Join us for a discussion the latest cancer treatment techniques with scientists Laia Josa-Culleré and Dr. Daniel AppellaAbout this Event
Advances in medicinal chemistry and photopharmacology are opening new pathways to make anticancer therapies more selective and less toxic. This edition of Science over Coffee brings together two experts in drug design and bioactive molecules to explore how light-activated compounds and innovative delivery systems can improve the precision and effectiveness of cancer treatments.
Laia Josa-Culleré
Laia Josa-Culleré is a group leader at IQAC-CSIC and outgoing president of the Spanish Society of Medicinal Chemistry (SEQT), presents her work on light-activated anticancer drugs. Formed at Cambridge and Oxford, she develops molecules that remain inactive in the dark and are selectively activated by light only in the tumor area through photopharmacology strategies such as photocaging and photoswitching. Her research aims to increase the spatial and temporal precision of chemotherapy while significantly reducing systemic toxicity.
Dr. Daniel Appella
Dr. Daniel Appella is chief of the Synthetic Bioactive Molecules Section at NIDDK’s Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, discusses the design of novel molecular platforms for drug delivery. After receiving his PhD from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and completing postdoctoral work at MIT, he has focused on chemically modified peptide nucleic acids that led to the discovery of thyclotides. He will present how thyclotide conjugates can deliver anticancer peptides into cells that are otherwise inaccessible, improving bioavailability and offering a versatile strategy for future therapeutics.
Together, the two presentations provide an accessible overview of how innovative chemical design—from light-responsive drugs to advanced delivery systems—can enhance the selectivity, efficacy, and clinical potential of next-generation cancer therapies.
Program
9:00–9:30 am: Doors open, welcome breakfast, and informal gathering
10:30–10:30 am: Individual presentations
10:30–11:00 am: Moderated Q&A with the audience
11:00–11:30 am: Networking reception with light appetizers
Important Information
- A reservation on Eventbrite is mandatory, printed tickets are not required.
- Seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- Doors open at 9:00 am.
- Ticket holders will have access to the event while space is available.
- Right of admission reserved.
- If you need special assistance, please contact us at [email protected].
How to get there:
The best way to arrive is by public transportation. The closest Metro station is Columbia Heights (Green line). Limited metered and two-hour zoned parking is available in the surrounding neighborhoods. Public parking garage is available at DC USA Shopping Mall (Columbia Heights Metro Station).
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Event venue
Spanish Cultural Center - Embassy of Spain, 2801 16th Street Northwest, Washington, United States
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