Greetings and a warm welcome to the International Conference on Molecular Diagnostics & Biomarker Discovery (MDBD 2019) in Penang.

 

This will be our 4th MDBD with the theme of “Antibody Technology”. With recent breakthroughs in immunotherapy, biologics are set to lead the way in treatment of diseases in the near future. As one of the dominant biologic formats, monoclonal antibodies stand ready to capitalise on this, building on two decades offered of exciting advancements in the treatment of cancer, and soon other type of diseases. Aside from therapeutics, diagnostics also benefits from the development of antibody technology especially in the reduction of time required from the bench to a readily available diagnostics.

 

This conference is designed for experts in both the industry and academia and will explore the latest advances in antibody-based technology for diagnostics and therapeutics that can then be applied to infectious diseases, chronic diseases, and oncology. DNA/RNA aptamers and other non-antibody scaffolds are also a focus in this conference as they are currently one of the key alternative to antibodies as a binder. The size of these non-antibody scaffolds and its specificity rivals that of an antibody and could potentially be used hand in hand with antibodies for both diagnostics and therapeutics. The conference will involve talks from industry and academic leading experts who will be able to discuss the recent developments of the field, as well as exploring the potential of new antibodies and the antibody-mimicking aptamers.

 

In addition, this conference not only is important to highlight recent advancement in the field but is also part of Universiti Sains Malaysia’s 50th anniversary marking our committment to science and technology as well as bringing people together to share knowledge. We are delighted to offer a comprehensive programme of world-leading plenary speakers, early career researchers, academic and industrial experts, as well as many informative presentations, posters and exhibition booths. The conference aims to encourage effective knowledge sharing, networking and socializing.

 

Despite the busy schedule, we hope you will be able to enjoy Penang, also known as Pearl of the Orient. A fascinating fusion of the East and West, Penang embraces modernity while retaining its traditions and old world charm. These are reflected in its harmonious multiracial populace and well-preserved heritage buildings which led to George Town being accorded a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 2008. Long regarded as the food capital of Malaysia, Penang also entices visitors with its beautiful coasts and scrumptious cuisines.