Produced by C&EN Webinars

Integrating New Approach Methodologies to De-risk CNS Drug Discovery

DATE

October 21, 2026

TIME

8:00 a.m. PT | 11:00 a.m. ET | 4:00 p.m. UK

Overview

Central nervous system (CNS)-related adverse events remain a significant source of late-stage attrition and can be difficult to predict using traditional approaches alone. However, as regulatory agencies increasingly support New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), drug discoverers have new opportunities to identify CNS safety risks earlier in development and with greater potential translatability.

In this webinar, we will discuss an integrated strategy that can be used for improving early CNS safety assessment, which combines secondary pharmacology profiling, targeted liability screening, and in vitro translational models. Through the use of case studies in context of emerging regulatory perspectives, attendees will learn how a multi-layered NAM-based approach can improve drug candidate quality, reduce development risks, and build greater confidence in the safety profile of both CNS and non-CNS therapeutics.

Key Learning Objectives:

Understand how NAMs are shaping the future of CNS safety assessment
Learn how off-target screening can identify CNS liabilities earlier
Explore strategies for assessing seizure, abuse, and neurotoxicity risks
Discover how translational neuronal models improve safety prediction
See how integrated safety data can support better candidate selection
Review real-world examples of CNS de-risking in drug discovery

Who Should Attend:

Drug discoverers
Large pharma
Biotech companies
Virtual companies
Venture capitalists
CSO, CEO, CTO, heads of biology, chemistry, screening, program leaders, research scientists, scientists, consultants

Sponsored by:

Speakers

Alastair J. King, Ph.D.
Head of Biology,
Eurofins Discovery

Registration

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Secondary pharmacology screening

iPSC-derived neuronal cellular assays

Cytotoxicity assays in other primary cell types

In vivo toxicology

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Not currently performing CNS safety screening

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