Founded in 2004, the Korean Society of Nonclinical Studies (KSNS) has grown over two decades to become Korea’s leading nonclinical research organization, fostering knowledge and experience exchange.
The 50th KSNS Autumn Workshop will be held on October 15–16, 2026, at Alpensia Resort in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Medicilon will participate, and Dr. Weizhong Zhang from the Pharmacology Department will be at booth #48.
The workshop will feature a special session on emerging drug development trends, including TPD, ADC, and therapeutic peptides. Medicilon, a premier preclinical R&D service platform for biopharmaceuticals in China, welcomes discussions on technical challenges in these areas.
Dr. Weizhong Zhang
Director of Cancer Pharmacology
Medicilon
Dr. Weizhong Zhang received his Honored Bachelor of Chemical Technology from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 2013. He obtained his PhD in Chemistry from the University of Georgia, USA, in 2019. His doctoral research focused on nanobiomedicine, cancer theranostics, bioimaging, drug delivery and tumor immunology.
From 2019 to 2021, Dr. Zhang worked as a postdoctoral research associate in Prof. Jin Xie’s group at the University of Georgia. He led research projects covering remodeling of the tumor immune microenvironment, application of macrophage-based delivery systems, targeted killing of cancer-associated fibroblasts, and enhancement of immunogenic cell death in tumors.
Dr. Zhang joined the Pharmacology Department of Medicilon in October 2021 as a Principal Investigator for preclinical pharmacodynamic studies. He is an expert in tumor organoid models, with extensive expertise in establishing a wide range of in vitro and in vivo tumor models as well as conducting preclinical pharmacological studies. In May 2023, he was awarded the postdoctoral certificate from the joint postdoctoral training program between Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Medicilon.
Focusing on Cutting-Edge Therapies
This workshop will comprehensively showcase breakthrough research advances in cutting-edge fields such as targeted protein degradation (TPD), antibody-drug conjugates (ADC), therapeutic peptides, and theranostic radiopharmaceuticals. At the same time, the fields of pharmacokinetics and toxicology will also present the latest results in animal models, cardiotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and other areas.
These cutting-edge directions are highly aligned with Medicilon’s core business platforms. In tumor pharmacodynamics, Medicilon has established 800 tumor efficacy evaluation models and 300 non-tumor efficacy evaluation animal models, covering multiple drug modalities. Medicilon continues to strengthen and improve its R&D service platforms for new molecular modalities such as ADC, PROTAC, nucleic acid drugs, peptide drugs, and CGT, accumulating mature technology platforms and successful case studies.
Unlocking Next-Generation Models
This workshop explores cutting-edge technologies like organoid platforms in nonclinical evaluation, AI and mechanistic modeling (PBPK/QSP) for optimizing nonclinical development, and non-human primate models for advanced biologics and diseases like age-related macular degeneration.
Medicilon is a leader in these areas, having established a NAMs service platform that integrates AI, human cell models, and organoids. This platform encompasses AI drug discovery, in vitro safety assessment, tumor organoid PDXO, and PBPK platforms. By combining organoids, computational simulation, and AI, Medicilon aims to enhance human-relevant predictions and decrease reliance on animal testing.
In the organoid field, Medicilon has developed 36 PDXO models for various cancers, creating a complementary system with animal efficacy models.
Medicilon also focuses on oncology, liver, nervous system, and intestinal diseases, building high-quality organoid culture and biobank systems. Their multidimensional alternative toxicity evaluation platform, integrating microphysiological systems and high-content imaging, provides a strong foundation for NAMs to support IND submissions.
Medicilon’s expertise is further recognized by its role in drafting the “Technical Specification for Drug Toxicity Evaluation Based on Organoid Models,” with Dr. Weizhong Zhang receiving individual honors. These capabilities align perfectly with the workshop’s “next-generation models” theme, and Dr. Zhang’s experience in organoid technology for tumor pharmacology will offer valuable insights.
Safeguarding Nonclinical Safety
This workshop highlights crucial safety aspects in drug development, featuring sessions on toxicology and risk assessment for drug-induced liver injury, nonclinical evaluation of advanced biologics in non-human primates, and iPSC-derived organoid cardiotoxicity models.
Medicilon offers comprehensive preclinical safety evaluation services, including cardiac safety assessments from cellular to whole-animal levels, hERG screening, and cardiovascular telemetry.
Come talk to us in Pyeongchang
This workshop is not only the best window to learn about the latest nonclinical research trends in Korea, but also an important bridge for nonclinical experts from China, Korea, and around the world to establish collaborative connections. Medicilon sincerely invites you to visit Booth #48 at the 50th KSNS Autumn Workshop. Meet face-to-face with Dr. Weizhong Zhang and Medicilon’s expert team to discuss technical challenges and collaboration opportunities in new drug R&D.
- Date: October 15 (Thursday) – 16 (Friday), 2026
- Venue: Alpensia Resort, Pyeongchang, South Korea
- Medicilon Booth: #48
We look forward to meeting you in Pyeongchang to explore the latest trends in nonclinical research and help accelerate innovative therapies toward clinical development!
