2020 Agenda
Cambridge Healthtech Institute’s 15th Annual
Neurotech Investing & Partnering Conference
Accelerating Neurotechnology through Partnership, Investment, and Collaboration
May 5-6, 2020
The Neurotech Investing and Partnering Conference is a global forum where investors, executives, entrepreneurs, scientists and others involved in the development of new treatments and diagnostics for the brain and nervous system come together to shape
the future of their organization and the industry.
This market-defining conference features keynotes on the state of the neurotech industry, cutting edge company presentations, leading translational research projects and panel discussions on a comprehensive selection of neurotech topics.
Final Agenda
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May 5, 2020 | Tuesday
7:30 am Conference Registration and Continental Breakfast
8:30 State of the Neurotechnology Industry
Guest speakers provide an annual review of trends and developments in neuropharmaceuticals, neurodevices, and neurodiagnostics.
Speakers: Harry Tracy, PhD, President, NI Research
James Cavuoto, Editor & Publisher, Neurotech Reports
9:15 Investing in Neurotech Panel
A diverse panel of private, public, and strategic investors will discuss their investment strategies. What does it take to get a neurotech company funded? What are the benefits and risks of business models in devices, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and
information technology? What are today’s deal terms and valuations? What are the best exit strategies and how is neurotech comparing to other industries?
Panelists: Laura Tadvalkar, PhD, Principal, MP Healthcare Venture Management (MPH)
Jamil Beg, Principal, 5AM Ventures
Tom Mathers, Partner, Pappas Capital
Wasim Malik, PhD, Managing Partner, Iaso Ventures
Karen Warner, PhD, General Partner, Ysios Capital
10:15 Coffee Break with Exhibit Viewing
10:45 Treatments for Alzheimer’s and Cognitive Disorders
As the population ages, the market for neurodegenerative disorders is exploding. Current treatments stabilize symptoms, but only for a short period of time. What is on the horizon for symptom improvement and disease modification from drug and device companies?
Can earlier or more accurate diagnosis improve outcomes?
Speaker: Casey Lynch, CEO, Cortexyme
Frank Menniti, PhD, CSO, MindImmune Therapeutics, Inc.
11:45 New Modalities in Epilepsy
Drugs and devices with novel mechanisms of action are on the horizon to decrease side effects and improve efficacy in epilepsy. Hear from leading companies on their approaches.
Moderator: Catherine Abbadie, PhD, Senior Director, Business Development and Alliance Management, Sunovion
Speakers: Ana Maiques, CEO, Neuroelectrics
Mark Lehmkuhle, PhD, CEO, Epitel
Kiran Reddy, CEO, Praxis Medicines
Thomas Liquard, Senior Vice President, Corporate Development, Neurelis
1:00 pm “Birds of a Feather” Networking Luncheon
This event will provide networking opportunities for attendees interested in the same projects and topics to meet while enjoying lunch.
2:15 Internal and External Research and Development
Pharmaceutical and device companies are looking to provide complete solutions that span from prevention to treatment. Functions across the value chain will be kept in-house or partnered. This panel of experts will discuss how they approach collaborations
with other companies, academic groups, research institutes, and platform companies.
Moderator: Maria Shepherd, President, Medi-Vantage
Panelists: Jeffrey Erb, Senior Director, Strategy and Business Development, Medtronic
Bill Zeruld, Senior Director, Alliance Management, Otsuka Pharmaceuticals
Michael Kranda, Senior Director of Business Development, Allen Institute
3:15 Refreshment Break with Exhibit Viewing
3:45 Parkinson’s and Other Movement Disorders
Current treatments for movement disorders can improve functioning, but suffer from side effects and “off” periods especially as the disease progresses. A number of novel pipeline pharmaceuticals and devices seeks to address these issues. This
session will explore how disease modifying treatments alter the course of movement disorders and how companion diagnostics can be leveraged to provide the most optimal outcomes for patients.
Speakers: Philip G. Ashton-Rickardt, PhD, Senior Vice President for Immunology, AZTherapies
Mark Diamond, CEO, Antisense Therapeutics
Owen McCarthy, President and Founder, MedRhythms
4:45 Sponsored Presentation (Opportunity Available)
6:00 Welcome Reception with Exhibit Viewing
7:00 Close of Day
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May 6, 2020 | Wednesday
8:00 am Continental Breakfast
8:30 Keynote Presentation
9:00 Next-Generation Psychiatry
Schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, addiction, ADHD, and other psychiatric illnesses represent a large portion of the neurotech market. Development of promising next-generation treatments is challenging. Novel devices and diagnostics are poised to change
the treatment landscape. This session will gather the most innovative treatments for mental health disorders.
Moderator: Manuel Lopez Figueroa, Venture Partner, Bay City Capital
Speakers: John Kaiser, CEO, Evecxia Therapeutics
David Baker, President and CEO, Vallon Pharmaceuticals
Carlos Buesa, PhD, CEO, Oryzon Genomics
Paul Pyzowski, CEO, Altimate
10:00 Coffee Break with Exhibit Viewing
10:30 Targeting Orphan Diseases
Orphan disorders are a hot area of investment due to perceived benefits with regulatory agencies, ready access to patients, and premium pricing. This session will gather companies developing treatments for ALS, lysosomal storage disorders, Huntington’s,
and more.
Speakers: Stephen Carter, CEO, Zulia Bio
Ralph Kern MD, MHSc, COO & CMO, Brainstorm Cell Therapeutics
Thomas H. Pedersen, PhD, CEO, NMD Pharma
Nader Yaghoubi, MD, PhD, President and CEO, Pathmaker Neurosystems
11:30 New Discoveries Powered by NINDS
The small business program at NINDS is used to achieve the mission of the Institute by supporting innovative ideas at different stages of development, including applied bench research, translational research, and early-stage clinical trials.
12:30 pm Networking Luncheon
1:15 Speaker Meet & Greet Dessert Break with Exhibit Viewing
Enjoy a final opportunity to network with speakers, exhibitors and attendees.
2:00 Super Session: Investing, Partnering and Licensing in Neurotech Panel
Big pharma, biotech, and medtech need to act to capitalize new innovations that provide solutions to the global demands in healthcare. This insider panel will discuss its areas of interest for investment, in-licensing novel therapeutics, devices and diagnostics,
and what they look for in a partner.
Moderator: Josh Pinto, PhD, Vice President, Healthcare Investment Banking, Credit Suisse
Panelists: Olga Krylova, PhD, Director, Business Development, Otsuka Pharmaceuticals
Valerie Photos, PhD, Operating Partner, Iaso Ventures
Beth Shafer, PhD, Head, Neuroscience Business Development, Takeda
Robert Bagdorf, MD, MBA, Vice President, Worldwide Business Development, Pfizer
Jill Doubek, MBA, New Business Development, Neuromodulation, Boston Scientific
Eric Snyder, PhD, Principal, Novo Ventures
Adam Koppel, MD, PhD, Managing Director, Bain Capital Life Sciences
3:00 Close of Conference
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