logo

Menu

Tracks

Special Session: Computational tools for the effective design of mRNA-based therapeutics

Computational tools for the effective design of mRNA-based therapeutics

Duccio MediniDuccio Medini
Fernando Ulloa MontoyaFernando Ulloa Montoya

mRNA therapeutics have revolutionized the development of biologic products, yet their promise as a universal platform is contingent on shifting from empirical trial-and-error to predictive, computation-driven design.

Current pipelines are often hindered by lengthy screenings based on unreliable experimental models. To address this, diverse AI strategies—including Transformers, Graph Neural Networks (GNNs), and Generative Deep Learning—are being deployed to navigate the vast combinatorial space of mRNA and delivery systems.

In this special session, we cover three critical frontiers, and their integration into multi-objective optimisation strategies:

  • Construct Optimization: Multi-objective design of UTRs, coding sequences, and poly(A)-tails to balance mRNA stability with cell-specific translation efficiency.
  • Design for Manufacturability: Computational strategies to identify and mitigate sequence-dependent bottlenecks in both batch and next-generation continuous-flow manufacturing.
  • Formulation Engineering: Data-driven and physics-based methods to optimize Lipid Nanoparticles (LNPs), targeting improved biodistribution, specific tissue delivery, and optimal pKa profiles.

These approaches aim to establish a universal design paradigm that democratizes and accelerates the development of mRNA medicines, unlocking a new era in precision biotechnology.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

mRNA TherapeuticsGenerative Deep LearningSequence-to-Function MappingLipid Nanoparticle (LNP) OptimizationCodon & UTR EngineeringTranslational BioinformaticsDesign for Manufacturability (DfM)

How to submit

Researchers interested in contributing to this Special Session are invited to submit a short paper via the CIBB submission system. Full submission instructions can be found here: Conference website

Submission deadline: May 3rd, 2026

Bio

Duccio Medini is Chief Science & Technology Officer at BioForge and a scientist with extensive experience in computational vaccinology and systems approaches to vaccine and therapeutic design. His work focuses on integrating data science and immunology to accelerate the development of next-generation biologics and democratize access to mRNA technologies as a platform.

Fernando UlloaMontoya is the Head of Data and Computational Sciences at the mRNA Center of Excellence in Sanofi. He leads a global team of data and computational scientists integrating and leveraging data, AI and computational methods across the entire pharmaceutical value chain—from mRNA design and pre-clinical studies to clinical trials, process development and manufacturing. He has a degree in Biochemical Engineering from the Instituto Politécnico Nacional in Mexico. an M.S. degree in Chemical Engineering at Washington State University and holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Minnesota.

Key Dates

  • Short paper deadline: May 3rd, 2026
  • Acceptance notification: June 15th, 2026
  • Camera-ready: July 7th, 2026
  • Conference: September 2-4, 2026, Rome

How to Submit

  • Format: 4-6 pages, Submissions template available here
  • System: EasyChair
  • At least one author must register

Publication

Contacts