Program

The topic of the 45th Annual Symposium on June 21–24 in San Diego, CA, is “The Pulse of Progress: Advancing Knowledge in Cardiovascular Toxicity.” Translational research, integrated assessments, and applications of new approach methods (NAMs) will be the themes underpinning the exciting scientific agenda. A contemporary focus on the cardiovascular system as an important target of both drug-induced and environmental toxicity for 2026 is both timely and highly relevant, while also offering a compelling framework to examine and illustrate these emerging topics in toxicologic pathology.

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Joseph Wu, MD, PhD, to deliver the Keynote. Dr. Wu is the current Director of the Stanford Cardiovascular Institute at Stanford University and, as physician scientist, will offer a unique perspective as an innovator in the use of human-derived modeling systems to study translational cardiovascular disease and drug-related toxicity, which will set the foundation for our scientific sessions. This forward-looking symposium will not only highlight current advancements in cardiovascular safety assessment, but explore innovative technologies, emerging methodologies and model systems, and recent regulatory developments that impact the field at large.

The first scientific session co-chaired by Drs. Kathy Gabrielson, DVM, PhD, and Brian Berridge, DVM, PhD, DACVP, will focus on translation of key cardiovascular safety liabilities to the clinic as well as the environment, including a talk on clinical cardiovascular imaging and reverse translation. In the afternoon, we are also pleased to welcome the partnership of our safety pharmacology colleagues for a joint session on integrated safety assessment co-chaired by Drs. Rebecca Kohnken, DVM, PhD, DACVP, and Hugo Vargas, PhD, DSP. Tuesday morning’s regulatory development session will be chaired by Drs. Heath Thomas, DVM, PhD, DACVP, and Todd Bourcier, PhD, and will feature talks on immune-mediated cardiotoxicity and prothrombotic risk.

Wednesday’s sessions will explore the emerging paradigms in cardiovascular safety assessment with a morning session chaired by Drs. Deidre Dalmas, BS, MS, PhD, and Vinicius Carreira, DVM, PhD, DACVP, DABT, including talks on integration of nonclinical and clinical biomarker strategies and non-traditional model systems. That afternoon’s session chaired by Drs. Dan Rudmann, DVM, PhD, DACVP, FIATP, and Mike Boyle, DVM PhD, DACVP, DABT, FIATP, will feature discussions on the use of digital pathology, AI, and predictive models to reduce drug failures due to cardiovascular toxicity.

By using the cardiovascular system as a point of focus, this symposium aims to foster cross-disciplinary learning and forward-thinking discussion—delivering an impactful and wide-reaching program. Together with the scientific program, there will be many chances for interaction and knowledge-sharing including poster presentations, continuing education courses, and opportunities for student mentorship. Please join us for these fascinating discussions and engagement with your colleagues in sunny San Diego!