Ask The Expert: Navigating the Path From Discovery to Clinical Impact

Scientific breakthroughs mark the beginning, not the end, of the journey towards new therapies. Translating promising discoveries into viable therapeutic programmes demands rigorous evaluation of target validation, development feasibility, regulatory strategy, manufacturing and the evolving needs of patients and the market. In this Ask the Expert session, Dr. Stella Vnook draws on more than 30 years of experience across biotech and pharma to explore the complexities of moving innovative science from the laboratory towards clinical impact. Drawing on her leadership across therapeutic development and biotech, Dr. Vnook examines how teams can assess scientific potential alongside practical development considerations, identify and mitigate risks early, and make informed decisions about which programmes to advance. The session offers practical perspectives on navigating the transition from discovery to development — and overcoming the barriers that too often prevent promising therapeutic assets from reaching the clinic. Although The Live Q&A Format Makes Each Session Unique, Anticipated Discussion Topics Include: Translating scientific discoveries into viable therapies Balancing target validation with development feasibility Integrating regulatory, manufacturing and commercial considerations Navigating the therapeutic “valley of death” Advancing promising programmes towards the clinic The future of therapeutic development and innovation This discussion is a preview of Advances in Drug Discovery & Development 2026, where experts from industry and academia will explore the technologies, strategies and emerging approaches shaping the future of drug discovery and therapeutic development. Translating scientific discoveries into clinical impact is one part of the broader development landscape the event explores, connecting early-stage research and target validation to the wider challenges of advancing innovative therapies towards the clinic. Register now – learn from 30+ years of therapeutic development experience Dr. Stella Vnook, Co-founder & Executive Chair, Kaida BioPharma Dr. Stella K. Vnook is a biotech entrepreneur, investor, and executive with more than 25 years of experience across drug development, manufacturing, commercialization, and company building. She is Cofounder and Executive Chair of Kaida BioPharma, where she is advancing novel approaches to women’s cancers, and has founded and led multiple companies across biotechnology and life sciences. Earlier in her career, Dr. Vnook held leadership roles spanning pharmaceutical development and commercialization, including work on major products such as Vytorin and Januvia during her time at Merck, as well as manufacturing and operational leadership at Catalent. Her experience spans the full biotech value chain, from scientific development and regulatory strategy through financing, manufacturing, partnerships, and commercialization. Dr. Vnook is particularly focused on helping emerging biotech companies translate promising science into viable products and businesses. She regularly speaks on biotech strategy, capital formation, drug development, commercialization, manufacturing, and the evolving global life sciences landscape.