Day 2
Location: Room 1
Our purpose is to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people's lives. We use innovative science and technology to address some of society's most challenging healthcare issues. We discover and collaborate with innovators to develop breakthrough treatments finding new ways to deliver them to as many people as possible.
Our vision: to become the most valued and trusted medicines company in the world
Our strategy: to deliver high-value medicines that alleviate society’s greatest disease burdens through technology leadership in R&D and novel access approaches.
- Markus Werner - Head Search & Evaluation Oncology, Novartis AG
Location: Room 1
Location: Room 1
At Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities. For more information, visit www.merck.com and connect with us on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.
- John Copeland - Head of International Business Development & Transactions, MSD
Location: Room 1
As a vibrant science and technology company, we believe in science as a force for good. We uniquely combine three specialized, innovation-driven businesses: Life Science, Healthcare, and Electronics.
In Healthcare, we help to create, improve and prolong lives worldwide with pioneering therapies that address unmet medical needs.
With a holistic approach, we design and develop medicines and intelligent devices that provide ongoing care for patients beyond their treatment. This includes new medications to treat conditions such as cancer or multiple sclerosis (MS), but also innovative technologies that make life easier for patients. For example, our injection device and disease monitoring software allow patients with MS to self-inject their medicine and monitor its administration. With cancer, our precise approach uses biomarkers that can match potential treatment to individual patients.
Our goal is to support people at every stage of life – also when it comes to helping create new life. We have helped many women and couples achieve their dream of having a baby. As the global market leader in fertility treatments, we do what we do with passion – and we think further ahead. We have complemented our portfolio by fertility technologies, aiming to further increase the possibility of in vitro fertilization (IVF) success.
For additional information visit: https://www.merckgroup.com/en/expertise/healthcare.html
- Karina Karl - Director, Global Business Development, Merck KGaA
Location: Room 1
Boehringer Ingelheim is a world-leading, research-driven biopharmaceutical company. Making new and better medicines for patients is at the heart of what we do. As an independent company, we have the freedom to follow our long-term vision, which allows us to lead the science and create first-in-class discoveries that change lives. Our dedicated scientists are doing just that. They’re tackling some of the most difficult challenges in healthcare and together, with our external research partners, they are working to accelerate treatments that will transform patients’ lives – now and for generations to come.
Our vision is powered by innovation. Our industry-leading investment in R&D drives this, with a portfolio that is anchored by more than 50 new medical entities, enabling the next generation of breakthrough medicines. In 2024, we reached 66 million patients and we invested 27.6% of our Human Pharma net sales back into R&D, one of the largest commitments in our industry.
More information about Boehringer Ingelheim can be found on www.boehringer-ingelheim.com or in our annual report: http://annualreport.boehringer-ingelheim.com.
- Christian Kuttruff - Director in Medicinal Chemistry, Boehringer Ingelheim
Location: Room 1
Location: Room 1
Debiopharm is an independent biopharmaceutical company based in Switzerland with an ongoing commitment to develop tomorrow’s standard of care to cure cancer & infectious diseases and improve patient quality of life.
- Anja Bitterwolf - Director, Global Business Development and Licensing, Debiopharm
Location: Room 1
Servier is a global pharmaceutical group governed by a nonprofit foundation, committed to making a meaningful social impact for patients and contributing to a sustainable world. Our unique governance model ensures our independence, while supporting long-term innovation, with all profits reinvested in the Group’s development.
• Description
Servier drives transformative innovation to support patients with chronic conditions and improve their day-to-day lives through a holistic approach, which includes making patient adherence a priority across the globe.
Our ambition is to become a leading player in rare cancers, which is why the Group invests heavily in oncology, allocating close to 70% of its R&D budget to this field. By leveraging precision medicine, Servier develops therapies that are more targeted and more effective.
Building on our success in oncology, Servier has expanded into neurology, a key driver of future growth.
The Group is focused on a select number of neurodegenerative diseases, where accurate patient profiling enables targeted therapeutic responses through precision medicine. In all our activities, the Group integrates the patient’s voice at every stage of the medicine life cycle.
Headquartered in France, Servier operates in around 140 countries. In 2023-24, the Group, which employs over 22,000 people worldwide, achieved revenues of €5.9 billion.
Positioned as a Partner of choice:
- Private mid-size pharma company, ensuring continuity and long-term perspective in partnerships
- Science driven with strong R&D investments to build a high-quality and sustainable portfolio
- Fully integrated capabilities from research to commercialization
- Global geographical footprint, with a presence in both established and emerging markets
- Flexible and agile, we have over 60 strategic alliances with pharma companies, biotechs and academics worldwide to accelerate innovation.
- Strong track record of successful partnerships and deals
- Clear global Business Development strategy
- David Theron - Business Development Project Director Neurology Therapeutic Area, Servier
Location: Room 2
As the global biopharma landscape evolves, China has emerged as a key player, driving innovation, investment, and collaboration on an unprecedented scale. This session will explore the complex interplay of factors fuelling the sector’s growth, including regulatory reforms, R&D advancements, strategic partnerships, and market access challenges. The panel of industry experts will examine the opportunities and obstacles shaping China’s biopharma ecosystem, discuss how companies are adapting their strategies to navigate the market and provide actionable insights on how to succeed in China’s rapidly evolving healthcare market.
- Lucie Ellis-Taitt - Executive Director - In Vivo, Citeline
- Diana Pignalosa - Head of Strategic Partnering, Debiopharm International SA
- Asako Yamaguchi - Associate Director, Novartis
Location: Exhibit Hall Stage
This session offers an informal yet incisive look into how Eli Lilly shapes their dealmaking playbook. Discover how they offer scientific entrepreneurs' access to pharma expertise, resources, and a streamlined path from discovery to clinical proof of concept. Explore the power of collaboration to solve challenges and deliver life-changing medicines faster to the patients in need. Join us for a candid conversation revealing what drives strategic choices to reshape the way breakthrough therapies are discovered and developed in today’s evolving biotech landscape.
- Tom Hopkins - VP and Head of Lilly ExploR&D, Eli Lilly & Company
Location: Room 2
From early development through to commercial manufacturing, service providers play an increasingly pivotal role in accelerating biopharma innovation. No longer behind-the-scenes, CDMOs, CROs, and enabling technology platforms are now strategic partners in development. This session brings together leaders from across the services spectrum to discuss how service providers provide critical expertise, infrastructure, and scalability, and contribute to value creation, derisking development timelines, and enable flexible go-to-market strategies. The panelists will explore how partnerships between biotech, pharma, and service providers have evolved, and what trends are shaping the future. As the ecosystem continues to shift toward greater specialization and collaboration, this panel will offer insights into how service providers can be powerful allies in building resilient, agile, and capital-efficient development strategies.
- Tom Murtagh - Global Practice Lead, Lumanity
- Maud Bouvier - Associate VP, Business Development, Evotec
- Ben Clauberg - VP Business Development Europe, AGC Biologics
- Matthieu Coutet - Partner, Sofinnova Partners
- Hartmut Juhl - CEO, Indivumed
- Steve Yang - Co-CEO, WuXi AppTec
Location: Room 2
This session is an interactive workshop which aims to build participants confidence in the moments that follow the pitch, when the questions begin. It’s often in the Q&A where credibility is either strengthened or undermined. We’ll explore how to prepare for the questions you’d rather not receive, and how to handle them in a way that builds trust and reinforces your key message. Together, we’ll look at what it means to bridge the gap— by understanding what type of question is being asked, addressing their need and then checking the gap has been closed effectively. This will be achieved by:
- Anticipating and preparing for difficult or uncomfortable questions.
- A step-by-step framework to navigate Q&A sessions with calmness, clarity and credibility.
- Reframing challenging moments as opportunities to strengthen rapport
- Interpreting and responding to the real question.
- Simon Fagg - Founder, With Leadership
Location: Massage lounge, Hall B
Take a moment for yourself during your busy conference day. Stretch to release tension, breathe to clear your mind, and move to boost energy between meetings and networking.
Location: Massage lounge, Hall B
Take a moment for yourself during your busy conference day. Stretch to release tension, breathe to clear your mind, and move to boost energy between meetings and networking.
Location: Room 1
This ever-popular session takes a deep dive into the current state of the life sciences industry with the expertise of today’s leading pharma dealmakers and venture investors. Join this engaging discussion to learn how to navigate the current climate of the biotech industry.
- Anton Gueth - Managing Director, EVOLUTION Life Science Partners
- Evonne Sepsis - Founder and Managing Director, ESC Advisors
- Friedemann Janus - SVP, Head of BD&L Regions, Bayer Co.Lab, and Divestitures, Bayer
- Philippe Lopes-Fernandes - CBO and Executive VP, IPSEN
- Geert-Jan Mulder - Managing Partner, Forbion
Location: Room 2
The panel will discuss current trends of successful biopharmaceutical deal-making, including pursuing deal frameworks that help foster partnerships and collaborations; navigating the implications of U.S. most favored nation drug pricing developments; balancing various risks and benefits in transactions; and identifying compliance challenges while offering solutions for smooth transactions.
- Hannah England - Partner, Ropes & Gray
- Margaux Hall - Partner, Ropes & Gray
Location: Exhibit Hall Stage
This series offers an informal yet incisive look into how leading pharma company, Johnson & Johnson, is shaping their dealmaking playbooks, revealing what drives strategic choices in today’s evolving biotech landscape.
- Julian Bertschinger - Head of EMEA, External Scientific Innovation, Johnson & Johnson
Location Room 1
The rare disease space continues to be a frontier of high unmet need—and high innovation. This session convenes leading voices to explore how scientific precision, strategic partnerships, capital and novel business models are converging to accelerate drug development in rare conditions. Through real-world insights and case studies, the panelists will discuss how companies are navigating the complexities of clinical development, commercialization in ultra-targeted markets and how to build sustainable pipelines in the face of regulatory, reimbursement, and patient access challenges. Join us for a dive into what makes a rare disease company fundable today and the models, milestones, and mindsets shaping the future of rare disease innovation.
- Laure Nas de Tourris - Partner Commercial Consulting Services, Clarivate
- Lori Badura - VP, Rare Disease and Neuroscience Global Partnering, IPSEN
- Hubert Birner - Managing Partner, TVM Capital
- Hubert Trubel - Managing Director, DEBRA Research
Location: Room 1
As global life expectancy climbs, adding nearly two years every decade, the biotech sector faces a fundamental question: how do we innovate for longer, healthier lives and make it economically and socially sustainable? This session explores the convergence of therapeutic innovation, diagnostics, disease monitoring, and socio-economic realities in the emerging longevity space. Rather than focusing solely on curative endpoints, the panelists will examine the shift toward managing aging as a continuum, from prevention to precision medicine, from healthy aging to affordability and access and unpack the paradigm shift - why longevity could be biotech’s next rallying cry. Discover how new technologies are changing the way we define and detect disease and importantly, understand who will pay for the future we’re building. Join the provocative discussion at the intersection of medical progress, demographic change, and financial sustainability where ‘what’s next’ meets ‘who pays’ and find out:
What’s the purpose that will reinvigorate the biotech sector?
How do we make the promise of healthy aging investable, inclusive, and scalable?
- Werner Lanthaler - CEO, Wlanholding
- Alex Zhavoronkov - CEO, Insilico Medicine
Location: Room 1
After years of underinvestment, women’s health is commanding attention and capital. This session will explore the growing momentum behind women’s health as a high-impact investment category and therapeutic frontier, including the recent Series A financing round raised by ReproNovo. Hear from leading industry experts as they dive into the evolving scientific, clinical, and business landscape driving breakthroughs in reproductive health, discuss the signals indicating that women’s health is moving from niche to necessary and understand how stakeholders can ensure the delivery of long-overdue health equity and commercial returns.
Join us for a forward-looking conversation at the intersection of science, funding, and unmet need—where the next generation of women’s health solutions is being shaped.
- Jo Shorthouse - Journalist and Editor, Freelance
- Colleen Acosta - CEO & Co-Founder, Freya Biosciences
- Jean Duvall - CEO, ReproNovo
- Hakan Goker - Managing Director, M Ventures
- Maike Scharp - Deputy Director, Diagnostics & Lead, Women’s Health R&D Ecosystem, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Location: Room 1
Neuroscience has long been considered “high risk,” but the field is experiencing renewed momentum, fueled by modality-enabled breakthroughs and innovative pipeline design strategies. This session explores how precision neuroscience, risk-sharing models, and strategic partnerships are transforming brain research and therapeutic development. The panelists will also highlight cutting-edge advancements in treatments for neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease etc., and provide valuable insights into emerging trends, investment opportunities, and collaborative models that are reshaping the neuroscience landscape.
- Christian Jung - Partner, SV Health Investors
- Rene Furtig - Global Head of Neuroscience & Mental Health BD&L, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
- Elizabeth Leshen - Head S&E, Gene Therapy and Rare Disease, Novartis
- Jan Thirkettle - CEO, Harness Therapeutics
- Prabhu Velusami - Senior Director, Johnson & Johnson Innovation
Location: Exhibit Hall Stage
Europe has the talent, science, and ambition to lead in biotech innovation—but its potential remains fragmented across geographies and governance levels. In this session, we bring together voices from both the policy and industry sides to explore how Europe can intentionally design a more connected, competitive, and founder-friendly biotech landscape. What will it take to move from scattered regional hubs to a united front of innovation? What role should policymakers, incubators, and industry leaders play? And how do we translate the vision of a European biotech powerhouse into concrete action? Join us for a conversation at the intersection of strategy and implementation, where bold ideas meet operational reality.
- Orsolya Symmons - Programme Manager, European Innovation Council
- Ruth Shah - Head of Bayer Co.Lab Berlin, Bayer
Location: Exhibit Hall Stage
Biopharmaceutical companies with products in late-stage clinical development often encounter significant challenges when entering the European market. While the European Union offers a unified market authorization procedure, market access and reimbursement remain under the jurisdiction of individual member states—a situation unlikely to change in the near future. The harmonization of health technology assessments (HTA), which began rolling out in early 2025, focuses solely on clinical evaluations, leaving pricing decisions to be made independently by each country. Additionally, navigating the complex system of price referencing between European nations presents another layer of difficulty.
Despite these obstacles, Europe has seen the successful launch of innovative therapies, particularly in rare diseases.
This session will leverage case studies to explore key considerations for companies not yet established in Europe. It will provide insights into how to achieve successful market entry, address the challenges of the price referencing system, and evaluate the value of a therapy in the European context—whether for licensing or direct commercialization. Attendees will gain practical strategies for overcoming hurdles and tapping into the opportunities within the European biopharma market.
- Tilo Mandry - Lead International Liaison Manager, Public Affairs, IGES Institut
- Janneke van der Kamp - CEO, Norgine
Location: Exhibit Hall Stage
The U.S. market for medicines has expanded in size and complexity in recent years and represents about 60% of the world market for branded drugs. European biotechs looking to reach patients in the U.S. and benefit from the commercial opportunities in that market have to contend with a range of regulatory, reimbursement and policy complexities. With a new Administration and new leadership in key government agencies in place, understanding the current dynamics is important for investors and biotechs alike. This panel discussion will focus on the implications for biotechs in terms of clinical development program design, accessing the U.S. market, strategic partnership opportunities, and balancing European focus with American opportunity.
Discussion areas will include:
What are the most significant areas of change underway in the U.S.?
What are the implications for the biotech sector?
How are clinical development programs adapting to the Inflation Reduction Act and other FDA-led initiatives?
How do European biotechs view U.S. market attractiveness and how has this changed?
Location: Exhibit Hall Stage
In the post-pandemic world, companies worldwide face fragile supply chains, and biotech is no exception. Resilient supply chains are essential to deliver life-saving biotech innovations to patients. They enable all regions to contribute to, and benefit from, global advances in biotechnology. Panelists from national trade associations and companies will explore both national and international viewpoints on supply chain challenges, opportunities, and shared priorities.
- Claire Skentelbery - Director, EuropaBio
- Kelly Seagraves - VP for National Security and International Affairs, Biotechnology Innovation Organization
- Wieteke Wouters - Program Director, Hollandbio
Location: Room 2
In biotech partnering, everyone talks about being the preferred partner - but how often do we act that way? In a world where "we'll circle back" can mean silence, and ghosting has become a silent industry norm, just getting a response from a pharma partner can feel like a win. This session brings together investors, pharma dealmakers, and biotech executives to explore the real value of candor in a sector where vague feedback and polite deflections waste time and stall innovation. From pitch meetings to scientific evaluations, we'll unpack how direct dialogue with real feedback can build better partnerships, faster decisions, and less churn for all parties. Clear communication is a win-win for investors, pharma and biotech companies, so why is it an exception and not the norm? Expect real talk, practical tactics and ideas, and no sugarcoating— just straight-up insights into creating a culture of clarity in biotech investment and dealmaking. Isn’t it overdue?
- Lubor Gaal - Managing Director, BDLG (Biopharma Drug Licensing Group)
- Anta Gkelou - Partner, Sofinnova Partners
- Peter Llewellyn-Davies - Founder, Accellerate Partners
Location: Room 2
The Startup Spotlight is a pitch competition featuring the most innovative startup biotech companies. This live competition will give a group of hand selected startups the opportunity to pitch in front of the BIO-Europe audience. A panel of esteemed judges will evaluate the pitches and select the winners.
- Tanja Bloser - Director, Future Health & Life Sciences Unit, Gateway Startup Factory NRW
- Michaela Fritz - Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation, Medical University of Vienna
- Marion Jung - COO, T-Curx
- Lei Zhang - Executive Director of Sino-Swiss Institute of Advanced Technology of Shanghai University & Shanghai Incubator, Shanghai University & Shanghai System Integration Lab Incubator
F2G is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery development and commercialisation of novel therapies to treat life-threatening invasive fungal infections. F2G has discovered and developed a completely new class of antifungal agents called the orotomides. Olorofim is F2G’s leading candidate from this class and has fungicidal activity against a broad range of mould infections including a variety of rare and resistant moulds that cause life-threatening infections for which current therapies have limitations or are ineffective including coccidioidomycosis. Olorofim is currently in a Phase 3 RCT study for invasive aspergillosis. Olorofim has received orphan drug status from the European Medicines Agency and orphan drug status, Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP) designation and Breakthrough Therapy designation from FDA. F2G is headquartered in the UK with subsidiaries in the US and Austria.
- Francesco Lavino - CBO, F2G Limited
Lmito Therapeutics is an innovation-driven biotech company pioneering therapies for neurological, autoimmune, and fibrotic diseases through metabolic reprogramming. Lmito aims to address root causes of chronic and rare diseases, delivering transformative benefits for patients with limited options.
[Scientific Platform]
Metabolic Reprogramming: Lmito's proprietary platform targets disease-driving cells like immune cells and fibroblasts in pathogenic microenvironments. By modulating cellular metabolism, Lmito's oral small molecules restore balance without broadly suppressing normal immune function.
[Therapeutic Pipeline]
Lmito's pipeline includes LMT801, a neurometabolic reprogramming asset for neuropathy and neuroinflammation in IND-enabling stage with FDA Orphan Drug Designation; LMT503, an immunometabolic reprogramming asset for inflammatory bowel disease in Phase 1 trial approved by EMA; LMT837, a fibrometabolic reprogramming asset for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and ALS in IND-enabling stage; and LMT3012, a PKM2 activation asset for autoimmune and fibrotic diseases in preclinical development.
[Strategic Partnerships & Validation]
•JLABS Korea Portfolio Company: As an inaugural member of Johnson & Johnson Innovation - JLABS Korea, Lmito benefits from global mentorship, resources, and a collaborative ecosystem accelerating R&D and growth.
•Lmito holds a strong patent portfolio for its lead compounds and platform technologies, ensuring long-term competitive advantage.
•Series B Funding Stage: Lmito is actively raising Series B capital to advance clinical programs and expand its pipeline.
•Business Development: The company is open to strategic partnerships, licensing, and investment opportunities.
- Wheeseong Lee - CEO, Lmito Therapeutics Inc.
Oncopeptides is a Swedish biotech company focusing on research, development and commercialization of targeted therapies for difficult-to-treat cancers.
The company uses its proprietary Peptide Drug Conjugate platform (PDC) to develop compounds that rapidly and selectively deliver cytotoxic agents into cancer cells. Its flagship drug is currently being commercialized in Europe with partnership agreements for South Korea, the Middle East and Africa and elsewhere.
Oncopeptides is also developing several new compounds based on its two proprietary technology platforms PDC and SPiKE.
The company was founded in 2000, has about 80 employees with operations in Sweden, Germany, Austria, Spain and Italy. Oncopeptides is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm with the ticker ONCO.
For more information see: www.oncopeptides.com
- Sofia Heigis - CEO, Oncopeptides
Precigen (Nasdaq: PGEN) is a dedicated discovery and clinical stage biopharmaceutical company advancing the next generation of gene and cell therapies using precision technology to target the most urgent and intractable diseases in our core therapeutic areas of immuno-oncology, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases. Our technologies enable us to find innovative solutions for affordable biotherapeutics in a controlled manner. Precigen operates as an innovation engine progressing a preclinical and clinical pipeline of well-differentiated therapies toward clinical proof-of-concept and commercialization.
For more information about Precigen, visit www.precigen.com.
- Rutul Shah - COO, Precigen, Inc.
Founded in 2024 as a spin-off from the University of Limoges, Curlim brings together three PhD scientists and a C-level Business person to tackle one of the biggest unmet needs in neurology: effective treatment for hereditary peripheral neuropathies. Our first mission: to develop a breakthrough therapy for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A) — the most common hereditary neuropathy, caused by progressive demyelination and axonal damage. Our operational team is composed of an over 20 year experience CDO, bringing his expertise to all our workflows, CMC, preclinical and clinical studies, a PhD in neuroscience in charge of regulatory affairs and preclinical aspects, a development engineer involved in the development of CLM001 nanodrug, a FP&A junior manager dealing with administrative and finance topics and a CEO who has held C-level positions across various healthcare environments.
- Laurent Richebourg - CEO, Curlim
Evox Therapeutics is an Oxford-based biotechnology company devoted to developing transformative therapeutics for neurological and neurodegenerative diseases by uniting engineered exosomes with next-generation genome editors. Evox is advancing a focused pipeline of first-in-class therapeutics for genetically defined CNS disorders. Our lead ATXN2 programme for spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is on track for CTA-enabling studies set to begin in 2026. A second programme targeting MSH3 for Huntington’s disease is progressing in parallel, and the modular nature of ExoEdit™ positions us to scale rapidly across additional repeat-expansion and monogenic indications. Evox’s growth is funded by blue-chip investors, including Redmile, OrbiMed, GV, Invus, and Lilly, and reinforced by validating strategic partnerships.
- Per Lundin - Co-Founder and CEO, Evox Therapeutics
Herantis Pharma is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing HER-096, a disease modifying therapy for Parkinson’s disease. The company completed Part 1 of the Phase 1b trial in November 2024 and received encouraging data about the behavior of HER-096 in the human body, in particular information about the appropriate dose level and regimen supporting the preparation for the Phase 2 study. In January 2025, the Phase 1b trial progressed to the second part, where the HER-096 investigational drug was administered to Parkinson's patients for the first time. From the placebo-controlled second part of the trial, we will receive noteworthy new information about the safety of repeated doses of HER-096 and possible biomarker data related to the potential treatment response. In addition, we will monitor the symptoms of Parkinson's patients during the four-week dosing period and the following four-week observation period, both using clinical assessment and a wearable device that continuously monitors motor symptoms. Topline data from the Phase 1b clinical trial is expected in September-2025. In July 2024, Herantis obtained a financing of 3.6 million Euros from the two leading Parkinson’s charities, the Michael J. Fox Foundation and Parkinson’s UK, after a comprehensive review of our science, underlining the groundbreaking potential of HER-096. These organizations are closely following our progress in the HER-096 development program with great interest. The same applies to the pharmaceutical industry. Herantis is now among a limited group of companies worldwide that are preparing for Phase 2 clinical trials with a drug candidate that aims to stop or slow the progression of Parkinson's disease.
- Antti Vuolanto - CEO, Herantis Pharma Plc
Tiziana Life Sciences is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing breakthrough therapies using transformational drug delivery technologies to enable alternative routes of immunotherapy. Tiziana’s innovative nasal approach has the potential to provide an improvement in efficacy as well as safety and tolerability compared to intravenous (IV) delivery. Tiziana’s lead candidate, intranasal foralumab, which is the only fully human anti-CD3 mAb currently in clinical development, has demonstrated a favorable safety profile and clinical response in patients in studies to date. Tiziana’s technology for alternative routes of immunotherapy has been patented with several applications pending and is expected to allow for broad pipeline applications.
- Ivor Elrifi - CEO, Tiziana Life Sciences
Tonix is a fully-integrated biopharmaceutical company focused on transforming therapies for pain management and vaccines for public health challenges. Tonix's development portfolio is focused on central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Tonix's priority is to advance TNX-102 SL, a product candidate for the management of fibromyalgia, for which an NDA was submitted based on two statistically significant Phase 3 studies for the management of fibromyalgia and for which a PDUFA (Prescription Drug User Fee act) goal date of August 15, 2025 has been assigned for a decision on marketing authorization. The FDA has also granted Fast Track designation to TNX-102 SL for the management of fibromyalgia. TNX-102 SL is also being developed to treat acute stress reaction and acute stress disorder under a Physician-Initiated IND at the University of North Carolina in the OASIS study funded by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). Tonix's immunology development portfolio consists of biologics to address organ transplant rejection, autoimmunity and cancer, including TNX-1500, which is an Fc-modified humanized monoclonal antibody targeting CD40-ligand (CD40L or CD154) being developed for the prevention of allograft rejection and for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Tonix also has product candidates in development in infectious disease, including a vaccine for mpox, TNX-801. Tonix recently announced a contract with the U.S. DoD's Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) for up to $34 million over five years to develop TNX-4200, small molecule broad-spectrum antiviral agents targeting CD45 for the prevention or treatment of infections to improve the medical readiness of military personnel in biological threat environments. Tonix owns and operates a state-of-the art infectious disease research facility in Frederick, Maryland.
- Seth Lederman - Co-Founder, CEO & Chairman, Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp.
Vesper Bio is a private, VC-backed, clinical stage company with world-leading domain expertise in Vps10p domain receptors. Developing oral therapy for Frontotemporal Dementia and a rich pipeline of first-in-class small molecule sortilin modulators for a number of critical unmet medical needs.
- Lovisa Sunesson - Director of Business Development, Vesper Bio
AltRegen is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing first-in-class therapies for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss in the elderly. Our mission is to restore and preserve sight by targeting the earliest pathogenic changes in retinal aging.
Our lead asset, ATR211, is a novel oral therapeutic derived from a proprietary triterpenoid saponin compound. Unlike current treatments that focus on late-stage complications such as neovascularization, ATR211 addresses the root cause of AMD by restoring the physiological function of Bruch’s membrane - a critical barrier that regulates nutrient and waste exchange between the retina and the choroid. Age-related biochemical and structural changes in this membrane impair retinal health and contribute to photoreceptor degeneration. ATR211 works by enhancing extracellular matrix remodeling and promoting waste clearance, thereby restoring metabolic support to the retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptors. ATR211 is currently being evaluated in a Phase 2b clinical trial (SAMADI) in the United Kingdom, targeting patients with intermediate AMD. The trial is designed to assess functional outcomes, including improvements in dark adaptation and retinal sensitivity.
Founded by scientists with deep expertise in retinal biology, extracellular matrix research, and translational medicine, AltRegen is built on decades of academic and clinical insight. Our team brings together global collaborators across academia, CROs, and regulatory partners to accelerate the path to first approval. We are actively seeking strategic partnerships to support global development, commercialization, and new indications beyond AMD. With a strong scientific foundation and clear therapeutic differentiation, AltRegen aims to become a leader in the next generation of vision-restoring therapies.
- Yunhee Lee - CTO, AltRegen
Epion Therapeutics (Epion) is developing EpiSmart™, a minimally-invasive treatment for keratoconus and ectatic corneal disease that could bring early intervention to millions of patients globally. EpiSmart’s true epithelium-on approach – without chemical or physical disruption of the epithelium – is designed to reduce patient discomfort and significantly reduce recovery time versus current standards of care. Unlike current treatments for keratoconus, EpiSmart is designed to be implemented as early as initial diagnosis and on both eyes simultaneously. Results of Epion’s recent Phase 2 trial, the largest study to-date of corneal cross-linking as a treatment for keratoconus, indicate improvements in visual acuity after EpiSmart treatment at levels similar to currently available treatments. Of the 784 patients with keratoconus who were followed for 12 months, over 80% had stable or improved vision following EpiSmart treatment. Epion initiated Phase 3 clinical trials for the treatment of keratoconus with EpiSmart in Q4 2023. Funded by the AXA IM Global Health Fund and over 50 cornea specialists, Epion expects to read out its Phase 3 trial for FDA submission in early 2026.
- Michael Webb - CEO, Epion Therapeutics, Inc.
NEORETESBIO Inc is a preclinical-stage biotech company developing a next-generation vascular-regenerative antibody platform that addresses the root causes of ischemic and degenerative diseases. Our lead asset, Tri-VasTrap™ (TVT), is a first-in-class Ang2 inhibitor and Tie2 activator that restores capillary perfusion, regenerates avascular areas, and normalizes microvascular architecture.
TVT has shown robust efficacy in preclinical models of retinal ischemia, demonstrating superiority over anti-VEGF agents by repairing ischemic microvasculature rather than merely blocking neovascularization. It is effective via both intravitreal and subcutaneous (SC) administration, with SC delivery offering a breakthrough opportunity to expand beyond ophthalmology to systemic vascular diseases such as diabetic nephropathy, stroke, and dementia.
With this unique mechanism and delivery flexibility, TVT has the potential to transform treatment paradigms for patients with chronic ischemia and perfusion deficits-conditions currently underserved by existing biologics. Our goal is to redefine anti-VEGF therapy with a regenerative, systemically accessible alternative.
NEORETESBIO is headquartered in Pangyo, South Korea, and is preparing IND-enabling studies through access to qualified CDMO and GLP partners.. We have secured multiple government-backed R&D programs (TIPS, KDDF, K-BioLabHub) and are on track for IND filing in retinal indications by 2027. Founded by Dr. Yong-In Kim, a veteran biologics leader from Abbott, Novartis, and Samsung, NEORETESBIO brings a proven track record and global development vision.
We are applying to present at BIO-Europe 2025 to showcase this novel approach and seek global partnerships to bring this innovation to patients worldwide.
- Yong-In Kim - CEO, NEORTESBIO
Neuracle Genetics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapies to address critical unmet needs in retinal and neurological diseases. Leveraging proprietary technologies, our product candidates are designed for optimal safety and efficacy, aiming to broaden access to transformative treatments for patients worldwide.
Our lead candidate, NG101, is a best-in-class AAV gene therapy for wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD). In November 2024, NG101 received Fast Track designation from the FDA, underscoring its potential to meet a significant medical need. NG101 is currently in a Phase 1/2a clinical trial in the US and Canada and has demonstrated promising efficacy at the lowest dose with a clean safety profile.
Neuracle Genetics is also advancing two preclinical-stage assets: NG201 for neuropathic pain and NG103 for dry age-related macular degeneration (dAMD).
We are committed to pioneering AAV gene therapies that deliver lasting therapeutic impact, harnessing advanced AAV technology to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
- Sunwoo Kim - Head of Business Development, Neuracle Genetics
OKYO Pharma Limited (NASDAQ: OKYO) is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative therapies for the treatment of neuropathic corneal pain and dry eye disease, with ordinary shares listed for trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market. OKYO is focused on the discovery and development of novel molecules to treat neuropathic corneal pain and dry eye disease. A Phase 2 trial of urcosimod to treat neuropathic corneal pain patients was just completed by OKYO.
- Gary Jacob - CEO, OKYO Pharma LTD
Location: Massage lounge, Hall B
Take a moment for yourself during your busy conference day. Stretch to release tension, breathe to clear your mind, and move to boost energy between meetings and networking.
Location: Massage lounge, Hall B
Take a moment for yourself during your busy conference day. Stretch to release tension, breathe to clear your mind, and move to boost energy between meetings and networking.