Fireside Chat Speakers, Programming Announced for 2017 BIO Investor Forum
Washington, DC (August 15, 2017) – The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) today unveiled programming for its upcoming BIO Investor Forum to be held October 17-18 at the Westin St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco. The annual conference explores global investment trends and opportunities in life sciences. Early and mid-stage private as well as emerging public companies poised for growth in 2018 are the focus of the event.
Speaking from her more than 15 years of experience in venture capital funding for life sciences companies, Kristina Burow will lead a Fireside Chat luncheon discussion on Oct 17. Burow is a managing director with ARCH Venture Partners which focuses on the creation and development of biotechnology, pharmaceutical and ag-biotechnology companies. With advanced degrees in chemistry and business, Burow serves as a director on the boards of 11 different companies, including recent start-ups BlackThorn Therapeutics, UNITY Biotechnology, and Vir Biotechnology.
Richard Scheller, PhD, Chief Science Officer & Head of Therapeutics for 23andMe, will headline the Oct 18 Fireside Chat. Scheller leads his company’s therapeutics research group that focuses on the use human genetic data as the starting point for identifying new therapies for both common and rare diseases. His strong academic background and long stint in the biotech industry will help inform a discussion about the treasure trove of information held in human genetic data and the implications of direct-to-consumer tests for specific genetic conditions.
“Each year we strive to bring cutting-edge speakers to the BIO Investor Forum who will stimulate discussion and offer practical solutions to issues facing the emerging biopharma sector,” said BIO President and CEO, Jim Greenwood. “These impressive speakers will enhance our conference programming that also includes educational panel sessions on everything from investment trends to novel, breakthrough therapies in the pipeline. Of course BIO’s One-on-One Partnering™ will again be a critical component of the conference, connecting biopharma executives with investors and other stakeholders, often resulting in promising collaborations and funding opportunities.”
Now in its 16th year, the BIO Investor Forum’s therapeutic and business panels include these and other topics:
- Bispecific approaches to cancer treatments
- Bottlenecks in commercialization of medically promising basic research
- Addressing antimicrobial resistance.
- Cross-Pacific investment in the biopharma space
- New funding rounds for early-stage biotechs
- Focus on improving leadership diversity
- PDUFA and the Trump Administration’s healthcare plans
Nearly 170 company presentations by senior-level executives are expected this year to spotlight their pipelines, R&D activities, and investment goals before an audience of public and private equity investors, research analysts, investment bankers and industry executives. The list of companies—updated regularly—is available on the website.
Now through August 22, nominations will be accepted for the “Buzz of BIO” contest which recognizes companies developing innovative therapeutics or diagnostics.
The conference also will feature the BIO SPARK Showcase and the proprietary BIO One-on-One™ Partnering™.
Visit BIO Investment Forum for complete details on the entire program.
Advance media registration is now available for qualified reporters working full time for print, broadcast and web publications with valid press credentials.
About BIO
BIO is the world's largest trade association representing biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the world’s largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world. BIOtechNOW is BIO's blog chronicling “innovations transforming our world” and the BIO Newsletter is the organization’s bi-weekly email newsletter. Subscribe to the BIO Newsletter.
Upcoming BIO Events
BIO Patient and Health Advocacy Summit
October 2-3, 2017
Washington, DC
BIO Investor Forum
October 18-19, 2017
San Francisco
BIO One-on-One Partnering™ @ JPM
January 7-11, 2018
San Francisco
BIO CEO & Investor Conference
February 12-13, 2018
New York, New York
BIO Asia International Conference
March 19-20, 2018
Tokyo, Japan
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