Glycosaminoglycan Symposyum
In order to promote exchange of scientific information, the Ronzoni Institute organizes in collaboration with the University of Heidelberg/Mannheim the Glycosaminoglycan symposium
Annual meeting Villa Vigoni
The Glycosaminoglycan Symposium is organized in collaboration with the University of Heidelberg/Mannheim (Prof. J. Harenberg) and takes place in Villa Vigoni (Loveno, Lake Como). Started as Italian-German meetings (the villa is owned by the German Government), the symposia have become more and more international, with eminent specialists from all over the world invited to contribute to discussion of topics of actual or emerging interest in the field of chemistry, biochemistry, biology, pharmacology, and clinical applications of heparin and other glycosaminoglycans. Both basic and applied aspects will be covered and discussed, with about twenty percent of participants being associated with industrial companies. Participation in the symposium (only by invitation) is limited to a maximum of 70 participants. This year, the topics selected for discussions include: approaches to establish structure-activity relationships with special emphasis on inflammation and cancer, low- and ultra-low molecular weight heparins and heparin oligosaccharides, biotechnological heparins and heparan sulfates, and clinical pharmacology assessment of heparins and non-GAG antithrombotic agents. The sensitive issue of heparin contaminants and open issues in the development of generic LMW-heparins will also be covered. Keynote speakers will outline the state-of-the art in each field and present novel results. A sufficient time will be allotted to in-depth discussion. The informal, workshop-like character of the symposia and the pleasant surroundings of the villa traditionally stimulate also after-session interactions among participants.