Biotech Summit

5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Conference On-Site Registration

6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Welcome Reception and Dinner

7:30 – 9:00 a.m.

Registration and Networking Breakfast  

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Partnering Hall

9:00 – 9:10 a.m.

Welcome Remarks  

9:10 – 9:55 a.m.

Venture Capital Financing Trends Panel

This panel of leading venture capitalists will discuss the current life sciences market, the future of biotech and medicine, VC’s role in educating the public on biotech’s value, and their advice for entrepreneurs.

Moderator:
Jennifer Fang, Wilson Sonsini

Speakers:
Ben Auspitz, Curie.Bio
Joe Cabral, Frazier Life Sciences
Aaron Nelson, Novo Holdings
Issi Rozen, Google Ventures
Laura Tadvalkar, RA Capital Management

10:00 – 10:45 a.m.

Investment Strategies and Licensing Agreements in the Chinese Biotech Market
Join us to explore the opportunities and challenges in the Chinese biotech market. This panel will cover investment strategies and licensing agreements for both Chinese and international companies, highlighting the impact of China’s innovative drug pipeline on U.S. biotech and venture capital.

Key topics include the evolving regulatory landscape and strategies for navigating cross-border complexities. Attendees will gain insights into effective licensing agreements and investment tactics to leverage the growth of the Chinese biotech sector for global innovation.

Moderator:
Norm Hovijitra, Wilson Sonsini

Speakers:
Aoife Brennan, Climb Bio
Jenna Hebert, RA Capital Management
Jonathan Kiburz, GSK
David Lennon, Whitehawk Therapeutics

10:45 – 10:55 a.m.

Break

10:55 – 11:40 a.m.

Guiding the Transformative Power of AI in Life Sciences: Insights from Industry Leaders
Join us for an engaging panel discussion that will delve into the profound impact of artificial intelligence on drug discovery, diagnostics, personalized medicine, and beyond.

Moderator:
Ali Alemozafar, Wilson Sonsini

Speakers:
Jay Carter, Isomorphic Labs Limited
Ryan Gill, Codebreaker Tx
Fez Ujjainwalla, Terray Therapeutics
Brent Vaughan, Eratos Therapeutics
Quin Wills, Ochre Bio

11:40 a.m.  – 12:25 p.m.

Leveraging Patent Strategies for Successful Biotech-Pharma Collaborations
Join us for a panel featuring seasoned industry leaders as they explore the critical role of intellectual property (IP) in biotech-pharma partnerships. This discussion will cover essential strategies for securing and managing intellectual property, the impact of patents on collaboration dynamics, and the latest trends in regulatory considerations. Our panelists will share their insights on how to effectively leverage IP to enhance innovation, drive growth, and navigate challenges in the evolving biotech landscape.

Moderator:
Derrick Rowe, Wilson Sonsini

Speakers:
April Effort, Vigil Neuroscience
Don Huddler, GSK
Justin Huddleson, Global Intellectual Property Department, Sanofi
John McKeague, Skyhawk Therapeutics

12:25 – 1:30 p.m.

Networking Lunch

1:30 – 2:15 p.m.

Exploring Alternative Financing Trends in Biotech
Join industry experts as they explore the complexities of drug development and current market conditions, focusing on innovative financing solutions. This panel will cover options such as royalty financing, venture debt, strategic partnerships, and the role of SPACs and reverse mergers as pathways to public markets. Participants will discover key challenges, regulatory factors, and effective strategies for securing funding in today’s competitive landscape. Whether you’re a biotech entrepreneur, investor, or legal advisor, this session will provide essential insights to help you thrive in the evolving biotech financing arena.

Moderator:
Matthew Bresnahan, Wilson Sonsini

Speakers:
Daniel Abernathy, Otsuka, McQuade Center for Strategic Research and Development
Bill Grau, Royalty Pharma
Laura Lande-Diner, Jefferson Life Sciences
Jonathan Christopher LiPuma, Fortress Investment Group

2:20 – 3:05 p.m.

M&A: Preparing for Single Program Divestures
Over the last few years, there has been a resurgence of discussions about divesting single programs in a tax efficient manner, while preserving the seller’s rights in, and ability to continue to develop, its other programs. Join a panel of Wilson Sonsini attorneys in a discussion about the strategies that companies have used to navigate the issues surrounding these transactions from a corporate, IP and tax perspective, including at the time the founders are considering the initial structure of the company, in anticipation of the company starting an M&A process and at the time a company is actively engaging in M&A discussions.

Moderator:
Robert Ishii, Wilson Sonsini

Speakers:
Jason Breen, Wilson Sonsini
Myra Sutanto Shen, Wilson Sonsini
Miranda Biven, Wilson Sonsini

3:05 – 3:15 p.m.

Break

3:15 – 4:00 p.m.

Navigating Perspectives in Dealmaking: Insights from Key Stakeholders
Join us for an engaging panel discussion that will explore the diverse perspectives that drive value in biotech collaborations. The panel will feature the Venture Capital partner, CEO, CSO, and Business Development lead for Light Horse, as well as the scientific lead from Novartis, for the recent collaboration between Light Horse Therapeutics and Novartis, announced in January 2025. Our expert panel will provide insights into the complexities of such deals for their many stakeholders.

Moderator:
Farah Gerdes, Wilson Sonsini

Speakers:
Laure Escoubet, Light Horse
Rami Hannoush, Versant Ventures
David Poon, DCx Biotherapeutics
Markus Renschler, Light Horse
John Tallarico, Novartis

4:05 – 4:50 p.m.

Leading the Charge: Biotech CEOs Shaping the Future of Healthcare
Join us for an engaging discussion featuring prominent biotech CEOs who are transforming the healthcare landscape. This panel will provide valuable insights into the strategies these leaders employ to navigate the evolving biotech landscape.

Moderator:
Alex Key, Wilson Sonsini

Speakers:
Cynthia Bamdad, Minerva Biotechnologies
David Earp, Circle Pharma
Christian Howell, Cognito Therapeutics
David Lee, Servier Pharmaceuticals

4:50 – 5:35 p.m.

Driving Change: Global Pharma Perspectives
Leaders from major global pharmaceutical companies will share their perspectives on the forces reshaping the industry and the opportunities ahead. The discussion will address advances in drug discovery, including AI-enabled platforms and precision medicine, as well as the expanding role of biosimilars and the promise of next-generation therapies like cell and gene treatments. Panelists will also explore how global pharma is tackling both widespread diseases and rare conditions, while examining how evolving regulatory frameworks influence innovation and patient access worldwide.

Moderator:
Ian Edvalson, Wilson Sonsini

Speakers:
Brian Bronk, Sanofi
Lawrence Degraaf, GSK
Laura Ripin, Novartis

5:35 – 6:15 p.m.

Fireside Chat: David Bearss Ph.D., Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and President, Halia Therapeutics
Join us for this featured interview session moderated by Ian Edvalson, Wilson Sonsini.

6:15 – 6:20 p.m.

Closing Remarks

6:20 – 8:30 p.m.

Venture Capital Uncorked: Wine Tasting Closing Reception