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Monday, September 30
 

7:30am EDT

Registration Open and Networking Breakfast
Monday September 30, 2024 7:30am - 8:30am EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
Monday September 30, 2024 7:30am - 8:30am EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  Networking

8:30am EDT

Welcome & Chairperson’s Opening Remarks
Monday September 30, 2024 8:30am - 8:45am EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
Speakers
avatar for Michelle Benz

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 →
Monday September 30, 2024 8:30am - 8:45am EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  Main Stage

8:45am EDT

Keynote: Machine Learning for Therapeutic Discovery and Development
Monday September 30, 2024 8:45am - 9:15am EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
Machine Learning for Therapeutic Discovery and Development

insitro is creating a new approach for target and drug discovery by integrating multimodal data from human cohorts and cellular models with the power of AI and machine learning. We are uncovering genetic targets to unlock new therapeutic hypotheses for the treatment of complex diseases. We ground our discoveries in human genetics and use both human and cell data to generate orthogonal evidence that can increase the probability of success. These insights provide the starting point for discovering new molecules, which we can either build with our in-house, AI-enabled drug discovery platforms or with partners that allow us to extend our impact. Today, insitro is generating a "pipeline through platform" with a focus on metabolic disease, neurodegeneration and oncology. As we approach the clinic, we also aim to deploy our AI models to run smaller, better powered trials, targeting the patients who can benefit most.
Speakers
avatar for Daphne Koller, PhD

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
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  Main Stage

9:15am EDT

From Setback to Success: How to Pivot Your Pipeline
Monday September 30, 2024 9:15am - 9:45am EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
Vanquishing disease and improving lives is the raison d’etre of drug development. It’s a quest that biomedicine has been increasingly winning. Yet, such success is often hard fought. Whether it is a result of a pipeline setback, asset transactions, or replacing sunsetting product revenues; to succeed, at some point, most companies will need to pivot their pipeline. The likelihood of a pivot is greater in intractable therapeutic areas that have high failure rates, such as conditions of the brain. This session will capture the learnings of biopharmaceutical executives who have had to pivot and rebuild pipelines to succeed, including a case study from Ovid, a neurotherapeutics company:
Key topics will include:
  • Building a pipeline with optionality versus binary risk
  • Identifying where to play and how to get there
  • Transacting creatively to get deals done
  • Creating a pipeline that will deliver value, successively
Speakers
avatar for Meg Alexander

Meg Alexander

President and Chief Operating Officer, Ovid Therapeutics
In her role as President and Chief Operating Officer, Meg oversees operations, research and development, program management, investor relations, commercial strategy, human resources, board relations and corporate affairs.Meg joined Ovid in 2020 and previously served as Chief Strategy... Read More →
Monday September 30, 2024 9:15am - 9:45am EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  Main Stage

9:45am EDT

Panel: The Obesity Drug Boom
Monday September 30, 2024 9:45am - 10:30am EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
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
Panel Closed
Moderators
avatar for Gabrielle Masson

Gabrielle Masson

Associate Editor, Fierce Biotech
Gabrielle Masson is an associate editor for Fierce Biotech. Prior to Fierce, she worked at Becker's Hospital Review, where she reported on public health and the pandemic. Gabrielle graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison after studying creative writing and criminal justice... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Karin Conde-Knape, Ph.D.

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 →
avatar for Omar H. Khalil

Omar H. Khalil

Managing Director, Santé Ventures
Omar H. Khalil manages Santé’s Boston Office and concentrates on biotechnology, where he partners with scientific founders and entrepreneurs across multiple therapeutic areas and modalities. Omar joined Santé in 2007 and rejoined in 2020 after holding various transactional and... Read More →
avatar for Kristen Fortney, PhD

Kristen Fortney, PhD

Co-Founder and CEO, BioAge Labs
Kristen Fortney is the co-founder and CEO of BioAge Labs, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing a pipeline of treatments to treat metabolic diseases such as obesity by targeting the molecular causes of aging. The company uses its discovery platform, which combines quantitative... Read More →
avatar for Michael Kleinrock

Michael Kleinrock

Senior Research Director, IQVIA Institute
Michael Kleinrock serves as Research Director for the IQVIA Institute for Human Data Science, setting the research agenda for the Institute, leading the development of reports and projects focused on the current and future role of human data science in healthcare in the United States... Read More →
Monday September 30, 2024 9:45am - 10:30am EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  Main Stage
  • QTAG FBSfeaturedsessionHP

10:30am EDT

Networking Break
Monday September 30, 2024 10:30am - 11:00am EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
Monday September 30, 2024 10:30am - 11:00am EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  Networking

11:00am EDT

Fragment Banking: A Strategy for Rapid Convergent Synthesis of Peptides & Oligonucleotides
Monday September 30, 2024 11:00am - 11:30am EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
Presented by Asymchem
Speakers
avatar for Charles Chase, PhD

Charles Chase, PhD

VP,Technical Business Development, Asymchem, Inc.
Charles Chase, PhD, currently holds the role as the Vice President of Technical Business Development atAsymchem. Before joining Asymchem, he served as Vice President of Pharmaceutical Development atElicio Therapeutics and Senior Principal Scientist at Eisai Inc. With experience spanning... Read More →
Monday September 30, 2024 11:00am - 11:30am EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  Main Stage

11:30am EDT

Panel: Political Pathways: Navigating the 2024 Election Cycle in Biotech
Monday September 30, 2024 11:30am - 12:15pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
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.
Moderators
avatar for Joy Russell

Joy Russell

Vice President, External Affairs, Genentech
Joy Russell is the Vice President of External Affairs (EA) within the Access and External Affairs Department. External Affairs comprises Issue Advocacy, Patient Advocacy Relations, Patient-Focused Giving, State and Local Government Affairs, Strategic Alliances and Operations teams... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Christie Bloomquist

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 →
avatar for John M. O'Brien, PharmD, MPH

John M. O'Brien, PharmD, MPH

President and Chief Executive Officer, National Pharmaceutical Council
John M. O'Brien, PharmD, MPH, is President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Pharmaceutical Council (NPC), a 70-year-old health policy research organization in Washington, DC. NPC’s research contributes to the scientific foundation for informed discussions about healthcare... Read More →
avatar for Andrew G. Kaplan

Andrew G. Kaplan

Senior Vice President, U.S. Public Affairs, Takeda
Andrew G. Kaplan currently serves as Senior Vice President of U.S. Public Affairs for Takeda and is a member of the U.S. Business Unit’s Executive Leadership Team and Global Public Affairs Leadership Team.In this role, Andrew oversees Takeda’s government affairs, third party engagement... Read More →
Monday September 30, 2024 11:30am - 12:15pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  Main Stage
  • QTAG FBSfeaturedsessionHP

12:15pm EDT

Unlocking Value in Underfunded Therapeutic Areas: Insights from Innoviva’s Strategic Acquisitions
Monday September 30, 2024 12:15pm - 12:45pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
This session will discuss the strategy behind Innoviva’s acquisitions of Entasis Therapeutics and La Jolla Pharmaceutical and the subsequent creation of Innoviva Specialty Therapeutics. Join us for an engaging discussion that will provide a deep dive on new business models and M&A strategies that look to breathe new innovation into traditionally underfunded indications with high unmet needs. Hear how the deal came together, the biggest roadblocks that were overcome, and advice for any companies looking to execute similar deals.
  • Explore the investment landscape around underappreciated therapeutic areas and the opportunities to address critical unmet needs while generating shareholder value.
  • Evaluate innovative new models, such as public-private partnerships, to improve investment in public health.
  • Gain actionable intelligence directly from dealmakers and learn how they are fueling growth by advancing solutions for critical public health priorities.
  • Analyze the success factors for building a sustainable business in the critical care and infectious disease, a historically challenging commercial market.
Presented by Innoviva
Moderators
avatar for Kara Miller

Kara Miller

Founder, Laurel Way Productions
Kara Miller is the founder of Laurel Way Productions She has moderated panels and spoken about innovation and entrepreneurship at events hosted by The International Women's Forum, PBS Digital Media for STEM, Harvard Medical School, Google, and MIT Sloan. She has taught at Babson College... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Steve Basso

Steve Basso

President, Innoviva Specialty Therapeutics
Steve Basso brings more than 30 years of experience of financial leadership, primarily in the pharmaceutical industry. Prior to joining Innoviva, Mr. Basso served as the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Cybrexa Therapeutics and has held a variety of financial... Read More →
avatar for Patricia Drake

Patricia Drake

Chief Commercial Officer, Innoviva Specialty Therapeutics
Patricia Drake is a highly accomplished life science professional with over thirty years of extensive U.S. and international experience managing commercial portfolios. Her strong leadership background encompasses commercial strategy, marketing, market access, sales and operations... Read More →
avatar for Pavel Raifeld, CFA

Pavel Raifeld, CFA

Chief Executive Officer, Innovivia
Pavel Raifeld, CFA, joined Innoviva as Chief Executive Officer in May 2020. Prior to that, Mr. Raifeld served on the investment team at Sarissa Capital Management LP, an investment management firm focused on improving strategies of companies to enhance shareholder value. Earlier... Read More →
Monday September 30, 2024 12:15pm - 12:45pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  Main Stage

12:45pm EDT

Networking Lunch
Monday September 30, 2024 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
Sponsored by: FINN Partners


Monday September 30, 2024 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  Networking

1:45pm EDT

Tracks Begin
Monday September 30, 2024 1:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
Strategy & Dealmaking Track Chair: Jeffrey A. Meckler, CEO, Indaptus Therapeutics

PR & Communications Track Chair: Kristin Cahill, Global CEO, GCI Health

Preclinical & CMC Track Chair: Vipin Suri, PhD, CSO, Clasp Therapeutics

Early-Stage Development Track Chair: Dr. Karim I. Budhwani, CEO, CerFlux
Speakers
avatar for Jeffrey A. Meckler

Jeffrey A. Meckler

CEO, Indaptus Therapeutics
With over 30 years of biopharmaceutical experience spanning pre-clinical and clinical environments, he has contributed his expertise to both large and small companies, holding pivotal roles such as CEO and Vice-Chair at Intec Pharma, a leading phase 3 drug delivery firm, and serving... Read More →
avatar for Vipin Suri, PhD

Vipin Suri, PhD

Chief Scientific Officer, Clasp Therapeutics
Vipin Suri, PhD, joined Clasp Therapeutics in April 2024. Along with his deep expertise in researching and developing cell therapies for cancer, Vipin has over two decades of experience in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry. Most recently, he was the Chief Scientific Officer... Read More →
avatar for Dr. Karim I. Budhwani

Dr. Karim I. Budhwani

CEO, CerFlux
For more than two decades Dr. Budhwani has combined his passion for innovation, socioeconomic development, and scientific discoveries to shape the impact of innovation and new knowledge (INK) in advancing the economy and the broader human society. He co-founded CerFlux, Inc. in 2018... Read More →
avatar for Kristin Cahill

Kristin Cahill

Global CEO, GCI Group
Kristin Cahill is the Global Chief Executive Officer of GCI Health. Throughout her 20-year career, Kristin has worked with a wide range of healthcare organizations and executives to develop innovative strategies, compelling communication platforms and breakthrough creative campaigns... Read More →
Monday September 30, 2024 1:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District

1:45pm EDT

Panel: CAR-Ts: From Oncology Superstars to Autoimmune Upstarts
Monday September 30, 2024 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
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.
Moderators
avatar for Angus Liu

Angus Liu

Deputy Editor, Fierce Pharma
Angus is a senior staff writer with Questex’s Life Sciences group. He earned his Master’s at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, where he worked as a health reporter besides learning pertinent skills in magazine editing and interactive production. Prior to... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Michaelson, Ph.D.

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 →
avatar for Kristin Yarema, Ph.D.

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 →
avatar for Michael Lehmicke

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 →
avatar for David R. Shook, M.D.

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
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  Track: Early-Stage Development
  • QTAG FBSfeaturedsessionHP

1:45pm EDT

Panel: Evolution from Corporate Communications to Corporate Affairs
Monday September 30, 2024 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
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.
Moderators
avatar for Jim Baker

Jim Baker

Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Blueprint Medicines
Jim Baker brings more than 15 years of experience as a biopharmaceutical communications leader building entrepreneurial, science-driven companies from discovery to commercialization, across global markets and through collaboration ecosystems. Since joining Blueprint Medicines as Vice... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Christine Cassiano

Christine Cassiano

EVP, Chief Corporate Affairs & Brand Strategy Officer, Allogene
Christine Cassiano is the Executive Vice President, Chief Corporate Affairs and Brand Strategy Officer and one of the founding members of Allogene. Christine, who previously served as Chief Communications Officer at Allogene, is a communications executive with wide experience in investor... Read More →
avatar for Tamar Thompson

Tamar Thompson

VP, Head of Corporate Affairs, Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease
Tamar leads global corporate affairs and is responsible for communications, government affairs, and policy for Alexion. In addition, she serves as Chairwoman of the Board for Alexion’s charitable foundation and serves as the Alexion lead for Inclusion and Diversity. Prior to Alexion... Read More →
avatar for Angela Salerno-Robin

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 →
avatar for Kimberly Kraemer

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
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  Track: PR & Communications
  • QTAG pr&commsfeaturedsessions

1:45pm EDT

Panel: Breaking Barriers: Streamlining the Path from Discovery to Commercial Manufacturing
Monday September 30, 2024 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
This panel will explore the advancements in CAR T-cell therapies, RNA therapeutics, and complex biologics—therapies that offer opportunities to address unmet medical needs. However, the path from drug discovery to commercial manufacturing for these treatments is anything but straightforward. Traditional research and large-scale manufacturing methods, designed for small molecules, fall short of meeting the unique demands of these innovative therapies. Learn how these advancements are speeding up the research process and bringing innovative treatments to the clinic and market faster, particularly in personalized medicine.
  • Discover the unique challenges of developing complex biologics and therapies, and how companies are overcoming these obstacles to deliver new therapies for patients.
  • Assess how genetics-driven insights are revolutionizing lab processes and accelerating drug discovery and development.
  • Identify strategies for optimizing and streamlining the drug development process, from discovery through the clinic and manufacturing and how to improve your process as it evolves during development.
  • Establish the importance of partnerships and innovative thinking in overcoming challenges and advancing new therapies and hear examples of successful collaborations within the lab
Moderators
avatar for Sophia Lugo

Sophia Lugo

CEO, Chairman and Co-Founder, Radar Therapeutics
Sophia Lugo is CEO, Chairman, and Co-Founder at Radar Therapeutics, an mRNA therapeutics company based in Berkeley, California. Before Radar, Sophia held strategy and product roles at BGI Genomics’ Health Division and Ventures Incubator, the Boston Consulting Group, the US Surgeon... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Christopher Wilson, PhD

Christopher Wilson, PhD

Director, Drug Product Process Development, Satellite Bio
Chris currently leads process development for Satellite Bio’s drug products, which are allogeneic cellular therapies for patients with liver disease. Previously, Chris managed CMC for an HSC therapy in Ph1/2 trials at Magenta Therapeutics, and prior to that led preclinical development... Read More →
avatar for Christian Lawrence

Christian Lawrence

Sr. Director of Manager Research Centers, SmartLabs
Christian Lawrence is a scientist and administrator with over 20 years of experience in research operations and management. The bulk of this time (2008-2021) was spent at Boston Children’s Hospital (BCH), where he built and managed specialized laboratories and programs to drive... Read More →
avatar for Jennifer Low, M.D., Ph.D.

Jennifer Low, M.D., Ph.D.

Head of Therapeutics Development, 23andMe
Jennifer Low, MD, PhD, is the Head of Therapeutics Development at 23andMe. She oversees the transition of potential therapeutics from 23andMe's research laboratories into clinical development studies, and leads a group that includes preclinical and clinical development and drug manufacturing.Jennifer... Read More →
Monday September 30, 2024 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  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
The Westin Boston Seaport District
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.

Panel is closed
Moderators
avatar for Eric Sagonowsky

Eric Sagonowsky

Senior Editor, Fierce Life Sciences
Eric Sagonowsky is a senior editor with the Fierce Life Sciences team. Before joining Fierce in November 2014, Eric worked as a news reporter for the Manistee News Advocate in Manistee, Mich., covering government and crime issues. Eric graduated from Ohio University's E.W. Scripps Sc... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Christine Roth

Christine Roth

EVP, Global Product Strategy and Commercialization, Bayer
Christine Roth is the head of Global Product Strategy and Commercialization at Bayer Pharmaceuticals. In her three decades of industry experience at BMS, GSK, Novartis, and Bayer, she has played key roles in the development and launches of the first immuno-oncology therapy, the first... Read More →
avatar for Jordan Zwick

Jordan Zwick

Chief Business Officer, Mirador Therapeutics
Jordan Zwick is our Chief Business Officer. Mr. Zwick is an experienced leader in corporate strategy and business development in the biopharmaceutical sector. Mr. Zwick served as strategic advisor to Prometheus Biosciences prior to its sale to Merck in June 2023. Previously, Mr. Zwick... Read More →
avatar for Julie Gilmore, Ph.D.

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 →
avatar for Samuel Zhang, PhD

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 →
Monday September 30, 2024 1:45pm - 2:30pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  Track: Strategy & Dealmaking
  • QTAG FBSfeaturedsessionHP

2:30pm EDT

Case Study: Fast to Proof-of-Concept: Strategies and Lessons Learned for Improving Oncology Drug Development Efficiency
Monday September 30, 2024 2:30pm - 3:00pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
Even the best pre-clinical work doesn’t necessarily predict what will happen in the clinic, underscoring the imperative to take multiple shots on goal in building a pipeline.
 
This presentation will discuss:
• Perspective on oncology drug development challenges and successes over the last decade, highlighting examples of leading with science to catapult innovation in cancer care.
• How efficiently pursuing clinical proof-of-concept (PoC) allows evaluation of multiple shots on goal with modest incremental investment and cues decision-making regarding later-stage development.
• How reduced reliance on external CROs and has expedited the drug development process, even with global clinical trials, without cutting corners for patient care.
Speakers
avatar for Mark Lanasa, MD, PhD

Mark Lanasa, MD, PhD

Chief Medical Officer, Solid Tumors, BeiGene
Mark Lanasa, M.D., Ph.D., joined the company in February 2022 as Senior Vice President, Chief Medical Officer for Solid Tumors. Prior to joining BeiGene, Dr. Lanasa served as Vice President and Global Clinical Head, Late Development Oncology at AstraZeneca from 2019 to 2022. He previously... Read More →
Monday September 30, 2024 2:30pm - 3:00pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  Track: Early-Stage Development

2:30pm EDT

Great Expectations - How they can Fuel or Foil Your Success
Monday September 30, 2024 2:30pm - 3:00pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
Expectations are so powerful they can rewire brain chemistry, power the placebo effect, and define the way we experience the world around us. Yet, how much do you know about the specific Expectations that doctors, patients, investors, and employees have of you? The gap between what your audiences expect and what they experience can create roadblocks, frustration, and failure. This session will explore the deep power that Expectations hold over us, and how you can identify, manage, and align them across various stakeholders, transforming potential friction into a powerful catalyst for success.

Presented by: /prompt.
Speakers
avatar for Paul Dyer

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 40... Read More →
Monday September 30, 2024 2:30pm - 3:00pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  Track: PR & Communications
  • QTAG pr&commsfeaturedsessions

2:30pm EDT

Evolving CMC: Unlocking Manufacturing Innovation in Biologic and Regenerative Therapies
Monday September 30, 2024 2:30pm - 3:00pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
Speakers
avatar for Derek Adams

Derek Adams

CEO, Stellular Bio
Derek is President and Chief Executive Officer of Stellular Bio. Prior to that, he was Chief Operating Officer leading the Manufacturing and Technical Operations organization as well as additional strategic and operational responsibilities across the company. Prior to Stellular, Derek... Read More →
Monday September 30, 2024 2:30pm - 3:00pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  Track: Preclinical & CMC

2:30pm EDT

Unlocking Early Value in Biotech's Next Frontier
Monday September 30, 2024 2:30pm - 3:00pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
Discover how biotech companies can successfully transition from research and development (R&D) to thriving commercial enterprises. This session will delve into innovative strategies for enhancing product and company value early in the journey. We will provide a unique perspective on leveraging cutting-edge technologies and strategies optimize product development and market positioning. Attendees will gain insights into crafting compelling value propositions that resonate with investors and partners, while also exploring unconventional partnership models that can unlock new opportunities for growth. Our discussion will include real-world examples of companies that have effectively navigated this transformation, offering practical lessons and actionable steps for those looking to make a significant impact in the biotech industry. Whether you're at the helm of a startup or part of an established organization, this session will equip you with the tools and insights needed to drive commercial success and innovation.

Presented by Guidehouse
Speakers
avatar for Karla Anderson

Karla Anderson

Partner Life Sciences, Guidehouse
Karla is a Partner leading Guidehouse's International Life Sciences Practice. She has over 30 years of experience working within industry and consulting. She helps her clients identify and implement winning strategies in an increasingly complex and competitive global marketplace... Read More →
avatar for Michele Fuller

Michele Fuller

Partner Life Sciences, Guidehouse
avatar for Maya Desai, PhD

Maya Desai, PhD

Director Life Sciences, Guidehouse
Maya K Desai, PhD, a Director at Guidehouse, spearheads commercial transformation and digital health in the life sciences. As a neuroscientist and thought leader, Maya has collaborated with global biopharmaceutical, biotechnology, digital health and academic organizations since 2006... Read More →
Monday September 30, 2024 2:30pm - 3:00pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  Track: Strategy & Dealmaking
  • QTAG stratanddealmakingfeaturedsessions

3:00pm EDT

Fierce Fireside Chat: Rose Loughlin, Ph.D., SVP, Research and Early Development, Moderna
Monday September 30, 2024 3:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
Moderated by: Darren Incorvaia, Staff Writer, Fierce Biotech

Speaker: Rose Loughlin, Ph.D., SVP, Research and Early Development, Moderna
Speakers
avatar for Darren Incorvaia

Darren Incorvaia

Staff Writer, Fierce Biotech
Darren Incorvaia is a staff writer for Fierce Biotech. He joined Fierce in 2024 and has also written for The New York Times, Science, and Science News, among others. He was an early-career fellow at The Open Notebook in 2023 and has a Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution and Behavior from... Read More →
avatar for Rose Loughlin, Ph.D.

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
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  Track: Early-Stage Development

3:00pm EDT

Fierce Fireside Chat: Cristal Downing, EVP, Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer, Merck
Monday September 30, 2024 3:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
Moderated by: Zoey Becker, Staff Writer, Fierce Pharma

Speaker: Cristal Downing, Executive Vice President and Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer, Merck
Speakers
avatar for Zoey Becker

Zoey Becker

Staff Writer, Fierce Pharma
Zoey Becker is a staff writer for Fierce Pharma. She joined the Fierce team in 2022 after interning at the Cincinnati Herald. Zoey is a graduate of Miami University, where she earned a degree in journalism as well as sociology. She currently resides in Chicago with her two goldfi... Read More →
avatar for Cristal Downing

Cristal Downing

Executive Vice President and Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer, Merck
Cristal Downing joined Merck as executive vice president and chief communications & public affairs officer in 2021. In this role, Cristal leads Merck’s Corporate Affairs organization and is responsible for the development, advancement and execution of the company’s communications... Read More →
Monday September 30, 2024 3:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  Track: PR & Communications
  • QTAG pr&commsfeaturedsessions

3:00pm EDT

Scientists with Superpowers: How Generative AI is changing Drug Discovery at AstraZeneca
Monday September 30, 2024 3:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
AstraZeneca scientists now have generative AI superpowers at their disposal, but it wasn’t always this way. This case study will present three obstacles the research and IT teams overcame together to incorporate cutting edge technology into their daily work and the transformative outcomes they are achieving in real time
Speakers
avatar for Anna Berg Asberg

Anna Berg Asberg

VP, R&D IT, AstraZeneca
Anna Berg Åsberg is Vice President of R&D IT at AstraZeneca, where her team aim to use technology to transform the speed and quality of the discovery and delivery of medicines to patients.  Anna’s team spans three continents and is unified with a purpose to improve scientists... Read More →
Monday September 30, 2024 3:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  Track: Preclinical & CMC

3:00pm EDT

Fierce Fireside Chat: Amanda Kay, Senior Partner and Chief Business Development Officer, Flagship Pioneering
Monday September 30, 2024 3:00pm - 3:30pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
Speaker: Amanda Kay, Senior Partner and Chief Business Development Officer, Flagship Pioneering

Moderated by: Angus Liu, Deputy Editor, Fierce Pharma
Speakers
avatar for Angus Liu

Angus Liu

Deputy Editor, Fierce Pharma
Angus is a senior staff writer with Questex’s Life Sciences group. He earned his Master’s at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, where he worked as a health reporter besides learning pertinent skills in magazine editing and interactive production. Prior to... Read More →
avatar for Amanda Kay

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
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  Track: Strategy & Dealmaking
  • QTAG stratanddealmakingfeaturedsessions

3:30pm EDT

Networking Break
Monday September 30, 2024 3:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
Monday September 30, 2024 3:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  Networking

4:00pm EDT

Panel: Decoding AI in Drug Development: Going Beyond the Hype
Monday September 30, 2024 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  • 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.
Panel Closed
Moderators
avatar for Dr. Karim I. Budhwani

Dr. Karim I. Budhwani

CEO, CerFlux
For more than two decades Dr. Budhwani has combined his passion for innovation, socioeconomic development, and scientific discoveries to shape the impact of innovation and new knowledge (INK) in advancing the economy and the broader human society. He co-founded CerFlux, Inc. in 2018... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Mark Brenckle

Mark Brenckle

Senior Director, Head of Enterprise Data Science, Alkermes
Mark Brenckle, Ph.D. Recently joined Team Alkermes as the Senior Director of Enterprise Data Science. He has taken over leadership of the Enterprise Data Science Center of Excellence, where he leads a team of Data Scientists in close partnership with functional leaders to deliver... Read More →
avatar for Gavin Corcoran, M.D.

Gavin Corcoran, M.D.

Chief Development Officer, Formation Bio
Gavin Corcoran is the Chief Development Officer at Formation Bio. He is a board certified infectious disease physician and leads the development organization that provides the medical and scientific input to all aspects of drug development at Formation Bio, from product licensing... Read More →
avatar for Jeffrey G. Reid, Ph.D.

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 →
avatar for Michelle M. Chen, Ph.D.

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
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  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
The Westin Boston Seaport District
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.
Moderators
avatar for Beth Roden

Beth Roden

Senior Vice President and Head of Communications, U.S. and Head of Communications, Consumer Health, North America, Bayer
Beth leads the divisional and corporate communications teams in supporting the U.S. organization’s efforts to accelerate growth through broader transformation efforts while continuing to build Bayer’s reputation in the U.S. She also leads strategic communications for Consumer... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Natacha Gassenbach

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 →
avatar for Kate O'Malley

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 →
avatar for Robert Zirkelbach

Robert Zirkelbach

Chief Public Affairs Officer & Head of Strategic Initiatives, PhRMA
Robert Zirkelbach is Chief Public Affairs Officer & Head of Strategic Initiatives at the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). In this role, Mr. Zirkelbach oversees the organization’s media, advertising and executive communications efforts, along with message... Read More →
avatar for Kym White

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
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  Track: PR & Communications
  • QTAG pr&commsfeaturedsessions

4:00pm EDT

Panel: Driving Innovation: How Biotech Companies Can Leverage CDMO Partnerships
Monday September 30, 2024 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
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.
Moderators
avatar for Kara Calhoun, Ph.D.

Kara Calhoun, Ph.D.

Sr. Vice President, CMC and Process Development, NGM Biopharmaceuticals
Kara Calhoun joined NGM Biopharmaceuticals in 2020 where she serves as the SVP of CMC and Process Development and is a member of the executive team.  She is responsible for the end-to-end process development and manufacturing activities to support clinical supply for a growing development... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Jerry McLaughlin

Jerry McLaughlin

CEO, Life Biosciences
Jerry McLaughlin is chief executive officer and board member of Life Biosciences, Inc. He has over 30 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry and has been involved in the discovery, clinical development, and global commercialization of more than a dozen FDA-approved... Read More →
avatar for Andrew Torres

Andrew Torres

VP of CMC, Aurion Biotech
Andrew Torres leads all things CMC at Aurion Biotech. Andrew has a deep background in process, analytical, formulation, CMC regulatory strategy and operations, quality control, supply chain and GMP manufacturing. Before joining Aurion Biotech, Andrew held leadership roles at Molecular... Read More →
avatar for Sadik Kassim, Ph.D.

Sadik Kassim, Ph.D.

Chief Technology Officer, Danaher Genomic Medicines
Sadik Kassim, Ph.D. is a scientist and executive with extensive experience in the biotechnology industry with a specific focus on cell and gene therapy bioprocessing and translational research. Currently, he serves as Chief Technology Officer of Genomic Medicines for the Life Sciences... Read More →
avatar for James Blackwell, Ph.D. M.B.A.

James Blackwell, Ph.D. M.B.A.

Head, Manufacturing (CMC), MedTherapy
As Founder and a Principal Consultant for the Windshire Group, LLC (windshire.com), and Labshire, LLC (labshire.com), Dr. Blackwell has been a leading consultant to the regulated life science industry for almost two decades in the areas of CMC, process development, quality, laboratories... Read More →
avatar for Darren Head

Darren Head

Chief Executive Officer, Bionova Scientific
Darren Head is Chief Executive Officer of Bionova Scientific. He also served as Chairman of Bionova’s Board of Directors from 2019 until the company was acquired by Asahi Kasei in 2022. Darren also serves as Chairman of the Board of Cellipont Bioservices, a cell therapy CDMO based... Read More →
Monday September 30, 2024 4:00pm - 4:45pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  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
The Westin Boston Seaport District
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.
Moderators
avatar for Jordan Saxe

Jordan Saxe

Head of Healthcare, Listings & Capital Markets, Nasdaq
Jordan B. Saxe is Senior Managing Director, Americas in the Global Corporate Client Group and Global Head of Healthcare at Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ), the world’s largest exchange. In this role, Mr. Saxe is responsible for leading business development efforts in listings. He brings over... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Alethia Young

Alethia Young

Chief Financial Officer, Bicycle Therapeutics
Ms. Young has over 20 years of experience in biopharmaceutical industry. Currently, Ms. Young is the chief financial officer at Bicycle Therapeutics. In this role, Ms. Young oversees the company’s finance, investor relations and corporate communications functions, and plays a key... Read More →
avatar for Div Gupta

Div Gupta

Partner, Cooley LLP
Div represents public and private emerging growth companies and investment banks on a variety of significant business transactions, including public offerings of equity and debt, crossover financings, and mergers and acquisitions. Notably, he provides strategic advice to the market’s... Read More →
avatar for Troy Ignelzi

Troy Ignelzi

CFO, Rapport Therapeutics
Troy joins Rapport with nearly two decades of financial leadership experience in the biotech and pharmaceuticals sectors. Over the course of his career, Troy has raised an impressive $4 billion-plus in capital for life science companies. Most recently, he was Chief Financial Officer... Read More →
avatar for Andrew Lam, PharmD

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
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  Track: Strategy & Dealmaking
  • QTAG FBSfeaturedsessionHP

4:45pm EDT

Panel: Fierce 15 – Where are They Now?
Monday September 30, 2024 4:45pm - 5:30pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
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.

Moderators
avatar for Gabrielle Masson

Gabrielle Masson

Associate Editor, Fierce Biotech
Gabrielle Masson is an associate editor for Fierce Biotech. Prior to Fierce, she worked at Becker's Hospital Review, where she reported on public health and the pandemic. Gabrielle graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison after studying creative writing and criminal justice... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Liang Schweizer, Ph.D.

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 →
avatar for R. Nolan Townsend

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 →
avatar for Adam Friedman, M.D., Ph.D.

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 →
avatar for Debanjan Ray

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 4:45pm - 5:30pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  Main Stage

5:30pm EDT

Fierce 15 Awards Ceremony
Monday September 30, 2024 5:30pm - 6:00pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
Join us as we announce the 2024 class of Fierce 15 winners on stage as they collect their awards.
Speakers
avatar for Rebecca Willumson

Rebecca Willumson

Senior Vice President & Publisher, Fierce Life Sciences
Rebecca Willumson is the Senior Vice President of Questex's Life Sciences and Healthcare media divisions and the Publisher of FierceBiotech, FiercePharma and FierceHealthcare.  She is responsible for overseeing the sales, editorial, and operations functions of the group’s digital... Read More →
avatar for Gabrielle Masson

Gabrielle Masson

Associate Editor, Fierce Biotech
Gabrielle Masson is an associate editor for Fierce Biotech. Prior to Fierce, she worked at Becker's Hospital Review, where she reported on public health and the pandemic. Gabrielle graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison after studying creative writing and criminal justice... Read More →
Monday September 30, 2024 5:30pm - 6:00pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  Main Stage

6:00pm EDT

Fierce 15 Networking Reception
Monday September 30, 2024 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
Monday September 30, 2024 6:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  Networking

7:00pm EDT

End of Day One
Monday September 30, 2024 7:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
Monday September 30, 2024 7:00pm - 7:00pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
 
Tuesday, October 1
 

7:45am EDT

Registration Open and Networking Breakfast
Tuesday October 1, 2024 7:45am - 8:45am EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
Tuesday October 1, 2024 7:45am - 8:45am EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  Networking

8:45am EDT

Welcome and Day 2 Opening Remarks
Tuesday October 1, 2024 8:45am - 9:00am EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
Speakers
avatar for Michelle Benz

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 →
Tuesday October 1, 2024 8:45am - 9:00am EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  Main Stage

9:00am EDT

Keynote: Reimagining Medicine, Together: Partnering to Advance Patient Care
Tuesday October 1, 2024 9:00am - 9:30am EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
As the biotech industry continues to deliver cutting-edge innovations, pharma companies like Novartis are partnering to share expertise, scale these discoveries and accelerate their path to market, all in service of the patient. In light of ever-increasing competition and costs, more collaboration and partnerships are needed in order to bring these new medicines to the patients who need them. Pharma companies and biotech need to join forces to ensure that the most promising innovations have the best chance of reaching patients. Hear how Novartis has adopted a ‘deal type agnostic’ approach which has led to successful collaborations and partnerships that maximize mutual value and focus on improving patient care.

Interviewed by: Michelle Benz, Fierce
Speakers
avatar for Reshema Kemps-Polanco

Reshema Kemps-Polanco

Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Novartis
Reshema Kemps-Polanco is Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Novartis US, the U.S. operations of global biopharmaceutical company, Novartis AG. In this role, she is responsible for the end-to-end commercialization across four therapeutic areas, including oncology... Read More →
avatar for Michelle Benz

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 →
Tuesday October 1, 2024 9:00am - 9:30am EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  Main Stage

9:30am EDT

Plan to Win: Why it’s never too early to make the key Regulatory, Strategic, and Market Decisions that will Define your Trajectory
Tuesday October 1, 2024 9:30am - 10:15am EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
Moderators
avatar for Alice Valder Curran

Alice Valder Curran

Partner, Hogan Lovells
Alice Valder Curran advises pharmaceutical manufacturers regarding drug pricing matters, with a particular emphasis on the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program, the Medicare average sales price (ASP) reporting requirement, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) 340B Drug... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Casarine Chong (Cassie)

Casarine Chong (Cassie)

Senior VP | Deputy GC Transactions, Bristol Myers Squibb
Casarine (Cassie) Chong is Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel, Transactions for Bristol Myers Squibb. Cassie and her organization provide strategic and business-enabling support of all significant transactions, including mergers & acquisitions, venture investments and strategic... Read More →
avatar for Tess Cameron

Tess Cameron

Principal, RA Capital Management
Tess Cameron is a Principal on the Investment Team at RA Capital Management. Tess works on both public and private investments and serves on several company boards. Previously, Tess held finance leadership roles at Foghorn Therapeutics, Wave Life Sciences, and Biogen. Prior to joining... Read More →
Tuesday October 1, 2024 9:30am - 10:15am EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  Main Stage

10:15am EDT

Panel: Unlocking Health Equity: AI-Driven Innovations in Diverse Clinical Trial Recruitment
Tuesday October 1, 2024 10:15am - 11:00am EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
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.
Moderators
avatar for Adrelia Allen, Pharm.D.

Adrelia Allen, Pharm.D.

Executive Director, Clinical Trial Diversity, Merck Research Laboratories
Adrelia Allen is Executive Director of Clinical Trial Patient Diversity in Merck Research Laboratories.  Adrelia brings more than 25 years of experience in clinical research and clinical operations execution across multiple therapeutic areas.  She joined Merck as a Sales Representative... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Shaheen Lakhan, MD, PhD, FAAN

Shaheen Lakhan, MD, PhD, FAAN

Chief Medical Officer, Click Therapeutics
Shaheen Lakhan is the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) at Click Therapeutics. He is a physician-scientist, biotech executive, and biopharma board director with more than 20 years of experience in healthcare, academia, and industry focusing on neuroscience research and development. Dr... Read More →
avatar for Stacey Bledsoe, RN, MSN

Stacey Bledsoe, RN, MSN

Head of Global Clinical Trial Diversity and Inclusion, Gilead Sciences, Inc
Stacey Bledsoe, RN, MSN joined Gilead Sciences in July 2023 as the new Head of Global Clinical Trial Diversity and Inclusion. Stacey will be responsible for leading the effort to increase the diversity of Gilead’s clinical trials across the portfolio while bolstering Gilead’s... Read More →
avatar for Meghan McKenzie, M.A.

Meghan McKenzie, M.A.

Principal, Patient Inclusion and Health Equity, 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 10:15am - 11:00am EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  Main Stage

11:00am EDT

Networking Break
Tuesday October 1, 2024 11:00am - 11:30am EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
Tuesday October 1, 2024 11:00am - 11:30am EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  Networking

11:30am EDT

Day 2: Tracks Begin
Tuesday October 1, 2024 11:30am - 11:30am EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
Strategy & Dealmaking Track Chair: Sahm Nasseri, Senior Vice President, Business Development and Strategy, Generate: Biomedicines

PR & Communications Track Chair: Kristin Cahill, Global CEO, GCI Health

Preclinical & CMC Track Chair: Vipin Suri, PhD, CSO, Clasp Therapeutics

Early-Stage Development Track Chair: Dr. Karim I. Budhwani, CEO, CerFlux 
Speakers
avatar for Sahm Nasseri

Sahm Nasseri

Senior Vice President, Business Development and Strategy, Generate:Biomedicines
Sahm is head of Business Development and Strategy at Generate:Biomedicines. He has significant experience across biotech, large pharma and strategy consulting and is passionate about unlocking the full potential of science through value-creating collaborations and clearly defined... Read More →
avatar for Vipin Suri, PhD

Vipin Suri, PhD

Chief Scientific Officer, Clasp Therapeutics
Vipin Suri, PhD, joined Clasp Therapeutics in April 2024. Along with his deep expertise in researching and developing cell therapies for cancer, Vipin has over two decades of experience in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry. Most recently, he was the Chief Scientific Officer... Read More →
avatar for Dr. Karim I. Budhwani

Dr. Karim I. Budhwani

CEO, CerFlux
For more than two decades Dr. Budhwani has combined his passion for innovation, socioeconomic development, and scientific discoveries to shape the impact of innovation and new knowledge (INK) in advancing the economy and the broader human society. He co-founded CerFlux, Inc. in 2018... Read More →
avatar for Kristin Cahill

Kristin Cahill

Global CEO, GCI Group
Kristin Cahill is the Global Chief Executive Officer of GCI Health. Throughout her 20-year career, Kristin has worked with a wide range of healthcare organizations and executives to develop innovative strategies, compelling communication platforms and breakthrough creative campaigns... Read More →
Tuesday October 1, 2024 11:30am - 11:30am EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District

11:30am EDT

Empowering Women's Health: Impact of President Biden's Executive Order on Biotech Innovation and Research
Tuesday October 1, 2024 11:30am - 12:00pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
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.
Speakers
avatar for Cheryl Rucker-Whitaker, MD, MPH, FACP

Cheryl Rucker-Whitaker, MD, MPH, FACP

Regional President, CINQCARE
Dr. Rucker-Whitaker is physician executive with CINQCARE, a health and care company focused on caring for people where they live. She is an active entrepreneur, advisor, and board member. She co-founded a company focused on patient engagement for the hard to reach. She is an advisor... Read More →
avatar for Charlotte Owens, MD, FACOG

Charlotte Owens, MD, FACOG

Head of Medical Affairs and Outcomes Research, Organon
Charlotte is responsible for the global medical strategy and support of marketed and pipeline products, including outcomes research. Additionally, she develops and fosters relationships with external organizations and experts to ensure that our products continue to meet market needs... Read More →
Tuesday October 1, 2024 11:30am - 12:00pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  Track: Early-Stage Development

11:30am EDT

Dynamic Duos: Navigating Challenges and Building Success in the CEO-Comms Partnership
Tuesday October 1, 2024 11:30am - 12:00pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
What does it take for a successful CEO / Head of Communications relationship to work? What are the biggest external and internal challenges these two leaders face in the current environment and how do they navigate them together? This fireside chat will answer these questions and will open it up to answer yours!​​​​
Speakers
avatar for Sarah Spencer

Sarah Spencer

Vice President, Corporate Communications & Investor Relations, Vor Bio
Sarah Spencer is a Corporate Communications professional with over 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical, life sciences, and biotechnology industries. She currently serves as Vice President of Corporate Communications & Investor Relations at Vor Bio. Sarah's expertise includes... Read More →
avatar for Robert Ang, MBBS, MBA

Robert Ang, MBBS, MBA

President and CEO, Vor Bio
Robert Ang, MBBS, MBA, is President and CEO at Vor Bio since 2019. Prior to Vor Bio, Robert gained operational experience focused on strategy and business development through roles at Neon Therapeutics (now BioNTech), Bavarian Nordic, and Cadence Pharmaceuticals (now Mallinckrodt... Read More →
Tuesday October 1, 2024 11:30am - 12:00pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  Track: PR & Communications
  • QTAG pr&commsfeaturedsessions

11:30am EDT

Fierce Fireside Chat with James Wilson M.D., Ph.D.
Tuesday October 1, 2024 11:30am - 12:00pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
Moderated by: Darren Incorvaia, Staff Writer, Fierce Biotech

Speaker: James Wilson M.D., Ph.D., CEO of GEMMA Biotherapeutics and Franklin Biolabs
Speakers
avatar for James M. Wilson, MD, PhD

James M. Wilson, MD, PhD

CEO of GEMMABio, Chairman of Franklin Biolabs and
Having started his work in gene therapy nearly 40 years ago, Dr. Wilson was recruited to the University of Pennsylvania in 1993 and created the first and largest academic-based program in gene therapy. His laboratory discovered a family of viruses from primates called adeno-associated... Read More →
avatar for Darren Incorvaia

Darren Incorvaia

Staff Writer, Fierce Biotech
Darren Incorvaia is a staff writer for Fierce Biotech. He joined Fierce in 2024 and has also written for The New York Times, Science, and Science News, among others. He was an early-career fellow at The Open Notebook in 2023 and has a Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution and Behavior from... Read More →
Tuesday October 1, 2024 11:30am - 12:00pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  Track: Preclinical & CMC

11:30am EDT

Lessons Learned From a Billion Dollar Deal
Tuesday October 1, 2024 11:30am - 12:00pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  • Dive into a candid conversation between two top dealmakers as they share the strategies and key decisions that drove the success of their recent high-profile deals.
  • Discover how these leaders approached complex partnerships, the lessons they took away from their deals, and how they leveraged innovative thinking to navigate challenges and secure sustainable outcomes.
  • Hear insights into their motivations, the strategic goals behind their negotiations, and the crucial factors that contributed to their successes.
Speakers
avatar for Sahm Nasseri

Sahm Nasseri

Senior Vice President, Business Development and Strategy, Generate:Biomedicines
Sahm is head of Business Development and Strategy at Generate:Biomedicines. He has significant experience across biotech, large pharma and strategy consulting and is passionate about unlocking the full potential of science through value-creating collaborations and clearly defined... Read More →
avatar for Polly Brown

Polly Brown

Head of Business Development, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca
Polly leads Oncology business development activities, including search and evaluation, transactions and alliance management. She also leads the development and execution of a fully integrated Oncology R&D BD strategy. Within this role, Polly has overseen the in-licensing of multiple... Read More →
Tuesday October 1, 2024 11:30am - 12:00pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  Track: Strategy & Dealmaking
  • QTAG stratanddealmakingfeaturedsessions

12:00pm EDT

Panel: Pioneering Early-Stage Cancer Therapies: Harnessing Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines for Precision Medicine
Tuesday October 1, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
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.

Panel Closed
Moderators
avatar for Jonathan Kagan Ph.D.

Jonathan Kagan Ph.D.

Co-founder and President of Corner Therapeutics, Marian R. Neutra, PhD Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, and the Director of Basic Research and Shwachman Chair in Gastroenterology at Boston Children’s Hospital
Jonathan Kagan is a cofounder, President and board director of Corner Therapeutics, the immunotherapy company unlocking lifelong protection from cancer and infectious diseases.Outside of Corner, he is Marian R. Neutra, Ph.D. Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and the director of Basic Research and Shwachman Chair in Gastroenterology at Boston Child... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Jeff Allen, PhD

Jeff Allen, PhD

President & CEO, Friends of Cancer Research
Jeff Allen, Ph.D. serves as the President and CEO of Friends of Cancer Research (Friends). For over 25 years, Friends has created unique scientific partnerships, accelerated policy change, and supported groundbreaking research to deliver new therapies to patients quickly and safely... Read More →
avatar for Dr. Ildiko Csiki

Dr. Ildiko Csiki

Chief Medical Officer, Geneos Therapeutics
Dr. Csiki is the Chief Medical Officer at Geneos Therapeutics, focusing on development of personalized therapeutic cancer vaccines. With over 20 years in oncology, she has driven innovation in cancer research, drug development, and immunotherapy. She has held execututive leadership... Read More →
avatar for Scot W. Ebbinghaus M.D.

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 12:00pm - 12:45pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  Track: Early-Stage Development

12:00pm EDT

Panel: Parallel Paths, Different Landscapes: Unveiling the Nuances of Pharma vs. Biotech Communications
Tuesday October 1, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
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
avatar for Caitlin Craparo

Caitlin Craparo

Senior Director, US Communications, Genmab
Caitlin Craparo is Senior Director, US Communications at Genmab, a global biotechnology company. In this role, Caitlin is responsible for executing strategic communications that support the company’s growth in the US.With more than 15 years of experience leading communications for... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Aron Feingold

Aron Feingold

Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications, Geron Corporation
Aron Feingold has more than 15 years of experience in biotech and pharmaceutical strategic communications. She is currently the VP of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications at Geron, a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company aiming to change lives by changing the course... Read More →
avatar for Ed Harnaga

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 →
avatar for Courtney Walker

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 →
avatar for Sarah Alspach

Sarah Alspach

SVP, External Affairs, bluebird bio
Tuesday October 1, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  Track: PR & Communications
  • QTAG pr&commsfeaturedsessions

12:00pm EDT

Panel: Streamlining Efficiency: Addressing the Complexity of the Cell Therapy Supply Chain for Clinical to Commercial Advancement of Transformative Therapies
Tuesday October 1, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
For decades, pharmaceutical firms have relied on batch manufacturing, a method prone to inefficiencies and long hold times, and moved towards continuous manufacturing to reduce cycle times. As the cell therapy space increasingly moves away from small batches and looks to increase throughput and scale, we are now asking ourselves how we can also make the cell therapy supply chain a “continuous process” to address complexities and advance as an industry. This session explores the need for end-to-end solutions for cell therapy products including cGMP manufacturing supply chain considerations across the entire product lifecycle to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness and improve process consistency. Discover how cell therapy companies can achieve reductions in operating costs, waste, and cycle times while enhancing product quality to respond to market demands for these transformative therapies.
Moderators
avatar for Michael Paglia, M.S.

Michael Paglia, M.S.

Chief Technology Officer, ElevateBio BaseCamp
Michael has spent the last twenty years in biotechnology building, leading and motivating process development and manufacturing teams to support clinical programs from early development to late-stage clinical trials. Currently, Michael is the Chief Technology Officer at ElevateBio... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Nabiha Saklayen, Ph.D.

Nabiha Saklayen, Ph.D.

CEO & Co-Founder, Cellino
Nabiha Saklayen is CEO and co-founder of Cellino, where her team is spearheading the biomanufacturing of regenerative medicines to make “Your Cells, Your Cure” a reality for patients in an aging and increasingly diverse world. As a purpose-driven physicist, she focused her Ph.D... Read More →
avatar for Shishir Gadam, PHD

Shishir Gadam, PHD

Chief Technical Officer, CARGO Therapeutics
Dr. Shishir Gadam joined CARGO Therapeutics as CTO in January 2022. He is a seasoned biotechnology leader with over 25 years of experience and brings a wealth of CMC experience across vaccines, biologics and cell therapy modalities. Shishir is passionate about building strong technical... Read More →
avatar for Kate Rochlin, Ph.D.

Kate Rochlin, Ph.D.

Chief Operating Officer, IN8bio
Kate Rochlin, Ph.D., is Chief Operating Officer at IN8bio (NASDAQ: INAB). She previously served as the VP and AVP of Operations and Innovation since August 2020. She has over 15 years of extensive expertise in early-stage biotechnology and company development, including conducting... Read More →
avatar for Tim Kelly

Tim Kelly

Chief Technology Officer, Caribou Bio
Tim Kelly is a biotech executive with over 20 years of leadership experience, currently serving as Chief Technology Officer at Caribou Biosciences. Previously, he was CEO of OXB Solutions LLC, where he led the spin-out of a new cell and gene therapy business. He also served as COO... Read More →
Tuesday October 1, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  Track: Preclinical & CMC

12:00pm EDT

Panel: Strategic Insights: Navigating Biotech M&A and Dealmaking Landscape in 2024 and Beyond
Tuesday October 1, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
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.
Moderators
avatar for Naomi Fried, PhD

Naomi Fried, PhD

CEO, PharmStars
Naomi Fried is CEO of PharmStars, the pharma-focused accelerator for digital health startups. She was Biogen’s VP of Innovation; Boston Children’s Hospital’s first Chief Innovation Officer; and Kaiser’s VP of Innovation & Advanced Technology.
Speakers
avatar for Maha Radhakrishnan, MD

Maha Radhakrishnan, MD

Executive Partner, Private Equity, Sofinnova Investments
Maha Radhakrishnan, M.D is currently Executive Partner at Sofinnova Investments and in her most recent role was Consultant to the CEO at Dyne Therapeutics helping with the overarching strategy and direction to the company R&D and Commercialization efforts. Prior to that she was the... Read More →
avatar for Fred Chereau

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 →
avatar for Jennifer Woo

Jennifer Woo

Senior Director Strategy and Business Development, Sanofi
Jennifer Woo is a Senior Director of Strategy and Business Development at Sanofi, where she leads strategy development and BD initiatives to drive growth and innovation. With over 17 years of experience in strategy, corporate development, and portfolio and program management, Jennifer... Read More →
avatar for Luba Greenwood, JD

Luba Greenwood, JD

Managing Partner, Binney Street Capital Venture Fund, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Luba Greenwood is a distinguished executive, investor, and company builder with over 20 years of experience in the healthcare and tech sectors. Luba has served as the Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Board of Kojin Therapeutics, a leader in ferroptosis. She currently serves... Read More →
Tuesday October 1, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  Track: Strategy & Dealmaking
  • QTAG stratanddealmakingfeaturedsessions

12:45pm EDT

Networking Lunch
Tuesday October 1, 2024 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
Tuesday October 1, 2024 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  Networking

1:45pm EDT

BioPharmaGPT: A VC’s Perspective on Fluff vs Substance in AI-Enabled Drug Discovery
Tuesday October 1, 2024 1:45pm - 2:15pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
ChatGPT’s success put into motion an arms race across physical world industries to build vertical-specific foundation models, with biotech emerging as its own battleground. AI has the power to change the biotech landscape as we know it, but the industry stands at a unique intersection of opportunity and complexity, which will ultimately determine the winners and the failures. Ben Hemani, Founding Partner of Bison Ventures, will dive into why most attempts to build biology foundation models are destined to fall short and how biotechs can emerge as true AI leaders, offering a roadmap for the future leaders of biotech innovation.
Speakers
avatar for Ben Hemani

Ben Hemani

Founding Partner, Bison Ventures
Ben is an engineer-turned-investor who is passionate about guiding frontier technology businesses towards massive commercial success and impact in collaboration with equally driven entrepreneurs. While a generalist at heart, Ben particularly loves businesses that utilize AI to enable... Read More →
Tuesday October 1, 2024 1:45pm - 2:15pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  Main Stage

2:15pm EDT

Panel: A Revival in Neuro Therapeutics
Tuesday October 1, 2024 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
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: Fraiser Kansteiner, Staff Writer, Fierce Pharma
Panel Closed
Moderators
avatar for Fraiser Kansteiner

Fraiser Kansteiner

Staff Writer, Fierce Pharma
Fraiser Kansteiner is a staff writer at Fierce Pharma. He joined the Fierce team in 2020 and covers topics such as manufacturing, COVID-19 and drug delivery. He also manages Fierce Biotech and Fierce Pharma’s LinkedIn showcase pages. Before diving into pharma reporting, Fraiser... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Camille L. Bedrosian, M.D.

Camille L. Bedrosian, M.D.

Chief Medical Officer, Amylyx
Dr. Bedrosian joined Amylyx as Chief Medical Officer (CMO) in 2023, bringing to the company nearly 30 years of experience in building successful clinical development and translation research programs in the pharmaceutical industry. Dr. Bedrosian served most of her nearly six years... Read More →
avatar for Craig Thompson

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 →
avatar for Sara Kenkare-Mitra, Ph.D.

Sara Kenkare-Mitra, Ph.D.

President and Head of Research and Development, Alector
Dr. Sara Kenkare-Mitra, Ph.D., is a seasoned biotech/pharma drug developer, scientist and executive, currently serving as the President and Head of Research and Development at Alector since 2021. With over 25 years of industry experience, she has dedicated her career to developing... Read More →
avatar for Blake Mandell

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 →
Tuesday October 1, 2024 2:15pm - 3:00pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  Main Stage

3:00pm EDT

Closing Remarks
Tuesday October 1, 2024 3:00pm - 3:15pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
Speakers
avatar for Michelle Benz

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 →
Tuesday October 1, 2024 3:00pm - 3:15pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
  Main Stage

3:15pm EDT

Close of Conference
Tuesday October 1, 2024 3:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
Tuesday October 1, 2024 3:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
The Westin Boston Seaport District
 
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Monday, September 30
Tuesday, October 1
The Westin Boston Seaport District
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  • Track: Early-Stage Development
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