Speaker Profile
Ph.D., MBA, Professor/CEO, OHSU/PDX Pharma
Biography
Dr. Wassana Yantasee received her PhD in Chemical Engineering and MBA from Oregon State University in 2001. She has served as a principal investigator on numerous NIH-SBIR projects focusing on nano-based combination therapy and immunotherapy by applying her versatile delivery platform, Pdx-NP, to develop various cancer therapeutics and vaccines. Dr. Yantasee has received multiple honors, including the Ronald L. Brodzinski Early Career Scientific Achievement Award, the Council of Outstanding Early Career Engineer Award, and corporate philanthropy awards. She was inducted into the National Academy of Inventors and is a Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering. She has published more than 70 peer-reviewed papers, is an inventor on over 50 patent applications, and has served on more than 40 scientific review panels for federal grant programs.
Talk
Nano-delivery platform for rapid drug development
AI is transforming drug discovery by rapidly identifying promising targets. However, many targets are not druggable, and multiple pathways often need to be targeted simultaneously for a lasting response. The Pdx-NP platform is capable of delivering multiple types of drugs to both cancer cells and immune cells, helping to realize the promise of AI.
AI for Emerging Therapeutics Showcase:
OHSU/PDX Pharmaceuticals
PDX Pharmaceuticals, in collaboration with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), has received multiple NCI awards and investments to advance five cancer drug candidates based on its Pdx-NP platform for delivering synergistic drug cargos. This work has led to numerous high-impact publications, more than 40 patent applications, and the training of many next-generation cancer researchers.
Session Abstract – PMWC 2026 Silicon Valley
The PMWC 2026 AI for Emerging Therapeutics Showcase will provide a 15-30 minute time slot for selected companies to explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence in accelerating the discovery, development, and optimization of novel therapeutic modalities. From predictive algorithms for drug efficacy to real-time analysis in clinical trials, AI is revolutionizing the way we approach emerging therapies, including RNA-based treatments, gene editing, and personalized medicine. Industry leaders and experts will discuss AI-driven advancements, collaborative frameworks, and the challenges of integrating cutting-edge technologies into therapeutic innovation. Join us for an in-depth look at how AI is shaping the future of breakthrough therapeutics.
