Since its creation sixteen years ago the Society of Biomolecular Sciences has worked to promote its vision of advancing the science of drug discovery through holding a series of quality scientific symposia across North America and Europe. These symposia have provided a meeting place between scientists interested in pre- candidate drug discovery from the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and academic sectors to hear cutting-edge science from industry leading speakers, to network and share knowledge around the technologies applied to pre-candidate drug discovery and to meet with members of the vendor community at the vendor exhibitions that are a major component of all SBS meetings.

In recent years, there has been significant growth within the drug-discovery community in China and elsewhere in Asia. Starting with the growth of the CRO sector, many pharmaceutical companies have now established research and development centers in China and there is an emerging and vibrant academic and biotechnology community elsewhere in Asia. This conference, the first of a planned series of annual meetings of SBS in China, will bring to China the traditional strengths of SBS as a forum for sharing best practices in drug discovery.

With leading speakers from China and elsewhere, this symposium will explore the state of the art of small molecule drug discovery focusing on the challenges and recent advances associated with assay development, compound management and compound screening. Other sessions will explore the two most tractable target classes-enzymes and G-protein coupled receptors-and will include a series of presentations highlighting successful drug discovery organizations within China and elsewhere in Asia.

This conference will offer a unique opportunity to meet leaders in the field from Europe, North America and China. The meeting will be complemented by a vendor exhibition which will provide opportunities for attendees to learn about advances in the application of novel drug discovery technologies.

On behalf of SBS and the organizing committee, we would like to invite you to join us in Shanghai on the 7th through 9th December at the launch of SBS in China.