Fierce Biotech Summit 2024: Full Schedule

7:30am EDT

Registration Open and Networking Breakfast

Monday September 30, 2024 7:30am - 8:30am EDT

Networking

8:30am EDT

Welcome & Chairperson’s Opening Remarks

Monday September 30, 2024 8:30am - 8:45am EDT

Speakers

Michelle Benz

Conference Production Director, Fierce Life Sciences

Michelle Benz joined Questex, Fierce Life Sciences in 2021 as a senior conference producer and works on several events annually including Fierce Biotech Summit, Fierce Leaders in Life Sciences, Fierce Pharma PR & Communications Summits East and West, Fierce Pharma Meeting Professionals... Read More →

Ayla Ellison

Editor-in-Chief, Fierce Life Sciences and Healthcare

Ayla Ellison is the Editor-in-Chief of Fierce Life Sciences and Healthcare. In this role, she guides the editorial direction of three esteemed publications and leads a team of writers and editors. Together, they produce content that informs, educates and engages millions of readers... Read More →

Monday September 30, 2024 8:30am - 8:45am EDT

Main Stage

8:45am EDT

Keynote: Transforming Drug Discovery using Digital Biology

Monday September 30, 2024 8:45am - 9:15am EDT

Transforming Drug Discovery using Digital Biology

Modern medicine has given us effective tools to treat some of the most significant and burdensome diseases. At the same time, it is becoming consistently more challenging and more expensive to develop new therapeutics. A key factor in this trend is that we simply don't understand the underlying biology of disease, and which interventions might meaningfully modulate clinical outcomes and in which patients. To achieve this goal, we are bringing together large amounts of high content data, taken both from humans and from human-derived cellular systems generated in our own lab. Those are then used to learn a meaningful representation of biological states via cutting edge machine learning methods, which enable us to make predictions about novel targets, coherent patient segments, and the clinical effect of molecules. Our ultimate goal is to develop a new approach to drug development that uses high-quality data and ML models to design novel, safe, and effective therapies that help more people, faster, and at a lower cost.

Speakers

Daphne Koller, PhD

Founder and CEO, insitro

Daphne Koller is CEO and Founder of insitro, a machine learning-driven drug discovery and development company. Daphne is also co-founder of Engageli, was the Rajeev Motwani Professor of Computer Science at Stanford University, where she served on the faculty for 18 years, the co-CEO... Read More →

Monday September 30, 2024 8:45am - 9:15am EDT

Main Stage

9:15am EDT

Presentation: TBA

Monday September 30, 2024 9:15am - 9:45am EDT

Main Stage

9:45am EDT

Panel: The Obesity Drug Boom

Monday September 30, 2024 9:45am - 10:30am EDT

GLP-1 medications are not new; however, advancements in this class of drugs have sparked significant interest in their potential to promote weight loss, resulting in a surge of investment in obesity therapeutics. Pharma companies have made substantial commitments to this area, evidenced by the development of a robust pipeline of medications that will define the sector's trajectory for the next several decades. In this panel discussion, we’ll take an in-depth look at the topics shaping the future of obesity drugs. We’ll examine notable clinical trials, advancements in precision medicine, emerging developments in the field, and the current debate surrounding reimbursement issues.

Moderated by: Fierce Editorial Team

Speakers

Karin Conde-Knape, Ph.D.

Senior Vice President, Global Drug Discovery, Novo Nordisk A/S

Karin Conde-Knape is Senior Vice President for Global Drug Discovery within Novo Nordisk, where she is responsible for driving the early pipeline and innovation within the areas of Diabetes, Obesity, Cardiovascular, Renal, Rare endocrine and metabolic diseases. She has more than 20... Read More →

Monday September 30, 2024 9:45am - 10:30am EDT

Main Stage

10:30am EDT

Networking Break

Monday September 30, 2024 10:30am - 11:00am EDT

Networking

11:00am EDT

Presentation: Presented by Asymchem

Monday September 30, 2024 11:00am - 11:30am EDT

Presented by Asymchem

Monday September 30, 2024 11:00am - 11:30am EDT

Main Stage

11:30am EDT

Panel: Political Pathways: Navigating the 2024 Election Cycle in Biotech

Monday September 30, 2024 11:30am - 12:15pm EDT

In the midst of the 2024 election cycle, the biotech industry faces multifaceted challenges and opportunities shaped by political discourse. This panel aims to empower biotech industry leaders with actionable insights and strategic approaches to thrive amidst the complexities of the 2024 election cycle and its implications on the industry landscape.

Consider preparations for various election outcomes and their potential implications for the industry, including regulatory changes, funding shifts, and policy priorities.
Assess strategies for managing public perception amid political influence, navigating discussions on drug pricing, healthcare access, and regulatory policies while maintaining a balanced corporate communication approach.
Discuss how biotech companies can adapt their strategies and priorities based on potential election outcomes, ensuring agility and resilience in a dynamic political environment.

Speakers

Christie Bloomquist

Vice President, Government Affairs and Policy, Astellas Pharma US

Christie Bloomquist is Vice President of Government Affairs and Policy at Astellas Pharma US where she leads federal and state advocacy, government communications, regional international affairs, and public policy development and analysis. Her responsibilities include developing... Read More →

Monday September 30, 2024 11:30am - 12:15pm EDT

Main Stage

12:15pm EDT

Fireside Chat: Innoviva

Monday September 30, 2024 12:15pm - 12:45pm EDT

Presented by Innoviva

Monday September 30, 2024 12:15pm - 12:45pm EDT

Main Stage

12:45pm EDT

Networking Lunch

Monday September 30, 2024 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT

Networking

1:45pm EDT

Panel: CAR-Ts: From Oncology Superstars to Autoimmune Upstarts

Monday September 30, 2024 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT

CAR-Ts were promised as the next big thing in cancer care, until midway through 2023 the narrative changed. All of a sudden biotechs began announcing a pivot to autoimmune conditions—specifically lupus, the long challenging chronic disease where the body attacks its own tissues. What’s behind this change in direction? In this panel, we’ll explore how biotechs can be successful in this new paradigm, whether they stick to cancer or forge on to autoimmune.

Moderated by: Fierce Editorial Team
Panel Closed

Speakers

Jennifer Michaelson, Ph.D.

Chief Scientific Officer, Cullinan Therapeutics

Jennifer Michaelson is a biotech executive with 20+ years of industry experience in oncology, immunology, and immune-oncology drug development. Prior to joining Cullinan Therapeutics, Jennifer participated in the launch of Jounce Therapeutics, where she built and led multiple departments... Read More →

Kristin Yarema, Ph.D.

President and CEO, Poseida Therapeutics

Dr. Yarema was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Poseida and named to the Board of Directors in January 2024. She joined Poseida as President, Cell Therapy in April 2023, bringing extensive biopharmaceutical experience in oncology and allogeneic T cell immunotherapy... Read More →

Michael Lehmicke

Senior Vice President, Science and Industry Affairs, Alliance for Regenerative Medicine (ARM)

Mike joined ARM in 2019 as its first Director of Science and Industry Affairs and was subsequently promoted to Senior Director and Vice President, Science and Industry Affairs. He has over 20 years of R&D experience in biomaterials, medical devices, and regenerative medicine. He has... Read More →

David R. Shook, M.D.

Chief Medical Officer, Nkarta, Inc.

Dr. Shook was appointed Chief Medical Officer in 2023 and leads Nkarta’s global clinical development and regulatory operations. He has more than 10 years of clinical research and development experience and has authored dozens of scientific publications covering areas including the... Read More →

Monday September 30, 2024 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT

Track: Early-Stage Development

1:45pm EDT

Panel: Evolution from Corporate Communications to Corporate Affairs

Monday September 30, 2024 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT

In recent years, the communicator’s role has expanded significantly, taking on greater responsibility and playing a pivotal role in corporate strategy discussions and decisions. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the shifting dynamics within corporate communications, highlighting the strategic importance of corporate affairs in today's biotech environment.

Gain valuable insights into the crucial role of corporate affairs professionals in aligning messaging with company objectives, nurturing trust among stakeholders, and enhancing relationships with key stakeholders.
Review best practices, emerging trends, and the strategic mindset required for success in the evolving corporate affairs landscape.

Speakers

Angela Salerno-Robin

Executive Vice President, Integrated Media Strategy, dna Communications

Angela is a seasoned communications and media relations strategist with nearly 20 years of media experience. Angela has honed her skills in strategic communications, playing a pivotal role in corporate strategy discussions and decisions, particularly within the biotech environment... Read More →

Kimberly Kraemer

CEO and Chief Brand Strategist, Waterhouse Brands

Kim founded Waterhouse in 2017 to bring her passion for brand strategy, culture-building and corporate communications together into an integrated service offering to help life sciences companies become extraordinary brands. Using her exclusive ALIGN Methodology to spark organizational... Read More →

Monday September 30, 2024 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT

Track: PR & Communications

1:45pm EDT

Panel: The Future of the Lab

Monday September 30, 2024 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT

Track: Preclinical & CMC

1:45pm EDT

Panel: Cracking the Code: Effective Biotech and Big Pharma Partnerships Unveiled

Monday September 30, 2024 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT

Biotech innovators and Big Pharma companies have been forging partnerships for decades, seeking to enhance R&D productivity, broaden market reach, and better manage commercialization costs. In this panel discussion, we will analyze the components of a successful collaboration between biotech and Big Pharma. Drawing from case studies and industry insights, experts will share their strategic blueprint for cultivating effective partnerships within this ecosystem.

Moderated by: Fierce Editorial Team

Speakers

Julie Gilmore, Ph.D.

Vice President Lilly Gateway Labs, Eli Lilly

Julie Gilmore, Ph.D. is Vice President and Global Head for Gateway Labs by Lilly. Gateway Labs by Lilly is designed to speed the discovery of innovative medicines through collaboration with biotech companies in key geographies including San Francisco and Boston.Julie joined Eli Lilly... Read More →

Samuel Zhang, PhD

Global Chief Business Officer, Innovent

Samuel Zhang, PhD, is responsible for global strategy and business development as Innovent. Dr. Zhang has a PhD in Molecular Biology from Columbia University, an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and a BS in Biology from Peking University.Dr. Zhang brings... Read More →

Mark McKenna

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mirador Therapeutics

Monday September 30, 2024 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT

Track: Strategy & Dealmaking

2:30pm EDT

Presentation

Monday September 30, 2024 2:30pm - 3:00pm EDT

Track: Early-Stage Development

2:30pm EDT

Presentation: Presented by: /prompt.

Monday September 30, 2024 2:30pm - 3:00pm EDT

Presented by: /prompt.

Speakers

Paul Dyer

CEO, /prompt.

Paul is CEO of /prompt. the platform company for Lippe Taylor and twelvenote. Under his stewardship, the agency has been named agency of the year for five years and counting, while producing some of the most awarded work in the industry. Paul himself is a former PRWeek 40 Under... Read More →

Monday September 30, 2024 2:30pm - 3:00pm EDT

Track: PR & Communications

2:30pm EDT

Presentation

Monday September 30, 2024 2:30pm - 3:00pm EDT

Track: Preclinical & CMC

2:30pm EDT

Presentation: Presented by Guidehouse

Monday September 30, 2024 2:30pm - 3:00pm EDT

Presented by Guidehouse

Monday September 30, 2024 2:30pm - 3:00pm EDT

Track: Strategy & Dealmaking

3:00pm EDT

Editorial Fireside Chat: Rose Loughlin, Ph.D., SVP, Research and Early Development, Moderna

Monday September 30, 2024 3:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

Moderated by: Fierce Editorial Team

Speaker: Rose Loughlin, Ph.D., SVP, Research and Early Development, Moderna

Speakers

Rose Loughlin, Ph.D.

SVP, Research and Early Development, Moderna

Rose Loughlin, Ph.D., currently serves as Senior Vice President of Research and Development at Moderna, where she has played a crucial role in advancing the company's mRNA platform since joining in 2016. In her current role, she focuses on shaping Moderna’s portfolio and platform... Read More →

Monday September 30, 2024 3:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

Track: Early-Stage Development

3:00pm EDT

Fireside Chat: Executive Communications in Practice

Monday September 30, 2024 3:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

Track: PR & Communications

3:00pm EDT

Case Study: TBA

Monday September 30, 2024 3:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

Track: Preclinical & CMC

3:00pm EDT

Editorial Fireside Chat: Amanda Kay, Senior Partner and Chief Business Development Officer, Flagship Pioneering

Monday September 30, 2024 3:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

Moderated by: Fierce Editorial Team

Speaker: Amanda Kay, Senior Partner and Chief Business Development Officer, Flagship Pioneering

Speakers

Amanda Kay

Senior Partner and Chief Business Development Officer, Flagship Pioneering

Amanda Kay is Senior Partner and Chief Business Development Officer at Flagship Pioneering. She joined Flagship in 2023 as an Operating Partner and President of Metaphore Biotechnologies. A biologist by training, Amanda brings broad experience from pharmaceutical and biotechnology... Read More →

Monday September 30, 2024 3:00pm - 3:30pm EDT

Track: Strategy & Dealmaking

3:30pm EDT

Networking Break

Monday September 30, 2024 3:30pm - 4:00pm EDT

Networking

4:00pm EDT

Panel: Decoding AI in Drug Development: Going Beyond the Hype

Monday September 30, 2024 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT

Evaluate the current state of AI in drug discovery and discuss emerging trends and innovations that will shape the future.
Analyze the gap between expectations and results and assess whether the hype surrounding AI in drug discovery is proportionate.
Discuss strategies for maximizing the efficiency and innovation potential of AI in drug discovery, including the design of novel compounds and the identification of new drug targets.
Summarize case studies and real-world examples that highlight the transformative impact of AI on drug discovery outcomes.

Speakers

Jeffrey G. Reid, Ph.D.

Vice President, Chief Data Officer, Regeneron Genetics Center

Dr. Jeffrey Reid is the Chief Data Officer and one of the co-founders of the Regeneron Genetics Center® (RGC™) where he leads a team transforming drug discovery and development with data. His primary focus is on maximizing the impact that the integration of deidentified electronic... Read More →

Michelle M. Chen, Ph.D.

Chief Business Officer, Insilico Medicine

Michelle Chen is the Chief Business Officer of Insilico Medicine, a global leader in generative AI-driven drug discovery & development. She is responsible for the company’s business and corporate development, portfolio strategies, marketing, and US operations. As a biotech executive... Read More →

Monday September 30, 2024 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT

Track: Early-Stage Development

4:00pm EDT

Panel: The Strategic Powerhouse Within: The Case to Bring Communications Teams to the Table

Monday September 30, 2024 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT

This panel will shine a spotlight on the strategic contributions of communications teams to key business strategies and decisions. Often operating behind the scenes, these teams play a proactive role in providing insights from external stakeholders, developing narratives supported by facts, mitigating issues and shaping positive perceptions for organizations.

Discover how communications teams influence key business decisions across a range of critical areas such as drug pricing, government affairs, partnerships, M&A, and clinical trials.
Delve into the challenge of demonstrating success when crises are prevented or managed by communications teams and discuss strategies for conveying this value to leadership and external stakeholders.
Highlight the impactful role of communications team as strategic partners, driving positive outcomes and enhancing organizational reputation and success.

Speakers

Kate O'Malley

Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Moderna

Kate currently serves as Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Moderna. Since joining Moderna in early 2019, Kate has guided the company’s enterprise communications through its pandemic response, scale up from 500 to more than 5,000 employees across the globe, and launch of the... Read More →

Natacha Gassenbach

Chief Communications Officer, SVP Corporate Affairs, Biogen

Natacha Gassenbach joined Biogen in October 2018 and is the Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs, and Chief Communications Officer. She leads the global corporate affairs function, including external and internal communications, branding and reputation, corporate responsibility... Read More →

Kym White

Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Generate:Biomedicines

Kym is the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of Generate:Biomedicines. She brings deep experience in corporate affairs and healthcare communications, having held leadership roles at companies spanning the healthcare sector and global communications agencies.Kym most recently spent three... Read More →

Monday September 30, 2024 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT

Track: PR & Communications

4:00pm EDT

Panel: Driving Innovation: How Biotech Companies Can Leverage CDMO Partnerships

Monday September 30, 2024 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT

This panel will explore how these partnerships can drive innovation, efficiency, and mutual success in drug development and manufacturing. Learn from top industry professionals about building trust, embracing advanced therapeutics, and navigating regulatory landscapes to achieve breakthrough results. This session will provide invaluable insights into creating strategic alliances that benefit all parties involved in the development and production of complex therapeutics.

Monday September 30, 2024 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT

Track: Preclinical & CMC

4:00pm EDT

Panel: Charting the Biotech IPO Frontier: Market Trends, Financial Outlook, and Future Projections

Monday September 30, 2024 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT

After a two-year dry spell, biotech IPOs saw a resurgence in the first quarter of 2024, reaching pre-pandemic levels and collectively raising over $1.3 billion, signaling signs of recovery in the market. This panel will discuss the resurgence of biotech IPOs in 2024 and their impact on innovation and funding. Gain insights into market trends, regulatory influences, and future projections from industry experts in this dynamic panel discussion.

Review the current landscape of the recent biotech IPOs in 2024.
Compare the explosive growth of Biotech IPOs and SPACs in 2020 and its aftermath with the trends observed in the current year.
Discuss the emerging trends and patterns observed in Biotech IPOs, including investor sentiment, market dynamics, and regulatory influences.
Interpret the implications of these trends on funding for biotech innovation and research, including the effects on startups and venture capital investments.
Predict and discuss future trends and projections for Biotech IPOs, looking ahead to 2025 and beyond.

Speakers

Andrew Lam, PharmD

Managing Director, Head of Biotech Private Equity, Ally Bridge Group

Andrew Lam joined Ally Bridge Group in 2021 and is a Managing Director, Head of Biotech, for the private equity strategy focused on investments in biotech. Before joining Ally Bridge Group, Andrew was Senior Director of Business Development at Intercept Pharmaceuticals. Before that... Read More →

Monday September 30, 2024 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT

Track: Strategy & Dealmaking

4:45pm EDT

Presentation: TBA

Monday September 30, 2024 4:45pm - 5:15pm EDT

Track: Early-Stage Development

4:45pm EDT

Presentation: TBA

Monday September 30, 2024 4:45pm - 5:15pm EDT

Track: PR & Communications

4:45pm EDT

Presentation: TBA

Monday September 30, 2024 4:45pm - 5:15pm EDT

Track: Preclinical & CMC

4:45pm EDT

Presentation: TBA

Monday September 30, 2024 4:45pm - 5:15pm EDT

Track: Strategy & Dealmaking

5:15pm EDT

Panel: Fierce 15 – Where are They Now?

Monday September 30, 2024 5:15pm - 6:00pm EDT

Join us for an engaging panel discussion featuring leaders in the biotech industry who have been recognized as past Fierce 15 honorees. These individuals have made significant contributions to their field, and their groundbreaking work is shaping the future of the industry. Together, they will share their insights, experiences and visions for the evolving biotech landscape.

Moderated by: Fierce Editorial Team
Panel Closed

Speakers

Liang Schweizer, Ph.D.

Founder, Chairperson and CEO, HiFiBiO Therapeutics

Dr. Liang Schweizer is the Founder, Chairperson and CEO of HiFiBiO Therapeutics, a clinical stage biotech company with deep expertise in immune modulation and a proprietary translational platform Drug Intelligence Science (DIS®). Under her leadership, HiFiBiO Therapeutics successfully... Read More →

R. Nolan Townsend

Chief Executive Officer, Lexeo Therapeutics

R. Nolan Townsend has served as Lexeo Therapeutics Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors since January 2020. Lexeo Therapeutics is a New York City-based, clinical stage biotechnology company that aims to apply the transformational science of gene therapy to... Read More →

Adam Friedman, M.D., Ph.D.

Chief Executive Officer, Scorpion Therapeutics

Dr. Friedman has served as Scorpion Therapeutics’ Chief Executive Officer since January 2024. Previously, he served as President, Corporate Strategy and Business Development.Dr. Friedman is an accomplished physician, scientist, and life sciences entrepreneur with extensive experience... Read More →

Debanjan Ray

CEO, Synthekine

Debanjan has served as Synthekine’s President and Chief Executive Officer since the company’s formation in 2019. Before joining Synthekine, he served as Chief Financial Officer and head of corporate development at CytomX Therapeutics, capping an eight-year tenure in roles of increasing... Read More →

Monday September 30, 2024 5:15pm - 6:00pm EDT

Main Stage

6:00pm EDT

Fierce 15 Awards Ceremony

Monday September 30, 2024 6:00pm - 6:15pm EDT

Join us as we announce the 2024 class of Fierce 15 winners on stage as they collect their awards.

Monday September 30, 2024 6:00pm - 6:15pm EDT

Main Stage

6:15pm EDT

Fierce 15 Networking Reception

Monday September 30, 2024 6:15pm - 7:15pm EDT

Networking

7:15pm EDT

End of Day One

Monday September 30, 2024 7:15pm - 7:15pm EDT

7:45am EDT

Registration Open and Networking Breakfast

Tuesday October 1, 2024 7:45am - 8:45am EDT

Networking

8:45am EDT

Welcome and Day 2 Opening Remarks

Tuesday October 1, 2024 8:45am - 9:00am EDT

Speakers

Michelle Benz

Conference Production Director, Fierce Life Sciences

Ayla Ellison

Editor-in-Chief, Fierce Life Sciences and Healthcare

Tuesday October 1, 2024 8:45am - 9:00am EDT

Main Stage

9:00am EDT

Keynote Presentation

Tuesday October 1, 2024 9:00am - 9:30am EDT

Main Stage

9:30am EDT

Presentation: TBA

Tuesday October 1, 2024 9:30am - 10:00am EDT

Main Stage

10:00am EDT

Panel: Unlocking Health Equity: AI-Driven Innovations in Diverse Clinical Trial Recruitment

Tuesday October 1, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

Join us for an impactful panel discussion on leveraging AI-driven innovations to address the critical challenge of health equity in clinical trial recruitment. Rapid advances in AI are revolutionizing healthcare delivery, showing remarkable potential in diagnosing a range of clinical conditions. However, to truly advance patient care and ensure equitable access to healthcare services, stakeholders in the clinical research ecosystem must unite to support the development of an inclusive infrastructure.

Delve into how AI can revolutionize patient recruitment by identifying investigators and patients in underrepresented communities, promoting diversity and inclusivity in trials.
Examine case studies and best practices in leveraging AI to overcome barriers to diversity in research participation.
Assess the ethical and regulatory imperatives of prioritizing health equity in trial recruitment efforts.

Speakers

Meghan McKenzie, M.A.

Principal Inclusion, Patient Inclusion and Health Equity in Chief Diversity Office, Genentech

Meghan McKenzie works in Patient Inclusion and Health Equity in Genentech’s Chief Diversity Office. She develops strategies to drive greater inclusion of racial and ethnically representative patient populations in clinical research and to advance health equityGaining patient, clinician... Read More →

Tuesday October 1, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EDT

Main Stage

10:45am EDT

Networking Break

Tuesday October 1, 2024 10:45am - 11:15am EDT

Networking

11:15am EDT

Empowering Women's Health: Impact of President Biden's Executive Order on Biotech Innovation and Research

Tuesday October 1, 2024 11:15am - 11:45am EDT

This case study presentation will delve into the executive order that President Biden issued on March 18th, 2024 and how it impacts the biotech community with early-stage drug research and development. We will discuss what this means, how to move forward, and what might change as a result of this long overdue order and focus. Explore how this order will facilitate easier access to resources and funding, making women's health initiatives more accessible and impactful. Gain insights into the evolving strategies of researchers and scientists in response to this new focus, and discuss the long-term implications for drug development, research, and funding in women's health.

Tuesday October 1, 2024 11:15am - 11:45am EDT

Track: Early-Stage Development

11:15am EDT

Editorial Fireside Chat

Tuesday October 1, 2024 11:15am - 11:45am EDT

Moderated by: Fierce Editorial Team

Speaker: TBA

Tuesday October 1, 2024 11:15am - 11:45am EDT

Track: PR & Communications

11:15am EDT

Editorial Fireside Chat

Tuesday October 1, 2024 11:15am - 11:45am EDT

Moderated by: Fierce Editorial Team

Speaker: TBA

Tuesday October 1, 2024 11:15am - 11:45am EDT

Track: Preclinical & CMC

11:15am EDT

Lessons Learned From a Billion Dollar Deal

Tuesday October 1, 2024 11:15am - 11:45am EDT

Explore the composition of a successful deal between two companies, analyzing the factors that contributed to its success and the mechanisms behind its fruition.
Gain insights from perspectives on both sides of the partnership, highlighting the key elements that led to a prosperous collaboration and sustainable outcomes.
Hear firsthand perspectives from both sides of the deal, as they share their motivations, the decision-making process, and the outcomes that led to a successful and prosperous partnership.

Tuesday October 1, 2024 11:15am - 11:45am EDT

Track: Strategy & Dealmaking

11:45am EDT

Presentation: TBA

Tuesday October 1, 2024 11:45am - 12:15pm EDT

Track: Early-Stage Development

11:45am EDT

Presentation: TBA

Tuesday October 1, 2024 11:45am - 12:15pm EDT

Track: PR & Communications

11:45am EDT

Presentation: TBA

Tuesday October 1, 2024 11:45am - 12:15pm EDT

Track: Preclinical & CMC

11:45am EDT

Presentation: TBA

Tuesday October 1, 2024 11:45am - 12:15pm EDT

Track: Strategy & Dealmaking

12:15pm EDT

Panel: Pioneering Early-Stage Cancer Therapies: Harnessing Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines for Precision Medicine

Tuesday October 1, 2024 12:15pm - 1:00pm EDT

This session dives into the transformative potential of therapeutic cancer vaccines in early-stage drug development within the biotech industry. Recent breakthroughs, including an mRNA cancer vaccine's success against glioblastoma, highlight a promising avenue for creating targeted and personalized therapies. Discover how this innovative technology can be harnessed to create personalized therapies, advance precision medicine, and revolutionize patient care. Explore the strategic integration of therapeutic cancer vaccines into drug development pipelines, and gain valuable insights into refining protocols, identifying candidate selection, and navigating regulatory pathways.

Speakers

Scot W. Ebbinghaus M.D.

Vice President and Therapeutic Area Head Oncology Late Stage Development, Merck Research Laboratories

Dr. Scot Ebbinghaus joined Merck Research Labs Late Stage Oncology Development in 2007. He is currently Vice President and Therapeutic Area Head for Late Stage Oncology Development.Dr. Ebbinghaus has played key roles in the development of the lead indication for KEYTRUDA® in melanoma... Read More →

Tuesday October 1, 2024 12:15pm - 1:00pm EDT

Track: Early-Stage Development

12:15pm EDT

Panel: Parallel Paths, Different Landscapes: Unveiling the Nuances of Pharma vs. Biotech Communications

Tuesday October 1, 2024 12:15pm - 1:00pm EDT

Join us for an enlightening panel session featuring experienced communicators from both the biotech and pharma sectors as they delve into the unique challenges and opportunities of transitioning between industries. The panel will explore the nuances of communication expectations, priorities, and stakeholders in biotech versus pharma, shedding light on the shifts required when navigating these parallel paths.

Understand the key differences and similarities between biotech and pharma communicators, fostering a deeper appreciation for cross-industry communication strategies and partnerships.
Address the growing trend of pharma communicators transitioning to biotech and the potential challenges they may face in understanding the nuances of biotech communications.
Discover effective strategies for building partnerships between biotech and pharma, navigating expectations, and preparing teams for successful M&A transitions.

Moderators

Caitlin Craparo

Senior Director, US Communications, Genmab

Speakers

Ed Harnaga

Chief Communications Officer, Pfizer

Ed is responsible for all external communications activities across Pfizer including corporate reputation, branding, media relations, digital and social media, executive positioning, with a focus on supporting Pfizer’s Commercial, Research and Development and Manufacturing organizations... Read More →

Courtney Walker

Chief Growth Officer, MMC & RXMOSAIC

As the leader of RXMOSAIC and Chief Growth Officer of sister-agency MMC, Walker works hand-in-glove with the healthcare industry’s most consequential people and brands, including Merck, Pfizer, Regeneron/Sanofi, AstraZeneca, Novartis, Amgen, and an array transformational mid-cap... Read More →

Sarah Alspach

SVP, External Affairs, bluebird bio

Tuesday October 1, 2024 12:15pm - 1:00pm EDT

Track: PR & Communications

12:15pm EDT

Panel: Streamlining Efficiency: Continuous Manufacturing's Impact on Biotech and Pharma

Tuesday October 1, 2024 12:15pm - 1:00pm EDT

For decades, pharmaceutical firms have relied on batch manufacturing, a method prone to inefficiencies and long hold times. Continuous manufacturing, an emerging technology supported by the FDA, offers a streamlined, end-to-end production process that enhances efficiency, reduces costs, and improves process control. With the number of continuous production facilities under review quadrupling in the last five years, this session explores the transformative potential of continuous manufacturing in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. Discover how companies are leveraging this approach to achieve significant reductions in operating costs, waste, and cycle times while enhancing product quality and responding to market demands.

Tuesday October 1, 2024 12:15pm - 1:00pm EDT

Track: Preclinical & CMC

12:15pm EDT

Panel: Strategic Insights: Navigating Biotech M&A and Dealmaking Landscape in 2024 and Beyond

Tuesday October 1, 2024 12:15pm - 1:00pm EDT

This panel is designed to provide strategic insights and actionable intelligence for navigating the evolving landscape of biotech M&A and dealmaking in 2024 and beyond.

Examine the latest trends shaping biotech M&A activities, including deal sizes, strategic motivations, and market dynamics.
Discuss the impact of recent M&A transactions on the industry landscape and competitive positioning.
Predict and discuss strategic insights for dealmakers, including potential deal structures, sector-specific opportunities, and regulatory considerations for 2025 and beyond.
Evaluate the impact of M&A and dealmaking activities on biotech innovation, R&D pipelines, and industry growth.

Speakers

Shaan C. Gandhi, MD, DPhil

Head of Strategic Partnerships, Pfizer Ignite

Fred Chereau

SVP, Strategy & Business Development, Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease

Fred brings close to 30 years of biotech, pharmaceutical, and medical device experience to Alexion, where he oversees strategy and business development activities. Prior to joining Alexion, he served as president and chief executive officer of LogicBio. Previously, Fred served as... Read More →

Tuesday October 1, 2024 12:15pm - 1:00pm EDT

Track: Strategy & Dealmaking

1:00pm EDT

Networking Lunch

Tuesday October 1, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

Networking

2:00pm EDT

Panel: A Revival in Neuro Therapeutics

Tuesday October 1, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

The past year witnessed a substantial influx of investment into the neuroscience sector, culminating in several high-value deals during the fourth quarter of 2023. The trend continues into this year, with several companies aiming to delve deeper into neuroscience and psychiatric disease. What lies ahead? Join this panel discussion as experts examine emerging trends, breakthroughs, and disease targets within the neuropharmaceutical field, providing valuable insights into the future direction of research and development in this area.

Moderated by: Fierce Editorial Team

Speakers

Blake Mandell

Co-founder and CEO, Transcend Therapeutics

Blake Mandell is the co-founder and CEO of Transcend Therapeutics, a clinical-stage, neuroscience-focused company developing rapid-acting treatments for neuropsychiatric diseases. Transcend's mission is to develop new drugs for the millions of people for whom current psychiatric medicines have not worked. Blake was named to Forbes' "30 under 30" and has lectured at University of Pennsylvania and Brown University... Read More →

Kabir Nath

CEO, Compass Pathways

Experienced leader in health care industry, committed to revolutionising mental health care. Kabir Nath has approximately thirty years of experience in the biopharmaceutical and medical device industry. Prior to joining Compass, Kabir was Senior Managing Director of global pharmaceuticals... Read More →

Craig Thompson

CEO, Cerevance

Craig Thompson, CEO of Cerevance, brings over 25 years of commercial and marketing leadership experience in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. Prior to joining Cerevance, he was the president and CEO of Neurana Pharmaceuticals, a private company focused on the treatment of... Read More →

Tuesday October 1, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT

Main Stage

2:45pm EDT

Presentation: TBA

Tuesday October 1, 2024 2:45pm - 3:15pm EDT

Main Stage

3:15pm EDT

Case Study: TBA

Tuesday October 1, 2024 3:15pm - 3:45pm EDT

Main Stage

3:45pm EDT

Closing Remarks

Tuesday October 1, 2024 3:45pm - 4:00pm EDT

Speakers

Michelle Benz

Conference Production Director, Fierce Life Sciences

Tuesday October 1, 2024 3:45pm - 4:00pm EDT

Main Stage

4:00pm EDT

Close of Conference

Tuesday October 1, 2024 4:00pm - 4:00pm EDT