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Introduction
The 4th International Symposium on Drug Discovery invites scholars specialising in the field of drug discovery from the University of Cagliari (Italy), the University of Naples Federico II (Italy), and the University of Lille (France), along with faculty members from Taipei Medical University’s College of Medicine, College of Pharmacy, and College of Medical Science and Technology to share insights on antivirals, medicinal chemistry, anticancer therapeutics, antibiotics, targeting neurodegenerative diseases, and nanodrug delivery systems, among other topics. We seek to foster interdisciplinary discussion, facilitate knowledge exchange, and showcase diverse contributions of researchers and scientists in driving forward progress in healthcare.
Schedule
Date: June 10 – 11, 2026
Venue: The International Conference Hall, 16F, Comprehensive Medical Building (Rear Building), Xinyi Campus, Taipei Medical University
June 10, 2026
| Time | Speaker/ Topic | Moderator |
| 8:30-9:30 | Registration | |
| 9:30-9:40 | Opening remarks by the President of Taipei Medical University Mai-Szu Wu |
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| 9:40-9:50 | Group photo | |
| 9:50-10:00 | Introduction Liang-Tzung Lin, Taipei Medical University |
Liang-Tzung Lin Taipei Medical University |
| 10:00-10:30 | Exploitation of screening platforms for the identification of Coronaviruses and Flaviviruses inhibitors Enzo Tramontano, University of Cagliari |
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| 10:30-11:00 | Diphenylpyrazoles as multi-action anti-Alzheimer compounds Patricia Melnyk, University of Lille |
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| 11:00-11:30 | From Repositioning to Drug Development: Design and Synthesis of Novel Captopril Inspired Broad-Spectrum Metallo Beta-Lactamase Inhibitors Margherita Brindisi, University of Naples Federico II |
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| 11:30-12:00 | Transcriptome Adaptation of Bordetella hinzii in an Immunocompromised Patient Chao–Jung Wu, Taipei Medical University |
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| 12:00-13:30 | Lunch | |
| 13:30-14:00 | Sustainable Valorization of Agro-Industrial Side Streams: Natural Bioactives and Nanodelivery Systems for Multi-Route Therapy Maria Letizia Manca, University of Cagliari |
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| 14:00-14:30 | Development of a Peptide-Functionalized LNP Platform for Targeted Phagocyte Activation in Cancer Immunotherapy Pu-Sheng Wei, Taipei Medical University |
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| 14:30-15:00 | Aging Silences TDP-43 and Shares Synaptic Targets with ALS Fabian Feiguin, University of Cagliari |
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| 15:00-15:30 | Coffee break | |
| 15:30-16:00 | HCV Protease: From an Impossible Target to the Approval of Grazoprevir a Pan Genotype Inhibitor Vincenzo Summa, University of Naples Federico II |
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| 16:00-16:30 | Targeting Innate Immune Receptors for Disease Treatment: CD33 Checkpoint Regulation in Chronic Hepatitis B Pei-Shan Sung, Taipei Medical University |
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June 11, 2026
| Time | Speaker / Topic | Moderator |
| 8:30-9:00 | Registration | |
| 9:00-9:30 | In vitro and in vivo Efficacy of New Antimalarial Compounds Nicolas Lebegue, University of Lille |
Ming-Jen Hsu |
| 9:30-10:00 | From Hypoxic Tumor Exosomes to Engineered Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Tsai-Tsen Liao, Taipei Medical University |
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| 10:00-10:30 | Coffee break | |
| 10:30-11:00 | Harnessing Molecular Dynamics–Driven Models and Pharmacophores for Drug Discovery Antonio Lupia, University of Cagliari |
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| 11:00-11:30 | Developing Therapeutic Agents against NF1-Associated Tumors: Navigating the Post-MEK Horizon Chung-Ping Liao, Taipei Medical University |
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| 11:30-12:00 | Targeting Viral Helicases: Development of Inhibitors with Broad Spectrum Antiviral Activity Simona Distinto, University of Cagliari |
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| 12:00-13:30 | Lunch / Poster presentation | |
| 13:30-14:00 | Sorbitan Monooleate–Stabilized Liquid Crystalline Nanoparticles for Metastatic Human Skin Melanoma Therapy Sergio Murgia, University of Cagliari |
Wei-Chun HuangFu Taipei Medical University |
| 14:00-14:30 | CEACAM6-Guided the Degradation of Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors and Antibody-Drug Conjugate Platforms for Next-Generation Cancer Targeted Therapy Ming-Heng Wu, Taipei Medical University |
|
| 14:30-15:00 | Award ceremony & Closing remarks |
Poster presentation submbission
The poster submission is now open to all students on campus!
If you are eager to present your research findings on an international academic platform, look no further! The poster display will take place during the symposium from June 10 – 11. More information here: Poster presentation submission
Participating universities
Taipei Medical University (Taiwan)
Taipei Medical University (TMU), established in 1960, comprises 11 colleges, one General Education Center, and a student body of over 6,000, with nearly 50,000 alumni worldwide. The university is affiliated with seven medical institutions and is recognized for its strong emphasis on clinical translational research, particularly in cancer, neuroscience, pulmonary medicine, biomedical devices, cell therapy, and artificial intelligence in healthcare. TMU also operates a Clinical Data Center and a comprehensive biobank infrastructure to advance AI-driven real-world data research. In 2025, TMU’s College of Nursing was ranked 27th globally by QS, making it the top-ranked program in Taiwan and reinforcing its leadership in global nursing education.
University of Cagliari (Italy)
Established in 1606, the University of Cagliari is a public research institution in Sardinia with ~36,000 students and over 1,200 academic staff. UniCA advances multidisciplinary research across its 15 departments, including life and environmental sciences, engineering, medicine, and humanities. Highly active in marine biology, ecology, neuroscience, and pharmacology, UniCA collaborates internationally on EU‑ and NIH‑funded projects exceeding €40 million in over 100 initiatives. Support infrastructure includes the CeSAR research services, IRIS open science system, and comprehensive labs and service centres that facilitate innovation and technology transfer.
University of Lille (France)
The University of Lille is a leading French public research institution with over 80,000 students and nearly 8,000 staff, including 64 dedicated research laboratories and 11 major national/international infrastructure platforms. It excels in multidisciplinary domains: materials and nanoscience via IEMN, energy and electronics in L2EP, plant sciences and food biotech through BIOECOAGRO, and digital health innovation at CIC‑IT. Federative structures like the Hauts‑de‑France Mathematical Research Federation and digital‑heritage networks foster cross‑disciplinary breakthroughs. Situated in the heart of northwestern Europe, it drives innovation through regional and international consortia.
