Call for Presentation, Session, and Workshop Abstracts
Read Submission Guidelines| Submit
Abstract Submission Deadline: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Notification: Week of March 9, 2026
Final PowerPoint Presentations Due: September 2, 2026
Conference Dates: September 23-25, 2026
Location: Crystal Gateway Marriott | 1700 Richmond Highway, Arlington, VA 22202
Questions: Contact Jessica.Roman@DIAglobal.org
Are you a professional involved in oligonucleotide-based therapeutics? If so, DIA wants to hear from YOU! The DIA Oligonucleotide-Based Therapeutics Conference brings together leading experts to inform, educate, and share advancements in oligonucleotide-based therapeutic product development.
To ensure that we have the most comprehensive and cutting-edge program, we are seeking abstract submissions from professionals like yourself, who are pushing the boundaries in their respective fields. We encourage you to submit abstracts that reflect the latest trends, innovations, and best practices in oligonucleotide-based therapeutics. We will be accepting the following formats:
- Presentations: 15-20-minute presentation to be bundled with other presentations to create a session (1 author/speaker)
- Sessions: 60-75-minute total session (1 author/speaker + 2 additional speakers)
- Workshop: 60-75-minute workshop delivered in an interactive/simulation or role-playing format (1 author/speaker + 2 additional speakers)
The Oligo Program Committee is seeking abstracts on the following topics (keep in mind, business use cases and lessons learned are encouraged in all topic areas). Please note that topics in addition to those listed below, that you feel are relevant, may be submitted for evaluation and possible selection.
Clinical Track – With over a dozen approved oligonucleotide-based therapeutics and nearly 100 more in clinical testing, this track will explore lessons learned and the evolving challenges in clinical development and application.
- How protein products of target genes can be used for dose selection and surrogate endpoints
- Strategies for combination use of oligonucleotides
- Approaches to special populations (e.g., pediatric, geriatric, hepatic, renal impairment)
- Clinical assessment of oligonucleotide metabolites (peptides, small molecules)
- Extra-hepatic updates: CNS, ocular, and muscle
- Extra-hepatic updates: kidney, adipose, and lung
- Tackling organs with multiple cell types when tissue specificity isn’t enough
- Large clinical trials of oligonucleotides: Lessons learned and a look ahead
- Reversal agents: When and how to develop them
- Safety: Translating preclinical assessments (in silico, in vivo) to human trials—is what you see what you get?
- Safety: Insights from Phase 3 and postmarketing experience
- Safety: Managing mechanistic risks of genetically targeted oligonucleotides (e.g., thrombocytopenia, proteinuria, CSF parameters, LFTs)
- Comparing regulatory experiences in first-in-human trials across regions (U.S., EU, Asia)
- Case studies of approved oligonucleotides—how past challenges enable future opportunities
Non-Clinical Track - This track will focus on nonclinical development and safety assessments, exploring the science and strategy driving oligonucleotide innovation.
- CNS delivery (IT, systemic administration, BBB transit, cell-type targeting, safety, study design)
- Extra-hepatic (non-CNS) delivery and safety considerations
- ICH S13 and evolving guidance
- Delivery technologies—current and next-generation
- Impurities/stereoisomers: when do they become a safety concern?
- Long half-life compounds and use of antidotes
- N-of-1/few and platform-based approaches
- New approach methodologies (NAMs)
- Oligonucleotide therapeutics for RNA activation and target gene upregulation
- Nonclassical chemistries
- Safety and toxicology best practices
- Streamlining nonclinical safety endpoints
- Use of animal-active surrogates
CMC Track – This track provides an interactive forum for innovators and regulators to exchange perspectives on the cutting edge of oligonucleotide CMC. Attendees will gain actionable insights into emerging policies, evolving global guidance, and strategies for navigating this complex and rapidly advancing space.
