Targeting epigenetic modifiers and readers, particularly histone methyltransferases, demethylases and bromodomain-containing proteins have recently set the foundation for a new generation of anti-cancer drugs. Over the past few years, several companies have developed and successfully moved novel compounds targeting EZH2, DOT1L, LSD1, and a collection of BET bromodomain inhibitors into clinical studies. As these compounds continue to progress, developers are now focused on the discovery of new targets and designing novel inhibitors to expand into this robust target space. Of particular interest for discovery are non-BET bromodomain proteins and methyl lysine readers; arginine methyltransferases; and JmjC-domain containing demethylases.

Cambridge Healthtech Institute will once again convene leaders in Epigenetic Inhibitor Discovery to bring forth novel and emerging strategies for inhibition, new bioactive tools and inhibitors, as well as strategies for lead optimization to obtain clinically relevant small molecules.