The REMEDi4ALL Bootcamps are short, in-person focused training events that provide the chance to meet others in the repurposing field, engage with experts and discuss vital repurposing topics. This year, REMEDi4ALL hosted bootcamps targeted at academics and patients to boost their drug repurposing knowledge.
Patient Voices at the Forefront in Barcelona
Last week, more than 30 patient representatives from across Europe gathered in Barcelona for the first-ever REMEDi4ALL Repurposing Bootcamp for Patient Representatives. This unique event was dedicated to empowering patients with the knowledge and tools to actively participate in drug repurposing research.
Through a dynamic mix of interactive sessions, real-world case studies, and expert-led discussions, participants explored the complexities of drug repurposing and how to ensure the patient voice is integrated into the drug repurposing landscape.
Key highlights include:
- Lindsay Randall opened the day sharing her perspective as a mother and patient advocate, with the story of repurposing of PBA for SLC6A1, a rare neurological condition.
- Alicia Soler from EATRIS introduced the REMEDi4ALL project, outlining its goals, the critical path for repurposing, and aims to establish a patient-centric drug repurposing platform.
- Rick Thompson, CEO of Beacon for Rare Diseases, offered practical guidance for patient organisations looking to get started in repurposing
- Madhu Madhusudhan, Head of Charity and Patient Engagement at LifeArc and Dalma Hosszú, Head of Patient Centricity and Engagement at Syreon Research Institute outlined how patient organisations could decide which projects to invest their time in.
The afternoon featured a collaborative brainstorming session where participants mapped out how patients can contribute across the entire drug repurposing lifecycle—from early discovery to post-market impact. Moreover, participants had the opportunity to play Repurpolis, a bespoke board game designed to demonstrate the entire drug repurposing pathway.
Academic Excellence at the Wellcome Genome Campus
Meanwhile, earlier this year in Cambridge, the REMEDi4ALL Drug Repurposing Bootcamp for Academics brought together 16 researchers for an intensive two-day training at the Wellcome Genome Campus.
This bootcamp focused on equipping researchers with the skills and strategies needed to navigate the complex landscape of drug repurposing, focusing on key topics including developing a repurposing strategy, navigating regulatory and funding pathways for repurposed drugs as well as engaging stakeholders and fostering collaboration.
Participants benefited from expert insights provided by:
- Prof. Julian Sampson (Cardiff University)
- Dan O’Connor (ABPI)
- Experts from Beacon for Rare Diseases, EATRIS, ZonMw, and Fraunhofer ITMP
The event fostered a collaborative environment where researchers could exchange ideas, build networks, and gain practical knowledge to drive their repurposing projects forward.
Thank you to all who joined us for the inaugural REMEDi4ALL Bootcamps! For more information and opportunities to get involved along with other training opportunities, please visit the REMEDi4ALL Repurposing Academy and Bootcamps homepage.
