Pediatric Grand Rounds (CME): Brain in a Dish, Cure in a Pipeline: Organoid-Based Drug Discovery for Neuropsychiatric Diseases

October 06, 2026

The Harvey J. Cohen, MD, PhD, Endowed Lectureship in Pediatrics
Brain in a Dish, Cure in a Pipeline: Organoid-Based Drug Discovery for Neuropsychiatric Diseases

PRESENTER
Anca M. Hrastinski, MD
Assistant Professor, Neonatal & Developmental Medicine,
Stanford School of Medicine
Speaker Profile
 

SESSION DESCRIPTION
In this session we will review the potential of brain organoids derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) as tools for understanding human brain development, function and injury. We will also review data about the role of organoids as novel, high-throughput platforms for drug discovery.

EDUCATION GOALS

  • Review the biology of early brain development in humans and why are sick neonates at such high risk for neurodevelopmental injuries.
  • Learn about brain organoid technologies as a platform for understanding the biology of human brain development and injury, and as a tool for high-throughput drug screening and drug discovery.
  • Understand the current regulations for drug development from FDA, and how iPSCs from children with specific disorders could drive personalized and effective drug discovery in pediatrics and beyond.

 

LOCATION (in-person)
Center for Academic Medicine
Grand Rounds Room
453 Quarry Road, 
Palo Alto, CA 94304

 

ZOOM INFORMATION
Register to attend this session via Zoom here.

 

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CME ACCREDITATION
This session is eligible for CME credit. To claim CME credit, text code to (844) 560-1904 to confirm attendance. A new code will be provided at beginning of the session.

Full event information: https://med.stanford.edu/pediatrics/education/grandrounds.html

Location: Center for Academic Medicine