Agenda for Day 1 - Monday 9 November, 2026Monday, 9 November 2026

As the biotech and pharma sectors enter a pivotal year marked by rapid scientific breakthroughs, evolving regulatory landscapes, and shifting economic pressures, dealmaking remains the steady anchor amid unpredictable market tides. This session unravels the forces shaping the future of biopharma partnerships and M&A in 2026, including the financing climate, emerging therapeutic trends, and geopolitical factors influencing cross-border transactions. Analysts and experienced BD executives from pharma and biotech will dive into real-world case studies spanning transformative M&As, innovative licensing agreements, and cross-border collaborations that highlight strategies for navigating valuation challenges, harnessing AI-driven innovation, and addressing unmet medical needs. The panel will debunk myths surrounding strategic collaborations, such as overreliance on traditional deal structures or underestimating cultural alignment in partnerships, while examining how companies can capture momentum, build resilience, and seize the next wave of opportunity. From leveraging venture debt to bridge funding gaps to optimizing alliance management for long-term success, this session equips pharmaceutical executives, investors, and innovators with actionable insights on how strategic collaboration and smart capital deployment can guide innovation towards sustainable growth in a dynamic global landscape.