2026 Agenda: Day 1 - Monday 12 January - PT (Pacific Time, GMT-08:00)
Biotech is at an inflection point. Traditional commercialization must give way to innovative, capital-efficient models designed to accelerate market entry and maximize asset value. These experts will provide insights into emerging strategies, funding pathways, investor positioning, and lessons from recent launches. This fireside chat will offer actionable insights on risk management, value creation, and the milestones that matter most in today’s dynamic environment.
- Greg Skalicky - President, EVERSANA
- Helen Sabzevari - CEO, Precigen
- Andy Udell - CCO, Actinigen Medical
Evolving regulatory and policy dynamics are reshaping the biopharma ecosystem—impacting approval timelines, funding pathways, and market strategy. This session brings together industry and policy experts to discuss what lies ahead for biotech companies and how to navigate change to drive innovation and growth.
- Thomas Barker - Co-Chair, Healthcare Department, Foley Hoag
- Fritz Bittenbender - Board Chair, BIO & Senior VP, Genentech
- Lori Reilly - COO, PhRMA
The Syneos Health Dealmakers’ Intentions Study is a forward-looking measure of dealmaking activity in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. Now in its 17th year, this survey provides a unique perspective on these trends by surveying business development professionals from pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies of all sizes to create forward-looking insights based on dealmakers' general expectations for activity in the coming year. This session will discuss the results of this year’s Dealmakers’ Intentions Study, providing a prospective view of the partnering and licensing landscape for the year ahead.
- Katya Magonova - Managing Director, Commercial Advisory, Syneos Health
Join our panel of experts as they explore the latest strategies for forging successful partnerships, structuring high-impact deals, and driving collaborative innovation in the competitive landscape.
- David Schull - President, Russo Partners
- David Jenkins - SVP, Head of External Innovation and Research, Ipsen
- Tina Katcheves - SVP & Chief Business and Strategy Officer, Acadia Pharmaceuticals
- Amanda Kay - Senior Partner & Chief Business Development Officer, Flagship Pioneering
- Adam Pearson - Chief Strategy Officer, Astellas
- Steve Brozak - Managing Partner & President, WBB Securities LLC
- Robert Kadlec - Former Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS)
Artificial intelligence is transforming every stage of drug discovery, from target identification to lead optimization and beyond. This session explores how AI-driven approaches are accelerating innovation, improving success rates, and opening new opportunities for investment in next-generation therapeutics.
- Daniella Kranjac - Founding General Partner, Avant Bio
- Martin Brenner - CEO & CSO, iBio
- Natalie Ma - Head, BD, Deep Origin
- Aaron Morris - Co-Founder & CEO, PostEra
- Maria Pineda - CEO & Co-founder, Envisagenics
- Daniel Wee - Chief eXecution Officer, Enveda
Explore the latest breakthroughs, from AI-driven insights to cutting-edge genomics and screening technologies. Learn how these innovations are unlocking new therapeutic opportunities and shaping the next generation of precision medicine.
- Ignacio Guerrero-Ros - VP, Russo Partners
- Ravit Netzer - Co-Founder & CEO, Scala Biodesign
- Ritish Patnaik - CEO, Curve Biosciences
- Cameron Pye - Co-Founder & CEO, Unnatural Products Inc.
- Adrian Woolfson - Founder, President & CEO, Genyro
This session brings together the next generation of therapies that target the biology of aging. Discover emerging breakthroughs reshaping how we extend human healthspan and redefine longevity.
- Tim Opler - Managing Director, Global Healthcare Group, Stifel
- Alice Gilman - Co-Founder & COO, R3 Biotechnologies
- Alex Kadet - CBO, Gero
- Marinna Madrid - Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer, Cellino
- Ashley Zehnder - CEO, Fauna Bio
