The discovery of novel bioactive compounds for the development of original drugs is of high importance, and peptides represent a class of molecules with a huge potential that have not yet been deeply investigated. Therapeutic peptides and peptide-like compounds have shown great promise in treating various major health problems including pain, hypertension, haemostasis, and inflammatory and infectious diseases.

Bioactive peptides are particularly abundant in nature and most of them can be grouped into three major families: peptidic hormones, toxins and antimicrobial peptides. Although closely related, there is surprisingly little interaction among these three areas. One of the primary goals of the NP2D congress is to bring together worldwide leading experts from these fields.

NP2D focuses on cutting-edge aspects of peptide science, from discovery to market. The most exciting recent developments related to discovery programmes, molecular characterisation, target receptor identification, peptide-receptor mapping, molecular pharmacology, structure-function studies and protein engineering will be adressed by specialists with worldwide recognition.

This year's event will emphasise aspects related to biodiversity, drug targeting, formulation and innovative drug delivery systems. Topics will also include design and optimisation of lead compounds to pre-clinical and clinical development, large-scale production of synthetic or recombinant peptides. Bioethics, intellectual property rights and regulatory hurdles will also be addressed.

Furthermore, our roundtable discussion will be organised to debate key issues and strategies for the funding of peptide R&D. This will be illustrated by a panel of experts from different horizons who will discuss public funding, venture capital money, business angels, industrial research agreements, licensing deals, mergers and acquisitions.

In addition to our previously succesfull "Hot-Spot" short oral scientific presentations, we are particularly eager to introduce a new session of "Lift-Presentations" that will be dedicated to original business announcements or product launches. A few lift-presentation slots will be offered specifically to our sponsors and we expect this to be a dynamic "high throughput" session with presentations lasting 3 to 5 minutes each at most.

This original approach to the various aspects of natural peptides with therapeutic potential is aimed at stimulating the valorisation of complementarities and at generating opportunities for multidisciplinary interactions. Outstanding worldwide scientists of diverse specialties and eager to discuss all aspects of their research will attend what we will do our best to make again an unprecedented event.