FOP Drug Development Forum

In support of our vision for safe and transformative therapies for people with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), the International FOP Association (IFOPA) is hosting the 7th FOP Drug Development Forum (DDF) on August 27-30, 2026, in Toronto, Canada. The 2026 DDF will be offered as a hybrid event with both in-person and virtual attendance options. A Welcome Dinner will be held on Thursday, August 27.

The 7th FOP Drug Development Forum is intended for researchers, clinician scientists, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry employees involved in FOP and heterotopic ossification research and drug development, as well as employees of regulatory agencies responsible for the oversight of clinical drug development in rare disorders.

Key Objectives of the DDF

• Advance research knowledge and collaboration among all members of the FOP research and development community through the sharing and discussion of emerging FOP data

• Highlight gaps in our current understanding of FOP disease pathogenesis that could offer new therapeutic options

• Create opportunities for biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, academic researchers, and clinician scientists to collaborate on shared challenges

Among rare disorders, the FOP research space is one of the most active and exciting. The first-ever treatment for FOP is now approved in select countries, and there are currently four active FOP clinical trials. However, there is still an abundance of preclinical research with the potential to be translated into safe and effective new medicines to help all individuals living with FOP worldwide. Until there is a cure for FOP, the research community must continue to explore and advance new therapeutic modalities and technologies for their potential to manage the severely disabling and debilitating effects and symptoms of FOP and prevent their recurrence. 

Event Format

The 7th FOP DDF agenda is designed to maximize dialogue and information exchange and to foster an environment of collaboration, as well as constructive criticism, among participants.

This year’s event will include elements similar to prior DDFs, including short-duration “FOP Talks,” grouped into sessions covering learnings from clinical trials, observational research, and rational drug design. To continue to feed the FOP research and development pipeline until safe, effective and tolerable treatments are available to all those who need them, this year’s DDF will include sessions on new insights on the underlying biology of FOP and heterotopic ossification, the impact of ACVR1 mutations on the normal development of non-bone tissues, and on advances in drug-repurposing for the treatment of FOP.

As always, the agenda will include panel discussions (including a voice of the patient panel) and time for questions at the end of each “FOP Talks” session. We will leave ample time for informal discussion and connection over coffee breaks and meals.

Virtual Attendance

Registrants can attend virtually to watch the sessions remotely. DDF sessions are NOT posted on the IFOPA website or YouTube channel. You must be registered to watch virtually or attend the DDF in person.

Your DDF registration fee includes the August 27 Welcome Dinner plus breakfast, lunch, and a reception with hors d'oeuvres on both August 28 and 29. Breakfast on August 30 is also included, along with coffee breaks each day in the morning and afternoon. Please note that registration rates increase on June 1.

Complimentary registrations are included with DDF sponsorship. If you are interested in attending, please first confirm whether your company plans to sponsor the event, as you may be able to use one of their complimentary registrations.

*Please keep in mind that the IFOPA is a nonprofit organization and doesn't profit from this conference. Please only request this registration fee reduction if absolutely necessary for your participation. 

Email ddf@ifopa.org to receive a code to discount your registration.

If you plan to bring a guest to the DDF, they are welcome to join us at the Welcome Dinner on Thursday, August 27. The dinner ticket is $70 USD. 

Each year we offer varying levels of sponsorship which include, among other entitlements, complimentary registrations for the DDF. To receive a sponsorship prospectus, email us at ddf@ifopa.org.

HOTEL VENUE AND SLEEPING ROOM RATE

DDF venue is the Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel & Conference Centre. Group rate is 199 CAD single/double. You must reserve in the IFOPA's room block by August 3, 2026, to receive this rate.

TRAVEL AND LODGING STIPENDS

Travel and lodging stipends provided by the IFOPA are intended to support academic researchers and clinician scientists who otherwise lack the budget to attend. Those who have never received a DDF travel stipend and
are making an oral or poster presentation will be prioritized first. Apply by April 6, 2026.

INVITATION LETTERS AND OTHER QUESTIONS

If you require an invitation letter to obtain a travel visa or have other questions, please email us at ddf@ifopa.org. Respondents are in the United States in the Central time zone and respond on business days, typically within 24 to 48 hours. 

To receive updates on FOP research including grant opportunities and IFOPA programs and services, visit ifopa.org/connect

To receive dedicated emails about FOP clinical studies and trials, visit ifopa.org/clinical_trial_alerts