Day 3: Thursday, March 19th, 2026 - ET (Eastern Time, GMT-05:00)
- Rob Freishtat - Board Member, Foundation for mRNA Medicines
Hear from CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia) as they reveal the complex infrastructure and significant investments that hospitals make to enroll patients in cutting-edge cell and gene therapy clinical trials.
Gain insight into the hidden operational challenges that hospitals face when navigating health policy and coverage barriers that directly impact patient enrollment and access
Learn practical strategies for closing the knowledge gap between manufacturers, hospitals and patients, including actionable frameworks for developing more efficient clinical trial pathways
This session explores business development approaches specifically tailored to rare disease opportunities. Learn frameworks for evaluating and executing deals in this unique space.
Learn how to assess targets that fit within manufacturer focus and capabilities
Explore approaches for quick commercial assessment to support leadership recommendations
Understand how to determine fit in terms of evaluations and deal terms
Discover what investors are looking for in rare disease opportunities in today's market
- Ester Caffarel Salvador, PhD - Director, Strategic Innovation, Chiesi Global Rare Diseases
- Neel Desai - Executive Director, Business Development & Licensing, Biogen
- Peter Garabedian - Senior Director, US NPP, Neuroscience, Rare Disease and PDT, Takeda
- Stella Vnook - CEO, Likarda
- Tracy Dowling - Chief Business Officer and General Counsel, AskBio
This dynamic session explores the groundbreaking partnership between TSC Alliance and Upsher Smith Laboratories, LLC, revealing how patient advocacy groups, manufacturers and specialty pharmacies are creating powerful synergies to transform the rare disease patient journey. Uncover practical insights on integrating patient support services, designed by patient advocacy groups in collaboration with a medication’s manufacturer, with specialty pharmacy operations, resulting in a more seamless experience for those navigating complex treatment journeys. Discover how this evolving relationship model is setting new standards for patient-centered care while addressing critical gaps in the rare disease ecosystem—ultimately delivering better outcomes through collaboration rather than siloed approaches.
- Kari Rosbeck - President & CEO, TSC Alliance
- Michelle B. Zachman, PharmD, BCPS, BCMAS, Director - Medical Affairs, Upsher-Smith Laboratories, LLC
This session provides a comprehensive update on the latest policy developments impacting the rare disease community.
Discuss emerging policy trends and key legislative and regulatory changes
Understand the respective implications for patients, caregivers, researchers and industry stakeholders
- Barry Liden - Director, Public Policy, USC Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics
- Kara Hinkley - Director, Government Affairs, Soleno Therapeutics
Part 1: Igniting Your Purpose
In this powerful closing session, we return to the fundamental question that drives us all: Why are we here? Rediscover the passion that brought you to this industry and reignite the fire that fuels your daily work. This isn't just about what we do—it's about remembering who we are and why our work matters. Let this session serve as your catalyst for the year ahead, transforming conference insights into purposeful action.
Part 2: Where Hope Lives—Finding Light in the Journey
Join acclaimed writer Jill Drury, whose work embodies a rare blend of clinical expertise and soulful caregiving. Jill illuminates the quiet places where hope lives and transforms everyday experiences into moments of shared humanity. Her writing elevates patient voices while inspiring us to listen deeply, live boldly and find meaning in both the grand and the simple. Through her lens, witness how the patient journey, experience and outcomes connect directly to the impact of what we've learned and discussed throughout our conference.
Together, these elements will inspire you to carry forward not just knowledge, but renewed purpose—connecting your daily work to the deeper why that makes everything we do meaningful.
- Jill Marie Dury - na, Pharm.D., MBA
