BIO news: The summit of peptide science

Roche Colorado Corporation, a manufacturing division of pharma giant Roche, has announced what is thought to be the US' first conference dedicated exclusively to peptide chemistry.

The event, the Roche Colorado Corporation Peptide Summit (RCCPS 07), will be held in Boulder, Colorado, from September 25 to 28. Keynote speakers include Annelise Barron from Northwestern University in Illinois, Stephen Kent from the University of Chicago and Shibo Jiang from the Kimball Research Institute in New York.

Ralph DiLibero, Roche Colorado's director of business development, said the conference will cover everything from the genesis of peptide discovery through to large-scale manufacturing.

Sessions will be dedicated to peptide chemistry, analytical and biophysical methods, peptide structure and function and peptides in the clinic.

"One unique event on Friday (the 28th) is a partnering event so that those involved in peptide drug development will have a chance to interface with Roche Pharmaceuticals directly in case there are licensing opportunities," DiLibero said.

It will also feature an annual award for peptide chemists in the name of Professor Johann Meienhofer, a distinguished Roche peptide chemist.

For more information go to www.rochecolorado.com/RCCPS07.htm