Meet the Speaker
We’re pleased to spotlight Prof. Mads Daugaard, Co-founder, President & Chief Scientific Officer of Rakovina Therapeutics, as a featured thought leader at the 9th DDR Inhibitors Summit 2026 in Boston. A world-renowned expert in DNA damage response biology and translational cancer research, Prof. Daugaard brings deep scientific insight and entrepreneurial experience to the Summit’s exploration of next-generation DDR-targeted therapies. At the event, he’ll discuss Rakovina’s AI-enabled discovery platform and its role in accelerating innovative DDR programs from preclinical lead selection toward impactful therapeutic strategies, while also joining panel conversations on academic entrepreneurship and investment-science alignment in oncology.
Could you give a brief introduction to yourself, your role, and your experience in the industry?
I am an associate Professor at UBC and a Senior Research Scientist at the Vancouver Prostate Centre. My research focusses on DNA damage and repair (DDR) mechanisms and how we can exploit vulnerabilities in this system for therapeutic interventions. I have co-founded 5 biotech companies during my career based on my research, the most relevant for this meeting being Rakovina Therapeutics that specializes in development of next-generation small-molecule inhibitors of the DDR system in cancer.
What do you believe are the biggest challenges the industry is facing at the moment, and how can we look to overcome these?
In the DDR drug development field, I think our biggest challenges are limited understanding of how to deploy specific inhibitors in an optimal genetic/biological context, access to the CNS for treating brain metastasis and primary tumors, as well as escape knowledge on escape/resistance pathways for tumor cells.
What do you think is the most exciting opportunity in this field right now?
Correct deployment of current therapies, novel drugs against new targets, and the ability to facilitate blood-brain-barrier penetration of the small-molecules.
Why do you feel it is important for everyone to come together at the DDR Inhibitors Summit this year?
The DDR space is one of the most promising areas of cancer drug development where we still have lots to learn.
What are you most looking forward to about joining us as a speaker?
I am looking forward to share my thoughts on drug development in the DDR field and share my experience on academia-industry relations.
Can you give us a sneak peek into your presentation?
I will share my thoughts on how AI can be utilized for the benefit of drug development, and give examples from the pipeline of Rakovina Therapeutics.
Explore the Agenda
Hear the latest industry breakthroughs and gain exclusive insights during our packed agenda, interactive roundtables, and panel discussions.
Partner With Us
Position yourself alongside other leading solution providers to ensure your brand is at the heart of biopharma deals.
Join DDR Experts
Be part of the hottest conversations with like-minded attendees spanning all stages of drug development and make critical connections during our dedicated networking sessions.