DMPK Challenges from the Normal to the Extreme: A Day of Insight, Discussion and Collaboration
Capabilities
Author: Victoria Hare, Scientific Marketing Manager
Exploring DMPK Challenges at the Edges of Chemical Space
23 June 2026 | Bee House, Milton Park, Oxfordshire
Overview
Pharmaron’s Oxford Lunch & Learn: DMPK Challenges from the Normal to the Extreme brought together scientists from across the biotech and pharmaceutical industries for a day of insightful presentations, scientific discussion and valuable networking.
With drug discovery venturing beyond the conventional Rule of Five constraints into more intricate modalities, the session delved into the evolving landscape of DMPK strategies, assays, analytical technologies, and investigative models designed to bolster contemporary drug development. Throughout the day, attendees exchanged ideas, experiences, and discussed practical approaches to generating reliable data when working at the extremes of chemical space. Topics included low clearance compounds, highly bound molecules, advanced analytical technologies, radiolabelling strategies and next-generation investigative models.
Through scientific talks, lively discussion/Q&A sessions and plenty of casual conversation the meeting offered a unique environment that fostered scientific exchange and communication throughout the DMPK community.
Event Highlights
Outstanding Scientific Engagement
The event generated excellent discussion throughout the day, sharing perspectives on current development challenges and future opportunities across small molecules, biologics and emerging modalities.
Reflecting on the event, speaker Simon Teague noted the quality of the scientific exchange during the day:
“The engagement during the presentations was fantastic. People asked thoughtful questions, discussed their own experiences, and kept the discussions going long after the sessions had finished. Events like this are invaluable because they bring people together, spark new ideas, and create opportunities for future collaborations. What really stood out for me was the quality of the conversations we had throughout the day. It was great to sit down with both biotech and pharmaceutical scientists, hear about the challenges they’re facing, and discuss how we might help. Those face-to-face discussions always give you a greater understanding of what clients need, especially as projects become more complex and diverse.“
Posters from the Lunch and Learn
During the day, several scientific posters were a great topic for discussion. You can download your copy of the posters here:
- Qualifying a Human PK Projection Strategy Approach with Clinical Data: Four Examples from Phase 1
- Evaluation of an IDAS2-PAMPA Two Stage in vitro System for Assessing Passive Permeability of Small Molecules
- Accurate Measurement of Plasma Protein Binding for Highly Bound Compounds: Method Validation Future Work
- Optimising Intestinal Tissue Exposure of Locally Acting Drugs using an in vivo Informed PBPK Modelling Approach
- Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS): Evolution of AMS and AMS-enabled Clinical Sample Analysis
- Synthesis of Tritium and Carbon-14 Labelled Peptides for Metabolism and Distribution Studies
- Tritium-labelling of Oligonucleotide Therapeutics for in vivo ADME Studies
Key Topics Explored
Experts from across Pharmaron’s DMPK organisation shared practical insights and case studies covering:
- Adapting DMPK assays for low-turnover compounds
- Measuring fraction unbound for highly protein-bound molecules
- Advanced mass spectrometry and accelerator mass spectrometry applications
- Radiolabelling strategies for complex modalities
- Emerging investigative and mechanistic models
- Approaches to reduce reliance on in vivo studies while maintaining scientific rigour and translational relevance
These sessions highlighted how DMPK scientists are dealing with the challenges associated with increasingly complex molecules and supporting successful candidate progression through discovery and development.
Networking and Collaboration
One of the most valuable aspects of the event was the opportunity for researchers and industry colleagues to connect in person. The venue provided an excellent setting for conversations that extended beyond the presentations, enabling attendees to discuss the real-world issues they face, exchange experiences and explore future collaboration opportunities.
The warm summer weather provided the perfect backdrop for networking during lunch and refreshments, helping to create a relaxed and engaging atmosphere throughout the day.
Natalie Windle praised the collaborative effort behind the event and the positive response from attendees:
“The Oxford Lunch & Learn was a brilliant day and a real team effort. It was fantastic to see so many people engaging with the presentations, asking questions and sharing their own perspectives. There was a real buzz in the room throughout the day. For me, one of the highlights was having the chance to connect with both new and familiar faces from across the industry. The conversations were incredibly positive, and it was rewarding to hear attendees tell us how much they valued the event.“
Bringing Together the DMPK Community
As drug discovery continues to push into increasingly complex areas of chemical and biological space, events such as these are an opportunity to share knowledge, challenge assumptions and discuss emerging solutions.
We would like to thank all attendees, speakers and organisers who contributed to the success of the day. The enthusiasm, engagement and quality of discussions reinforced the value of bringing together the DMPK community to explore scientific challenges and advance innovation in drug discovery and development.
Continue the Conversation
Pharmaron’s integrated DMPK platform supports drug discovery and development programmes across small molecules, peptides, oligonucleotides, ADCs, biologics and emerging modalities.
