostics, treatment, and personalized medicine are by exploring their clinical applications, benefits, and potential challenges.
  • Evaluate the impact of AI-driven technologies, including NVIDIA’s innovations in genomics, drug discovery, and medical imaging, on enhancing healthcare practices and improving patient care outcomes.
  • Analyze the role of cloud computing solutions, such as AWS, in advancing genomic and precision medicine through scalable data storage, sophisticated analysis, and seamless integration of genomic datasets.
  • Explore the potential of AI in genomic research to predict disease risk, optimize therapeutic interventions, and drive advancements in precision medicine.
  • Examine the development and application of novel machine learning models for assessing facial differences, thereby enhancing diagnostic accuracy and supporting personalized treatment approaches in clinical settings.

Innovations in Diagnostics, Treatment, and Technology Integration.

Session Chairs:

Dr. Ahmed Serag, Founder and Director of the AI Innovation Lab, Weill-Cornell Medcine, Qatar
Dr. Wouter Hendrickx, Lead Principal Investigator, Pediatric Cancer Omics Laboratory, Sidra Medicine, Qatar

16:00 - 16:20

Innovation on all fronts to deliver the most comprehensive genome
Dr. Joel Fellis, Vice President of Product Management and Marketing, Illumina

16:20 - 16:35

How cloud enables genomics at scale: Experience from supporting the world’s largest population sequencing initiatives
Dr. Ankit Malhotra, Worldwide Genomics Lead, Public Sector, AWS Health, USA

16:35 - 16:50

The Face of Precision Medicine: Machine Learning Models for Objective Analysis of Facial Deformity
Dr. Mitchell Stotland, Vice Chair, Department of Surgery, Division Chief of Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery, Sidra Medicine, Qatar

16:50 - 17:05

Harnessing AI Technologies and Expertise to Propel Human Health: Seizing Opportunities for Innovation and Confidence
Dr. Joanne Hackett, Vice President Health System Services and Head of Genomic and Precision Medicine at, IQVIA, UK

17:05 - 17:20

Revolutionizing Precision Medicine with NVIDIA’s AI Innovations in Genomic Analysis and Healthcare
Marc Domenech, Regional Director Enterprise – META Region, NVIDIA, USA.

17:20 - 17:35

Generative AI in Healthcare: Improving Efficiency and Personalizing Patient Care
Hani Khalaf, Chief Technology Officer, Data and AI Solutions, Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East Turkey and Africa (CEEMETA) region, Dell Technologies

17:35 - 17:50

Unleashing Healthcare Potential: Advancing Decision-Making Through AI-Powered Analysis
Abhimanyu Verma, Chief Technology Officer, SOPHiA GENETICS, Switzerland

17:50 – 18:10

GROUP Q&A
Featured by Dr. Mitchell Stotland, Marc Domenech, Hani Khalaf and Abhi Verma, and hosted by Dr. Ahmed Serag and Dr. Joel Fellis and Dr. Wouter Hendrickx

Closing Remarks

Location : Al-Mayassa Theatre

TRACK-8: EXPERT FORUM ON CUSTOM-MADE THERAPIES AND CLINICAL TRIALS

Track-7 (session) Learning Objective:

  • To analyze the latest advancements and methodologies in custom-made therapies, focusing on their application in clinical trials to improve patient outcomes and personalized treatment strategies.
  • To evaluate the challenges and opportunities in designing and conducting clinical trials for custom-made therapies, including regulatory considerations, patient selection, and trial implementation.
  • To evaluate the integration of genomic data into clinical trial design to enhance precision in patient selection and treatment outcomes.
08:30 - 09:00

Kyenote Address
Genomically-Informed Clinical Trials
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Hakon Hakonarson, Director of the Center for Applied Genomics (CHOP) and professor of Pediatrics University of Pennsylvania, USA.
Session Chairs:
Dr. Abubakr Imam, Division Chief Nephrology, Sidra Medicine, Qatar
Dr. Fares Al-Ejeh, Translational Oncology Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, HBKU, Qatar

09:00 - 09:20

Revolutionizing Medicine: The Promise of RNAi Therapeutics
Dr. Wan Yue, Deputy Executive Director of the Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, Singapore

09:20 - 09:40

Fireside Chat
Featured by Dr. Hakon Hakonarson, Dr. Wan Yue, hosted by Dr. Abubakr Imam

TRACK-9: ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION: JUNIOR SCIENTISTS CAREER PATH

Track-8 (session) Learning Objective:

  • To explore the unique career paths and growth opportunities in big pharma, startups, academia, and research institutes to make informed decisions about future career directions.
  • To evaluate the benefits and challenges of working in diverse environments, including the structure, culture, and resources available in large pharmaceutical companies, startups, academic institutions, and research institutes.
  • To identify key skills and experiences valued in each sector and understand how these align with personal career goals, work-life balance, and professional development.
  • To gain insights into the impact of industry trends, funding structures, and innovation pipelines on career stability and advancement across different career settings.
09:40 - 10:30

Evaluating Your Career Choices: Opportunities in Big Pharma vs. Startups and Academia vs. Research Institutes
Speaker: Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Subaiey, Postdoctoral Fellow, Immunodysregulation Lab, Sidra Medicine, Qatar.

Session Chairs:

Dr. Georges Nemer, Associate Dean Research at the College of Health and Life Sciences, HBKU

Round Table Panelists:

  • Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Subaiey, Postdoctoral Fellow, Immunodysregulation Lab, Sidra Medicine, Qatar
  • Dr. Daniel Ory, Chief Medical Officer, Arbor Bio, USA
  • Dr. Rayaz Malik, Professor & Assistant Dean for Clinical Investigations, WCM, Qatar
  • Dr. Essam Abdelalim, Principal Investigator, Sidra Medicine, Qatar
10:30 - 11:00

Visit to Exhibition and Networking Coffee

AL-Mayassa Foyer and The Spider Exhibition Zone

EXPERT SPOTLIGHT

The spotlight session learning objective:

  • Understand the therapeutic applications of stem cell and cellular therapies in treating severe disease conditions, including recent advancements and clinical outcomes.
  • Explore the role of cellular therapies in disease prevention and reversal, focusing on their potential to improve patient health and quality of life.
  • Examine strategies aimed at prolonging healthspan through innovative therapies, highlighting the impact of regenerative medicine on aging and chronic disease management.
11:00 - 11:30

Expert Spotlight with Fireside Chat
From Stem Cell and Cellular Therapies for Severe Disease Conditions to Disease Prevention and Reversal to Prolong Healthspan
Expert: Dr. Camillo Ricordi , Director, Cell Transplant Center, University of Miami, USA.
Session Chair:
Dr. Luis Saraiva, Director, Congenital Malformations Clinical Research Program

TRACK-10: TYPE 1 DIABETES THERAPIES

The spotlight session learning objective:

  • To understand recent advancements in clinical trials for Type 1 Diabetes, including study designs, methodologies, and key outcomes.
  • To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and clinical applications of novel treatments and interventions aimed at halting Type 1 Diabetes progression and improving patient care.
  • To explore strategies for early detection and screening to enhance diagnosis, patient management, and long-term health outcomes in Type 1 Diabetes.
  • To examine collaborative approaches and innovative interventions developed to advance clinical outcomes and patient care in Type 1 Diabetes.
  • To assess prevention and risk assessment strategies for Type 1 Diabetes, including early interventions and their application in specific contexts like Qatar.
11:30 - 11:55

Keynote Address
Arresting Type 1 Diabetes: Insights and Innovations from Leading Experts and Clinical Trials.
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Chantal Mathieu, President of European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), Belgium.
Session Chairs:
Dr. Richard Oram, Diabetes UK Harry Keen Fellow, Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science, Exeter University, UK.
Dr. Ammira Akil, Lead, Genetic and Metabolic Disorders Clinical Research Program, Head Diabetes Prevention La, Sidra Medicine, Qatar

12:00 - 12:20

Early Detection and Screening Strategies for Type 1 Diabetes
Dr. Emmanuele Bosi, Professor of Endocrinology, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele; Director, TrialNet Clinical Center, Italy.

12:20 - 12:35

The Development and Evaluation of Innovative Interventions and Collaborative Testing
Dr. Manuela Battaglia, Managing Director of The INNODIA iVZW, Clinical Trial Platform of Type 1 Diabetes, Italy.

12:35 - 13:00

Thought Leader Insights
Novel Therapies for Type 1 Diabetes
Thought Leader, Dr. Matthias Von Herrath, Vice President and Senior Medical Officer, Novo Nordisk and University of Miami, USA
Session Chair: Dr. Chantal Mathieu, President of European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), Belgium

13:00-13:30

THE PREVENTION PANEL

Preventing Type 1 Diabetes

Featured by Dr. Chantal Mathieu, Dr. Matthias Von Herrath, Dr. Emmanuele Bosi, Dr. Manuela Battaglia, Dr Masa Matsumoto, and hosted by Dr Richard Oram and Dr. Ammira Akil.
Dr. Masahito Matsumoto, Juntendo University Professor, Japan.

LUNCH BREAK

TRACK-11: DIALOGUE IN GENE THERAPY

Track 10 (Session) learning objective:

  • To analyze recent advancements and collaborative efforts in gene therapy focusing on their implications for treating genetic disorders.
  • To evaluate the impact of multi-disciplinary dialogues on the development and implementation of gene therapy strategies in clinical practice.
  • To assess the latest advancements in gene transfer vectors and novel viral isolates, evaluating their impact on treating inherited and acquired diseases while analyzing how these developments enhance our understanding of basic virology and inform targeted gene therapies.
  • To evaluate the application of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technologies in the treatment of sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia, including their potential to improve patient outcomes and address key challenges in therapeutic implementation
14:30 - 15:00

Keynote Address
Genetic Medicines for Rare Diseases
Keynote Speaker: Dr. James Wilson, President and CEO, Gemma Biotherapeutics (GEMMABio), Founder and Advisor – Scout Bio, Passage Bio, iECURE, Executive Chair, Franklin Biolabs
Session Chairs: Dr. Essam Abdelalim, Principal Investigator, Sidra Medicine, Qatar

15:00 - 15:20

Ex-Vivo Gene Editing
CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing for Sickle Cell Disease and Transfusion Dependent β-Thalassemia
Dr. Haydar Frangoul, Director, Pediatric Stem Cell Transplant Program, Tristar Centennial Children’s Hospital, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.

15:20 - 15:40

In-Vivo Gene Editing
Development of ABO-101, A Novel Gene Editing Therapy for Primary Hyperoxaluria Type 1
Dr. Daniel Ory, Chief Medical Officer, Arbor Biotech, Cambridge, MA, USA

15:40 - 16:00

Group Q & A and Panel Discussion
Bridging Perspectives in Gene Therapy: Collaborative Insights and Future Directions
Featured by Dr. James Wilson, Dr. Haydar Frangoul, Dr. Daniel Ory, Chiara Cugno, and hosted Dr. Essam Abdelalim

16:20 - 16:30

SHORT BREAK

CLOSING KEYNOTE SHOWCASE

Closing Keynote Showcase learning objective:

  • Understand the role of precision medicine in shaping the future of healthcare in Qatar, focusing on genomics, personalized care, and emerging medical practices.
  • Explore how innovative care models and genomic technologies are transforming diagnosis, treatment, and patient outcomes in Qatar’s healthcare system.
  • Examine the integration of diverse philosophies of medicine in advancing precision health, emphasizing ethical considerations, cultural relevance, and collaborative approaches in Qatar.
16:30 - 17:00

Precision Medicine in Qatar: Shaping the Future of Health through Genomics, Innovative Care, and Philosophies of Medicine
Chaired by: Dr. Hilal Lashuel, RDI Advisor to the Chairperson of Qatar Foundation and Executive Director of RDI-CPO, Qatar

Featured by:

  • Dr. Paul Franks, Professor of Genetic Epidemiology at Lund University, Sweden
  • Dr. Ed Liu, Former President and CEO of The Jackson Laboratory, and Director of NCI-designated Cancer Center, USA.

SUMMARY OF THE EVENT, CLOSING REMARKS, AWARDS and SPONSORS RECOGNITION