R. Bryan Miller Symposium to spotlight special focus on rare disease research

The University of California, Davis Department of Chemistry will spotlight a special focus on rare disease research with this year's 15th annual R. Bryan Miller Symposium. Experts in rare diseases will gather at the UC Davis Conference Center March 5 for a conference highlighting the opportunities and challenges in applying cutting edge technologies and "precision medicine" to better treat conditions that together affect millions of people, especially children. The event is held in conjunction with Rare Disease Day, which this year is Feb. 28.

"On the 15th anniversary of the R. Bryan Miller Symposium, the chemistry department is proud to sponsor this event and aims to continually grow the event every year," said conference chair Sundeep Dugar, a Ph.D. graduate of chemistry at UC Davis and current Chief Operating Officer of Carderox, a Bay Area biotech company with a focus on rare diseases and associated morbidities.

"Our aim with the conference is to be a central and convening partner to the many academia and industry researchers in the area that are navigating the research obstacles to find cures for those with rare disease."

The Rare Disease Conference at UC Davis will look at the obstacles and novel approaches that are shaping the future of rare disease research. Speakers include leaders in rare disease research from academia and industry, as well as from UC Davis. Presentations will also spotlight how patient advocates and foundations play an integral role in driving rare disease research forward.

Topics will include emerging technologies, such as: stem cell therapy, gene therapy and RNAi therapy, while also emphasizing new research fundraising models and partnerships, the importance of diagnostics, and integrative biologic strategies.

The organizations represented include the Sanford Burnham Medical Research Institute, UC Davis, UC San Diego, NEA Partners, Transderm, Benefunder and rare disease nonprofit organizations such as EndDuchenne, the Cystinosis Research Foundation, CheckOrphan and RARE Science.

The event will be followed March 6 by the annual Miller symposium on pharmaceutical chemistry. Both events are organized by the UC Davis Department of Chemistry.