Emerging from a tough few years, the biopharma industry has recently seen sizable licensing deals, meaningful M&As, and creative financing solutions to support innovation. Sentiment at JPM and Biotech Showcase was generally upbeat, as company officials prepared to meet numerous headwinds with resilience and optimism. Panelists will discuss the investment and dealmaking climate, challenges facing the industry, ways to overcome the concerns, and the most efficient, productive measures drug developers can take to move confidently into the future.

This session will explore the present and future prospects in effective solid tumor treatment. A presentation and discussion of innovation with distinguished researchers, such as 2022 Lasker Winner, Erkki Ruoslahti, MD, PhD, Columbia University’s Kazuki N. Sugahara, MD, PhD, and others. will examine oncology innovation.

Dive into the insights of leading VC investors as they discuss the current life sciences investment landscape. Panelists will discuss technology-driven convergence and its impact on the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors. Are crossover rounds making a comeback? These VC partners will delve into what is currently driving their investment decisions, what sectors they’re interested in, and how best to position your company when pitching their funds. Panelists will also highlight some emerging trends and case studies they’re seeing in the funding sector, from engineered-bio to biotech.

Beyond CAR-T, What’s Next for Cell Therapy will explore the past, present, and future of cell therapy in the oncology field. A presentation and discussion format will be held with celebrated researchers Dr. Malcolm Brenner, Dr. Helen Heslop, and other leaders in the immuno-oncology space.

This 75-minute salon will be comprised of two segments.

PRIOR TO SEGMENT 1 – THERE WILL BE A 5-7 MINUTE TAPED VIDEO BY DR. HESLOP EXPLAINING WHAT CAR-T IS

It is estimated that up to 85% of the human proteome is currently “undruggable.” These proteins lack easy-to-find pockets where therapeutics can bind. A wave of biotech companies with new technologies have arrived to tackle the problem of overcoming these most elusive drug targets.

Most treatments for emerging and potentially dangerous pathogens are failing. Repeated warnings about the likelihood of a pandemic event worse than COVID-19 have been issued by governing bodies, research organizations and prominent leaders in the healthcare arena, but coordinated responses have yet to be developed. This Salon, with leaders in public health, clinical practice, research, and the government, will provide answers to meeting the pathogen threat and first steps to defend against it from some of the most highly regarded people in the quest to meet the challenge of emerging pathogens.

Join a distinguished panel of experts for a robust discussion on pricing and deal valuation dynamics for multi-indication products.  The discussion will focus on the issues that potential commercialization partners, acquirers, and capital providers will examine when evaluating a multi-indication product as well as platform products for deal valuation purposes.  This panel of experts will share their experiences as CEOs, BD, and Market Access leaders, Country Managers and royalty investors from companies including Alexion, DRI Capital, Genentech, Genzyme, GSK, and Pfizer.

Now that we are back from what is arguably the most important week in the life sciences calendar, we want to know what the sentiment is for fundraising in 2023 and will it change in 2024. Should private companies focus on cash preservation and out-licensing programs? What will 2024 bring?  Is there a consensus that management can use to guide them?

Yes, it can, but it is not easy. VCs share their insights about how to navigate and survive this market now and how to position your company to raise money when the market returns to the next new normal. Join this conversation among VCs as they discuss the advice they give their portfolio companies about getting through the choppy waters.