We’re delighted to welcome Sotirios Sotiriou, Principal Scientist in Discovery Oncology at Roche, as a featured speaker at the 9th DDR Inhibitors Summit 2026 in Boston. With a strong background in molecular and cell biology and extensive experience translating scientific insights into innovative therapeutic strategies, Sotirios brings a unique and valuable perspective to this year’s event. He’s at the forefront of research addressing key challenges in the DNA damage response (DDR) landscape - from improving predictive biomarkers to expanding the clinical impact of DDR-directed therapies, and will share his insights on how collaboration and translational science are driving the next wave of progress in targeted oncology. Join us for his session and gain firsthand insight into emerging opportunities and strategic approaches shaping the future of DDR inhibitor development.
Could you give a brief introduction to yourself, your role, and your experience in the industry?
I am a Principal Scientist in Discovery Oncology at Roche, leading efforts to translate molecular insights into new therapeutic opportunities for cancer patients. I trained in molecular and cell biology at the University of Geneva and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and I co-founded FoRx Therapeutics.
What do you believe are the biggest challenges the industry is facing at the moment, and how can we look to overcome these?
One of the major challenges in the DDR field is the limited availability of robust predictive biomarkers and the difficulty in achieving sufficient depth of efficacy to ensure an optimal therapeutic index. Overcoming this will require deeper biological understanding, improved translational tools, and closer collaboration across discovery, preclinical, and clinical teams to better match patient populations with the right therapeutic approaches.
What do you think is the most exciting opportunity in this field right now?
Two areas stand out as particularly exciting opportunities:
- Rational combination strategies that can enhance therapeutic index and broaden the patient populations who may benefit.
- Using DDR inhibitors as payloads in antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs), which opens new avenues for targeted delivery and improved efficacy.
Why do you feel it is important for everyone to come together at the DDR Inhibitors Summit this year?
We have accumulated extensive learnings over the past several years—scientifically, clinically, and technologically. The 2026 meeting provides a timely forum to reflect on these insights, discuss emerging directions, and collectively shape the future of DDR therapeutics to drive the next wave of innovation and success.
What are you most looking forward to about joining us as a speaker?
I am very much looking forward to engaging with experts across the entire spectrum—from target identification to clinical development. These discussions are invaluable for strengthening the DDR inhibitor landscape and advancing the field together.