Image

Philly Builds Bio+ Spring Reception: State of the Life Science Market

June 1st, 2023 • The Post @ Philly BioLabs

Join Philly Builds Bio+ leadership and members for a special networking session. This meeting will examine the state of the market and future prospects, highlighting how companies are managing through a changing and uncertain time.


View Agenda & Register

September 12, 2023


Philly Builds Bio+: 2nd Annual Symposium for Life Science Innovation and Development

September 12, 2023
The Union League of Philadelphia

A Special Full-Day Conference for Life Science, Design, and Real Estate Professionals

Image

Tuesday, September 12, 2023
8 AM - 3 PM

The Union League of Philadelphia
140 S Broad St, Philadelphia



View SpeakersView AgendaView Event VideosView Photo Gallery

Philadelphia has a remarkable history of scientific research and pharmaceutical development that spans centuries.


From its early days as a center of medical education and innovation to the present, the city has played a crucial role in advancing scientific knowledge. Renowned institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania and the Wistar Institute have been pioneers in groundbreaking research across various disciplines, including medicine, biology, and chemistry. Philadelphia's scientific legacy is further exemplified by breakthroughs like Dr. Jonas Salk's development of the polio vaccine at the University of Pittsburgh. This rich history positions Philadelphia as a prominent hub for scientific innovation.

One of the key strengths of Philadelphia's life science ecosystem lies in its diversity. The region boasts a vibrant and varied community of academic institutions, research organizations, and pharmaceutical companies. Esteemed universities such as the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University, and Temple University, along with renowned research institutions like The Wistar Institute and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, form the backbone of this dynamic ecosystem. The diverse range of expertise and resources available in Philadelphia attracts top-tier talent from around the world, fostering collaboration and pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration.

"The information gained at the symposium is inspirational. I will draw from this experience to continue to design and build the facilities that allow the talented researchers to achieve the next breakthroughs."


– 2023 PHILLY BUILDS BIO+ Symposium Attendee

Philly Builds Bio+ is an initiative that recognizes the immense opportunity and potential within the life science industry and aims to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and partnerships.


This collaboration ensures that the real estate infrastructure in Philadelphia aligns with the requirements of the life science industry, providing state-of-the-art facilities that support the growth of companies in the region. By facilitating dialogue between life science professionals and real estate developers, Philly Builds Bio+ addresses the specific needs and challenges of the sector.

Placeholder Image
Placeholder Image
Placeholder Image
Placeholder Image

"I've learned more about the key players in the Life Science ecosystem in the Philly Area and hope to connect with them for future business connections."


– 2023 PHILLY BUILDS BIO+ Symposium Attendee


Image
Image
Image

Philly Builds Bio+: 2nd Annual Symposium for Life Science Innovation and Development


September 12, 2023 • Philadelphia, PA


The Philly Builds Bio+ Annual Symposium for Life Science Innovation and Development brought the entire life science ecosystem together, curating an agenda around the critical drivers of the life science industry in Philadelphia, its opportunity and potential.


Philly builds bio Symposium 2022

The Symposium holds significant importance and impact in light of recent developments in Philadelphia's life science industry. With Philly's rise in national rankings among major life science hubs and its increasing attraction of venture capital and developer interest, the Philly Builds Bio+ Symposium serves as a timely platform to foster growth and collaboration.

The Symposium features keynote speakers and panel discussions, each moderated by prominent scientists, business leaders, or Philly real estate developers. This diverse range of perspectives ensures comprehensive discussions and insights into the latest trends and advancements in the life science sector. Attendees can expect engaging sessions that delve into critical topics shaping the industry's future.

Overall, the Philly Builds Bio+ Annual Symposium plays a crucial role in strengthening the city's position as a thriving life science hub. By bringing together key stakeholders, facilitating knowledge exchange, and supporting the creation of initiatives like Philly Builds Bio+, the Symposium contributes to the continued growth and success of the life science industry in Philadelphia.

"In Philadelphia, the convergence of top-tier academic institutions, renowned research centers, and pioneering companies fuels a dynamic ecosystem that drives the frontiers of life science discovery."

Dr. Michael Johnson

SPEAKERS

SPEAKERS


VIEW ALL SPEAKERS

Attendees enjoyed a diverse lineup of esteemed speakers at the Symposium. These influential leaders hailed from the realms of academia, the life sciences sector, and the life science real estate development community. What set this gathering apart is our commitment to showcase fresh voices that have yet to be heard in Philly's life science conversations.

Vanessa Atkins- Philly Builds Bio steering committee
Vanessa Atkins, MS

Cheyney University
Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships & Career Pathways
Division of Social Equity


John Balchunas - Philly Builds Bio steering committee
John Balchunas

National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals
Workforce Director


Jennifer Bell - Philly Builds Bio steering committee
Jennifer Bell

Peter Powerhouse Foundation
President


Melina Blees
Melina Blees, PhD

BioLabs Philadelphia
Site Head


Sarah Steltz - Philly Builds Bio steering committee
Tracy Brala

University City Science Center
SVP, Strategy and Partnerships


Phil Brooks - Philly Builds Bio steering committee
Phil Brooks

University City Science Center
Director of STEM Workforce Partnerships


Melina Blees
Kathleen Brunner

Acumen Analytics
President


Matthew Burkhardt - Philly Builds Bio steering committee
Matthew Burkhardt

B+labs
Director


Doug Carr - Philly Builds Bio steering committee
Doug Carr

Century Therapeutics
Senior Vice President and Head of Finance


Sarah Steltz - Philly Builds Bio steering committee
David Chang

WuXi App Tech (Advanced Therapies Group)
President and Chief Technology Officer


Sangeeta Bardhan Cook- Philly Builds Bio steering committee
Sangeeta Bardhan Cook, PhD, MBA

Fox Chase Cancer Center, Chief Innovation Officer
Temple University Health System, SVP of Strategy and Business Development


Jeffrey DeVuono - Philly Builds Bio steering committee
Jeffrey DeVuono

Brandywine RealtyTrust
Executive Vice President and Senior Managing Director


Ben Dibling - Philly Builds Bio steering committee
Benjamin Dibling, PhD

Penn Center for Innovation
Deputy Managing Director


Susan Dillon - Philly Builds Bio steering committee
Susan Dillon, PhD

Aro Biotherapeutics Company
President and CEO


Jon Epstein - Philly Builds Bio steering committee
Jonathan Epstein, MD

Penn Medicine
Executive Vice Dean and Chief Scientific Officer


Michael Flaschen - Philly Builds Bio steering committee
Michael Flaschen

Daiichi Sankyo
SVP, Global External Innovation


Michael Flynn - Philly Builds Bio steering committee
Michael Flynn

Sonnest
Principal Electrast Engineer


Andrei Georgescu - Philly Builds Bio steering committee
Andrei Georgescu

Vivodyne, Penn Spinout
Co-Founder


Jennifer Griffin - Philly Builds Bio steering committee
Jennifer Griffin, PhD

Mission BioCapital
Partner, Strategy & Investor Relations


Kilbaugh-Philly Builds Bio Committee
Eric Hacherl, PhD

Kyttaro Therapeutics
Chief Operating Officer


Eric Heil - Philly Builds Bio Committee
Eric Heil

Medical Excellence Capital
Managing Partner


Misun Hwang - Philly Builds Bio steering committee
Misun Hwang, MD, MS

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Radiologist, Director of Neonatal Imaging


Jesse Johnson - Philly Builds Bio steering committee
Jesse Johnson

Serna BIO
Chief Technology Officer


John Karanicolas - Philly Builds Bio steering committee
John Karanicolas

Fox Chase Cancer Center, Professor of Molecular Therapies
School of Pharmacy’s Moulder Center for Drug Discovery Research, Director


Claire Marrazzo Greenwood
Louis P. Kassa III

Baruch S. Blumberg Institute and PA Biotechnology Center
Chief Executive Officer


Nancy Kelley - Philly Builds Bio founder
Nancy J Kelley

Builds Bio+
Founding Member,
Nancy J Kelley + Associates
President & CEO

Kilbaugh-Philly Builds Bio Committee
Todd Kilbaugh, MD

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Endowed Chair of Translational Science and Innovation


Sima Singadia Kulkarni - Philly Builds Bio
Sima Singadia Kulkarni

Duane Morris LLP
Special Counsel: Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, Licensing


Joseph La Barge - Philly Builds Bio
Joseph La Barge

Apertura Gene Therapy
Chief Executive Officer



Mark Laurenzie - Philly Builds Bio steering committee
Mark Laurenzi

Aro Biotherapeutics Company
Chief Administrative Officer & Vice President, Legal


Kenneth Locke - Philly Builds Bio steering committee
Kenneth Locke

Carisma Therapeutics
VP, Manufacturing and Supply Chain


John Lunger - Philly Builds Bio steering committee
John Lunger

Adaptimmune Therapeutics PLC
Chief Patient Supply Officer


Tia Lyles-Williams - Philly Builds Bio steering committee
Tia Lyles-Williams, MS, MRSc

Goffman Bougard
Chief Executive Officer
LucasPye BIO & HelaPlex
Founder & CEO


Jennifer Manning
Jennifer Manning, MPA

Kyttaro Therapeutics
Commercial Executive for Cell & Gene Therapy, Strategic Advisor


Colin Moran - Philly Builds Bio steering committee
Colin Moran

Johnson & Johnson Innovation Center
Senior Director, Transactions / Global Innovation Partnering Lead, Discovery Sciences


Ben Pascal - Philly Builds Bio steering committee
Ben Pascal

BioMerieux
Global Head xPRO Program
Invisible Sentinel
Chief Business Officer


Lorenzo Pellegrini - Philly Builds Bio steering committee
Lorenzo Pellegrini, PhD

Hatch Biofund
Managing Partner


William Peranteau - Philly Builds Bio steering committee
William Peranteu, MD

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Attending Fetal Surgeon, Division of General
Thoracic and Fetal Surgery


Tom Piombino - Philly Builds Bio steering committee
Tom Piombino

Integrated Project Services
Managing Director, Americas


Mitchel Simpler - Philly builds bio
Mitchel W. Simpler

Builds Bio+
Founding Member
JB&B
Partner Emeritus


Shivaranjani Sridharan - Philly builds bio
Shivaranjani Sridharan

Bayer
Senior Director, Business Development & Licensing


Sunit Verma - Philly Builds Bio steering committee
Sumit Verma, MEM

Iovance Biotherapeutics
SVP, Global Strategic Manufacturing


Nelson Way - Philly Builds Bio Symposium speaker
Nelson Way

Ensemble
Director, Leasing and Development


Elizabeth White - Philly Builds Bio steering committee
Elizabeth White

Entrepreneur and Former Pharma Executive


Peter Zucca - Philly Builds Bio steering committee
Peter Zucca

Peter Powerhouse Foundation
Founder


David Zuzga - Philly Builds Bio steering committee
David Zuzga, PhD

The Wistar Institute
Associate Dean
of Biomedical Studies


Gregory Reaves - Philly Builds Bio steering committee
Gregory Reaves

Founder & Co-Owner
Mosaic Development Partners

More Speakers to Come...

AGENDA

AGENDA


VIEW FULL AGENDA

Our symposium featured thought-provoking discussions led by industry experts and innovators. We delved into the future of life sciences with sessions like "The Science Driving Innovation and Commercialization in Philadelphia’s Research Institutions," where scientists from Philly institutions explored emerging technologies differentiating our city's life science landscape. We gained insights into the art of deal-making in the pharma and biotech sectors with our panel of seasoned pharma executives. We uncovered the potential of workforce development and social equity in the life sciences industry as we shared success stories and examined strategies for future growth. These engaging sessions and our speakers' expertise illuminated the path forward for Philadelphia's thriving life science hub.


8:00 – 8:30    REGISTRATION AND CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

8:30 – 8:45    WELCOME

  • Nancy J Kelley, JD/ MPP, President & CEO, Nancy J Kelley + Associates and Founding Member, Builds BIO+ (Confirmed)
  • Mitchel W. Simpler, Managing Partner Emeritus, JB&B, Founding Member, Builds BIO+ (Confirmed)

8:45 – 9:00    OPENING KEYNOTE: FOSTERING INNOVATION, SUPPORTING TRANSFORMATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND CREATING OPPORTUNITY IN PENNSYLVANIA 

The State of Pennsylvania aims to be a leader in economic growth, job creation, and innovation by connecting businesses, the workforce, PA’s world-class universities and research institutions, and the public sector to spur economic development, particularly in communities that have too often been left behind. By helping businesses that are already in Pennsylvania, encouraging new ones to move to Pennsylvania, and investing in the workforce, the Governor’s Office of Transformation and Opportunity aims to create real opportunity and build an economy that works for everyone.

  • The Honorable Josh Shapiro, Governor of Pennsylvania (Invited)
  • Ben Kirshner, Chief Transformation and Opportunity Officer, Pennsylvania Office of Transformation and Opportunity (Invited)

9:00 – 9:40    THE SCIENCE DRIVING INNOVATION AND COMMERCIALIZATION IN PHILADELPHIA’S RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS

This session will include a panel of scientists from Philly institutions, moderated by a leading scientist, and will explore the recent and next generation of technologies that are emerging from Philly institutions, driven by increasing NIH funding levels to Philadelphia institutions. The panel will also explore how science can differentiate Philadelphia from other major life science clusters such as Boston, San Francisco and the Greater NYC Metro area.

Moderator:  

Todd J. Kilbaugh, MD, Endowed Chair of Translational Science and Innovation, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and Medical Director, EMCO Center at CHOP

9:40 – 10:20    THE INTERSECTION OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ACCELERATING INNOVATION AND BREAKTHROUGHS

This session will include a panel of innovators focusing on new technologies driving innovation and commercialization.  The panels would include scientists from Greater Philly institutions and will explore the recent and next generation of tools, technologies and techniques that are emerging from institutions across the Greater Philly area.  Suggestions include:

Moderator:
  • Kathleen Brunner, President, Acumen Analytics
Suggested Speakers:
  • Jeet Sarkar, Vice President and Head of IT, Center for Breakthrough Medicine
  • Michael Montello, Senior Vice President, R&D, Digital Tech, GSK
  • Google Ventures 

10:20 – 10:40   BREAK

10:40 – 11:20   COMMERCIALIZING INNOVATIONS INTO PRODUCTS: THE LIFE SCIENCE COMPANY PIPELINE

This session will feature three or four mature life science companies, all of whom have received venture backing or are publicly traded. Speakers will discuss the unique life science real estate requirements that stem from the unique science they are pursuing or products developed.  The current regulatory and financial challenges in the life sciences market and the competitive pressures from surrounding life science clusters will also be discussed.

Suggested Moderator:

Melina Blees, Site Director, BioLabs Philadelphia

Suggested Speakers:
  • Sean Hemingway, COO, IMVAX
  • Gwen Binder, President, Science and Technology, Cabaletta Bio
  • Kenneth Locke, Carisma Therapeutics, VP, Manufacturing and Supply Chain
  • Doug Carr, Century Therapeutics, Senior Vice President and Head of Finance

11:20 – 11:35   KEYNOTE: PHARMA EXECUTIVE (Steve Eberling)

11:35 – 12:15   THE ART OF PHARMA AND BIOTECH DEAL MAKING

This panel will feature a group of pharma executives discussing the currently environment  in the pharma market.  How is the pharma and biotech deal-making environment evolving? What data and indications are Pharma looking for? How can the Biotechs best prepare? Is global M&A picking up traction? What is your preferred way to engage and at what time? Are there preferences between technology and therapeutics? Are platforms the future?

Moderator: 
  • Jennifer Manning, MPA, SVP, Global Strategic Partnerships, Center for Breakthrough Medicines
 Suggested Speakers:
  • Sherrie Glass,Senior Vice President, Enterprise Strategy, Bristol Myers Squibb
  • Jens Bitsch-Norhave, Vice President, Transactions and Innovation Partnering, Johnson & Johnson Innovation
  • Nuray Yurt,Business Engagement and Activation Lead, Merck Human Health
  • Brad Bailey,Senior Vice President and General Manager, US, Genmab
  • William Pao,Chief Development Officer, Executive Vice President, Pfizer
  • Leonard Schleifer,Founder and CEO, Regeneron
  • Mohit Manrao,SVP, Head of US Oncology, AstraZeneca

12:15 – 1:00    LUCH

1:00 – 1:15    PATIENT KEYNOTE

  • Vince Papale, Eagles (Movie) (Steve Eberling)
  • Tom Whitehead (Steve Eberling, Jennifer Manning)

1:15 – 1:45    THE PATIENT’S PERSPECTIVE

This panel will focus on the patient’s perspective, championing the benefits of engineered cell therapies and genetic medicines for patients, healthcare systems and society while acknowledging the challenges of access to new therapies and equitable participation.

Suggested Speakers:
  • Michael Lemiky, Vice President, Science and Industry Affairs, Alliance for Regenerative Medicine (Jennifer Manning, Kathleen Brunner)
  • George McMillan, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, ICON plc (Jennifer Manning)

1:45 – 2:15    HOUSING LIFE SCIENCE INNOVATION: THE NAVY YARD PHILADELPHIA 

The Navy Yard is one of the most successful redevelopment projects in US history and today is a thriving riverfront community in South Philadelphia, with more than 15k people + 150 companies + 20 acres of parks, dining options, public art, and a variety of outdoor events.  Today, the 2022 Navy Yard Plan charts the next 20 years of equitable growth at the Navy Yard, expecting to deliver an estimated 12,000 new jobs, 8.9 million square feet of new mixed-use development, and $6B of new investment.  Big or small, global or startup, the Navy Yard is a community of people and companies working alongside each other in an environment that is flexible, customizable, and often unconventional.

This panel will showcase the Navy Yard and its most important tenants.

Moderator:

Nelson Way, Director Leasing and Development

2:15 – 2:30    KEYNOTE: WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT/ ENSURING SOCIAL EQUITY IN LIFE SCIENCES 

Mosaic Development Partners JV, Mosaic Development Partners JV (Mosaic) is a Philadelphia based, minority certified commercial real estate development company founded in 2008. Mosaic primarily focuses on ground up development and adaptive reuse of land and buildings in marginalized urban centers. The company has successfully used viable and innovative financial and construction methods to help stabilize and grow neighborhoods. 

2:30 – 3:00    THINKUBATOR @ CU – CHEYNEY UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Founded in 1837, Cheyney University is not only the nation’s 1st historically black university; it is one of Pennsylvania’s 1st universities. Twenty-four years before
the start of the Civil War, the first American institution to provide education for people of African descent to prepare them for skilled jobs and teaching was established in Philadelphia. The Institute for Colored Youth would later be renamed Cheyney University of Pennsylvania.

Today Cheyney University is engaging a more diverse workforce in the life sciences by launching a new initiative called the ThinkUbator.  The ThinkUbator carries Cheyney’s spirit of academic innovation infused with a message of deep social justice. The ThinkUbator offers biologics, cell, and gene therapy companies the opportunity to practically pursue their science in a campus setting by leasing the process development and wet lab space in an incubator building dedicated to private enterprise on campus. It provides opportunities to new enterprising businesses and students of color across the university. 

MODERATOR:
  • Eric Hacherl, Chief Operating Officer, Kyttaro Therapeutics
Suggested Speakers:
  • The Wistar Institute
  • Integrated Project Services
  • The Philadelphia Research Consortium
  • West Philadelophia Skills Initiative
  • Life Science Cares Philadelphia
  • West Philadelphia Skills Center

3:00 - 4:00      RECEPTION

8:00am – 8:30am: REGISTRATION & CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

8:30am – 8:45am: WELCOME

  • Nancy J Kelley, JD/ MPP
    Nancy J Kelley + Associates, President & CEO
    Builds Bio+, Founding Member
  • Mitchel W. Simpler
    JB&B, Partner Emeritus
    Builds Bio+, Founding Member

8:45am – 9:00am: OPENING KEYNOTE
Fostering Transformational Discovery During a Time of Immense Need and Great Change

  • Jonathan A. Epstein, MD
    Penn Medicine, Executive Vice Dean and Chief Scientific Officer

9:00am – 9:40am
The Science Driving Innovation and Commercialization in Philadelphia's Research Institutions

This session will include a panel of scientists from Philly institutions, moderated by a leading scientist, and will explore the recent and next generation of technologies that are emerging from Philly institutions, driven by increasing NIH funding levels to Philadelphia institutions. The panel will also explore how science can differentiate Philadelphia from other major life science clusters such as Boston, San Francisco and the Greater NYC Metro area. 

Moderator:
  • Todd J. Kilbaugh, MD
    The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
    Endowed Chair of Translational Science and Innovation
Speakers:
  • William Peranteu, MD
    Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
    Attending Fetal Surgeon, Division of General, Thoracic and Fetal Surgery
  • Misun Hwang, MD, MS
    Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
    Radiologist, Director of Neonatal Imaging
  • John Karanicolas
    Fox Chase Cancer Center, Professor of Molecular Therapies,
    School of Pharmacy’s Moulder Center for Drug Discovery Research, Director

9:40am – 10:20am
The Intersection of Science and Technology Accelerating Innovation and Breakthroughs

This session will include a panel of innovators focusing on new technologies driving innovation and commercialization. The panels would include technology experts and will explore the recent and next generation of tools, technologies and techniques that are emerging from institutions across the Greater Philly area.

Moderator:
  • Kathleen Brunner
    Acumen Analytics
    , President
Speakers:
  • Eric Heil
    Medical Excellence Capital, Managing Partner
  • Sima Singadia Kulkarni
    Duane Morris LLP, Special Counsel: Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, Licensing
  • Sangeeta Bardhan Cook, PhD, MBA
    Fox Chase Cancer Center, Chief Innovation Officer
    Temple University Health System, SVP of Strategy and Business Development
  • Ben Dibling
    Penn Center for Innovation, Deputy Managing Director
  • Andrei Georgescu
    Vivodyne, Penn Spinout, CEO

10:20am – 10:40am: BREAK

10:40am – 11:20am
The Philly Life Science Continuum: Fueling the Advancement of Science

This panel will focus on the different elements necessary for the growth and development of life sciences, beginning with institutional research to fuel discovery, incubators/accelerators to house startups, venture capital to make them grow and real estate to furnish housing at every stage of a company’s life cycle.

Moderator:
  • Louis P. Kassa, III, MPA
    Baruch S. Blumberg Institute and PA Biotechnology Center

    Chief Executive Officer
Speakers:
  • Matthew Burkhardt
    B+labs
    , Director
  • Lorenzo Pellegrini, PhD
    Hatch Biofund
    , Managing Partner
  • Jeffrey DeVuono,
    Life Sciences, Brandywine Realty Trust

    Executive Vice President, Senior Managing Director
  • Jesse Johnson
    Serna BIO, Chief Technology Officer

11:20am – 11:35am
The Patient Perspective: The Peter Powerhouse Foundation

The Peter Powerhouse Foundation was formed to improve the lives of children that are currently fighting childhood cancer by providing donations to pediatric cancer treatment facilities, and contributing financial support to researchers to improve the lives of childhood cancer survivors. http://www.peterpowerhouse.org

Hear from Peter Zucca, first diagnosed with cancer at the age of 10 months and now 20 years old, tell his story and how the Peter Powerhouse Foundation was born. Jennifer Ball, current Executive Director of the Foundation, will also share how she came to be involved in the Foundation, her family’s story and the stories of other families the Foundation is serving.

Speakers:
  • Jennifer Bell
    Peter Powerhouse Foundation
    , Executive Director
  • Peter Zucca
    Peter Powerhouse Foundation
    , Founder

11:35am – 12:15am:
Commercializing Innovations into Products: The Life Science Company Pipeline

This session will feature three or four mature life science companies, all of whom have received venture backing or are publicly traded. Speakers will discuss the unique life science real estate requirements that stem from the unique science they are pursuing or products developed. The current regulatory and financial challenges in the life sciences market and the competitive pressures from surrounding life science clusters will also be discussed.

Moderator:
  • Melina Blees
    BioLabs Philadelphia
    , Site Director
Speakers:
  • Tracy Brala
    University City Science Center
    , Senior Vice President, Strategy & Partnerships
  • Kenneth Locke
    Carisma Therapeutics
    , VP, Manufacturing and Supply Chain
  • Douglas Carr
    Century Therapeutics, Senior Vice President and Head of Finance
  • Mark Laurenzi
    Aro Biotherapeutics Company
    , Chief Administrative Officer
  • Jennifer Griffin
    Mission Biocapital
    , Partner, Strategy & Investor RelationsPartner, Strategy & Investor Relations
  • Eric Hacherl
    Kyttaro Therapeutics, Chief Operating Officer

12:15pm – 1:00pm: LUNCH

1:00pm – 1:15pm: PHARMA KEYNOTE
The Promise of Future Collaboration in the Philadelphia Ecosystem

  • Michael Flaschen
    Daiichi Sankyo, SVP, Global External Innovation

1:15pm – 1:45pm:
The Art of Pharma and Biotech Deal Making

This panel will feature a group of pharma and biotech executives discussing the current environment in the pharma market. How is the pharma and biotech deal-making environment evolving? What data and indications are Pharma looking for? How can the Biotechs best prepare? Is global M&A picking up traction? What is your preferred way to engage and at what time? Are there preferences between technology and therapeutics? Are platforms the future?

Moderator:
  • Jennifer Manning, MPA
    Kyttaro Therapeutics
    Cell and Gene Therapy Commercial Executive, Strategic Advisor
Speakers:
  • Colin Moran
    Johnson & Johnson Innovation Center, Senior Director, Transactions, Discovery Sciences, Global Innovation Partnering Lead
  • Elizabeth White
    Entrepreneur and Former Pharma Executive
  • Joseph W LaBarge
    Apertura Gene Therapy, Chief Executive Officer
  • Shivaranjani Sridharan
    Bayer, Senior Director, Business Development & Licensing

1:45pm – 2:15pm
Housing Life Science Innovation: The Navy Yard Philadelphia

The Navy Yard is one of the most successful redevelopment projects in US history and today is a thriving riverfront community in South Philadelphia, with more than 15k people + 150 companies + 20 acres of parks, dining options, public art, and a variety of outdoor events. Today, the 2022 Navy Yard Plan charts the next 20 years of equitable growth at the Navy Yard, expecting to deliver an estimated 12,000 new jobs, 8.9 million square feet of new mixed-use development, and $6B of new investment. Big or small, global or startup, the Navy Yard is a community of people and companies working alongside each other in an environment that is flexible, customizable, and often unconventional.

This panel will showcase several of the Navy Yard’s leading edge life science and biotech companies.

Moderator:
  • Nelson Way
    Ensemble
    , Director Leasing and Development
Speakers/Projects:
  • Ben Pascal
    Invisible Sentinel, Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer
  • John Lunger
    Adaptimmune Therapeutics plc, Chief Patient Supply Officer
  • Sumit Verma
    Iovance Biotherapeutics, Senior Vice President, Global Strategic Manufacturing
  • David Chang
    WuXi App Tech
    (Advanced Therapies Group), President and Chief Technology Officer

2:15pm – 2:30pm: KEYNOTE
Workforce Development: Ensuring Economic Opportunity in Life Science

  • Tia Lyles-Williams, MS, MRSc
    Goffman Bougard, Chief Executive Officer
    LucasPye BIO, Founder & CEO
    HelaPlex, Founder & CEO

2:30pm – 3:00pm
Workforce Development: Ensuring Social Equity in Life Sciences

Philadelphia's life sciences industry is experiencing remarkable growth and expansion, but a key factor to maintaining this preeminence is a skilled and well-prepared workforce. Workforce solutions are being developed on multiple fronts in and around Philadelphia. We've gathered a diverse set of success stories that highlight the achievements in our area and examine how other biotech hubs have tackled similar issues. Through the lens of lessons learned, we'll share these success stories and discuss the broader context of where we need to go in the region.

Moderator:
  • John Balchunas
    National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals, Workforce Director
Speakers:
  • Tom Piombino
    Integrated Project Services, Managing Director, Americas
  • David Zuzga
    The Wistar Institute
    , Associate Dean of Biomedical Studies
  • Vanessa Atkins
    Cheyney University, Executive Director of Strategy Partnerships and Career Pathways, Division of Social Equity
  • Phil Brooks
    University City Science Center, Director of STEM Workforce Partnerships

3:00pm – 4:00pm: RECEPTION





Preliminary Agenda


8:00 – 8:30    REGISTRATION AND CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

8:30 – 8:45    WELCOME

  • Nancy J Kelley, JD/ MPP, President & CEO, Nancy J Kelley + Associates and Founding Member, Builds BIO+ (Confirmed)
  • Mitchel W. Simpler, Managing Partner Emeritus, JB&B, Founding Member, Builds BIO+ (Confirmed)

8:45 – 9:00    OPENING KEYNOTE: FOSTERING INNOVATION, SUPPORTING TRANSFORMATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND CREATING OPPORTUNITY IN PENNSYLVANIA 

The State of Pennsylvania aims to be a leader in economic growth, job creation, and innovation by connecting businesses, the workforce, PA’s world-class universities and research institutions, and the public sector to spur economic development, particularly in communities that have too often been left behind. By helping businesses that are already in Pennsylvania, encouraging new ones to move to Pennsylvania, and investing in the workforce, the Governor’s Office of Transformation and Opportunity aims to create real opportunity and build an economy that works for everyone.

  • The Honorable Josh Shapiro, Governor of Pennsylvania (Invited)
  • Ben Kirshner, Chief Transformation and Opportunity Officer, Pennsylvania Office of Transformation and Opportunity (Invited)

9:00 – 9:40    THE SCIENCE DRIVING INNOVATION AND COMMERCIALIZATION IN PHILADELPHIA’S RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS

This session will include a panel of scientists from Philly institutions, moderated by a leading scientist, and will explore the recent and next generation of technologies that are emerging from Philly institutions, driven by increasing NIH funding levels to Philadelphia institutions. The panel will also explore how science can differentiate Philadelphia from other major life science clusters such as Boston, San Francisco and the Greater NYC Metro area.

Moderator:  

Todd J. Kilbaugh, MD, Endowed Chair of Translational Science and Innovation, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and Medical Director, EMCO Center at CHOP

9:40 – 10:20    THE INTERSECTION OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ACCELERATING INNOVATION AND BREAKTHROUGHS

This session will include a panel of innovators focusing on new technologies driving innovation and commercialization.  The panels would include scientists from Greater Philly institutions and will explore the recent and next generation of tools, technologies and techniques that are emerging from institutions across the Greater Philly area.  Suggestions include:

Moderator:
  • Kathleen Brunner, President, Acumen Analytics
Suggested Speakers:
  • Jeet Sarkar, Vice President and Head of IT, Center for Breakthrough Medicine
  • Michael Montello, Senior Vice President, R&D, Digital Tech, GSK
  • Google Ventures 

10:20 – 10:40   BREAK

10:40 – 11:20   COMMERCIALIZING INNOVATIONS INTO PRODUCTS: THE LIFE SCIENCE COMPANY PIPELINE

This session will feature three or four mature life science companies, all of whom have received venture backing or are publicly traded. Speakers will discuss the unique life science real estate requirements that stem from the unique science they are pursuing or products developed.  The current regulatory and financial challenges in the life sciences market and the competitive pressures from surrounding life science clusters will also be discussed.

Suggested Moderator:

Melina Blees, Site Director, BioLabs Philadelphia

Suggested Speakers:
  • Sean Hemingway, COO, IMVAX
  • Gwen Binder, President, Science and Technology, Cabaletta Bio
  • Kenneth Locke, Carisma Therapeutics, VP, Manufacturing and Supply Chain
  • Doug Carr, Century Therapeutics, Senior Vice President and Head of Finance

11:20 – 11:35   KEYNOTE: PHARMA EXECUTIVE (Steve Eberling)

11:35 – 12:15   THE ART OF PHARMA AND BIOTECH DEAL MAKING

This panel will feature a group of pharma executives discussing the currently environment  in the pharma market.  How is the pharma and biotech deal-making environment evolving? What data and indications are Pharma looking for? How can the Biotechs best prepare? Is global M&A picking up traction? What is your preferred way to engage and at what time? Are there preferences between technology and therapeutics? Are platforms the future?

Moderator: 
  • Jennifer Manning, MPA, SVP, Global Strategic Partnerships, Center for Breakthrough Medicines
 Suggested Speakers:
  • Sherrie Glass,Senior Vice President, Enterprise Strategy, Bristol Myers Squibb
  • Jens Bitsch-Norhave, Vice President, Transactions and Innovation Partnering, Johnson & Johnson Innovation
  • Nuray Yurt,Business Engagement and Activation Lead, Merck Human Health
  • Brad Bailey,Senior Vice President and General Manager, US, Genmab
  • William Pao,Chief Development Officer, Executive Vice President, Pfizer
  • Leonard Schleifer,Founder and CEO, Regeneron
  • Mohit Manrao,SVP, Head of US Oncology, AstraZeneca

12:15 – 1:00    LUCH

1:00 – 1:15    PATIENT KEYNOTE

  • Vince Papale, Eagles (Movie) (Steve Eberling)
  • Tom Whitehead (Steve Eberling, Jennifer Manning)

1:15 – 1:45    THE PATIENT’S PERSPECTIVE

This panel will focus on the patient’s perspective, championing the benefits of engineered cell therapies and genetic medicines for patients, healthcare systems and society while acknowledging the challenges of access to new therapies and equitable participation.

Suggested Speakers:
  • Michael Lemiky, Vice President, Science and Industry Affairs, Alliance for Regenerative Medicine (Jennifer Manning, Kathleen Brunner)
  • George McMillan, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, ICON plc (Jennifer Manning)

1:45 – 2:15    HOUSING LIFE SCIENCE INNOVATION: THE NAVY YARD PHILADELPHIA 

The Navy Yard is one of the most successful redevelopment projects in US history and today is a thriving riverfront community in South Philadelphia, with more than 15k people + 150 companies + 20 acres of parks, dining options, public art, and a variety of outdoor events.  Today, the 2022 Navy Yard Plan charts the next 20 years of equitable growth at the Navy Yard, expecting to deliver an estimated 12,000 new jobs, 8.9 million square feet of new mixed-use development, and $6B of new investment.  Big or small, global or startup, the Navy Yard is a community of people and companies working alongside each other in an environment that is flexible, customizable, and often unconventional.

This panel will showcase the Navy Yard and its most important tenants.

Moderator:

Nelson Way, Director Leasing and Development

2:15 – 2:30    KEYNOTE: WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT/ ENSURING SOCIAL EQUITY IN LIFE SCIENCES 

Mosaic Development Partners JV, Mosaic Development Partners JV (Mosaic) is a Philadelphia based, minority certified commercial real estate development company founded in 2008. Mosaic primarily focuses on ground up development and adaptive reuse of land and buildings in marginalized urban centers. The company has successfully used viable and innovative financial and construction methods to help stabilize and grow neighborhoods. 

2:30 – 3:00    THINKUBATOR @ CU – CHEYNEY UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Founded in 1837, Cheyney University is not only the nation’s 1st historically black university; it is one of Pennsylvania’s 1st universities. Twenty-four years before
the start of the Civil War, the first American institution to provide education for people of African descent to prepare them for skilled jobs and teaching was established in Philadelphia. The Institute for Colored Youth would later be renamed Cheyney University of Pennsylvania.

Today Cheyney University is engaging a more diverse workforce in the life sciences by launching a new initiative called the ThinkUbator.  The ThinkUbator carries Cheyney’s spirit of academic innovation infused with a message of deep social justice. The ThinkUbator offers biologics, cell, and gene therapy companies the opportunity to practically pursue their science in a campus setting by leasing the process development and wet lab space in an incubator building dedicated to private enterprise on campus. It provides opportunities to new enterprising businesses and students of color across the university. 

MODERATOR:
  • Eric Hacherl, Chief Operating Officer, Kyttaro Therapeutics
Suggested Speakers:
  • The Wistar Institute
  • Integrated Project Services
  • The Philadelphia Research Consortium
  • West Philadelophia Skills Initiative
  • Life Science Cares Philadelphia
  • West Philadelphia Skills Center

3:00 - 4:00      RECEPTION

Opening Keynote: FOSTERING INNOVATION, SUPPORTING TRANSFORMATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND CREATING OPPORTUNITY IN PENNSYLVANIA

The State of Pennsylvania aims to be a leader in economic growth, job creation, and innovation by connecting businesses, the workforce, PA’s world-class universities and research institutions, and the public sector to spur economic development, particularly in communities that have too often been left behind. By helping businesses that are already in Pennsylvania, encouraging new ones to move to Pennsylvania, and investing in the workforce, the Governor’s Office of Transformation and Opportunity aims to create real opportunity and build an economy that works for everyone.

Session 1: THE SCIENCE DRIVING INNOVATION AND COMMERCIALIZATION IN PHILADELPHIA’S RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS

This session will include a panel of scientists from Philly institutions, moderated by a leading scientist, and will explore the recent and next generation of technologies that are emerging from Philly institutions, driven by increasing NIH funding levels to Philadelphia institutions. The panel will also explore how science can differentiate Philadelphia from other major life science clusters such as Boston, San Francisco and the Greater NYC Metro area.

Session 2: THE PHILLY LIFE SCIENCE CONTINUUM: FUELING THE ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE

This session will include a panel of innovators focusing on new technologies driving innovation and commercialization.  The panels would include scientists from Greater Philly institutions and will explore the recent and next generation of tools, technologies and techniques that are emerging from institutions across the Greater Philly area.

Keynote: PATIENT KEYNOTE

Session 3: COMMERCIALIZING INNOVATIONS INTO PRODUCTS: THE LIFE SCIENCE COMPANY PIPELINE

This session will feature three or four mature life science companies, all of whom have received venture backing or are publicly traded. Speakers will discuss the unique life science real estate requirements that stem from the unique science they are pursuing, or products developed.  The current regulatory and financial challenges in the life sciences market and the competitive pressures from surrounding life science clusters will also be discussed.

Keynote: PHARMA EXECUTIVE

Session 4: THE ART OF PHARMA AND BIOTECH DEAL MAKING

This panel will feature a group of pharma executives discussing the currently environment  in the pharma market.  How is the pharma and biotech deal-making environment evolving? What data and indications are Pharma looking for? How can the Biotechs best prepare? Is global M&A picking up traction? What is your preferred way to engage and at what time? Are there preferences between technology and therapeutics? Are platforms the future?

Session 5: HOUSING LIFE SCIENCE INNOVATION: THE NAVY YARD PHILADELPHIA

The Navy Yard is one of the most successful redevelopment projects in US history and today is a thriving riverfront community in South Philadelphia, with more than 15k people + 150 companies + 20 acres of parks, dining options, public art, and a variety of outdoor events. Today, the 2022 Navy Yard Plan charts the next 20 years of equitable growth at the Navy Yard, expecting to deliver an estimated 12,000 new jobs, 8.9 million square feet of new mixed-use development, and $6B of new investment.  Big or small, global or startup, the Navy Yard is a community of people and companies working alongside each other in an environment that is flexible, customizable, and often unconventional.

This panel will showcase several of the Navy Yard’s leading edge life science and biotech companies.

Keynote: WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT/ ENSURING SOCIAL EQUITY IN LIFE SCIENCES

Session 6: WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT/ ENSURING SOCIAL EQUITY IN LIFE SCIENCES

Philadelphia's life sciences industry is experiencing remarkable growth and expansion, but a key factor to maintaining this preeminence is a skilled and well-prepared workforce. Workforce solutions are being developed on multiple fronts in and around Philadelphia. We've gathered a diverse set of success stories that highlight the achievements in our area and examine how other biotech hubs have tackled similar issues. Through the lens of lessons learned, we'll share these success stories and discuss the broader context of where we need to go in the region.


Image
Image
Image

STEERING COMMITTEE

STEERING COMMITTEE


ABOUT BUILDS BIO+

The Philly Builds Bio+ Annual Symposium is hosted by Builds Bio+, a nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3). Builds Bio+ previously initiated a highly successful venture in 2018 in New York City and has since evolved into an engaged membership organization dedicated to educating and enhancing awareness of commercial life sciences prospects through various activities, including events, research, reports, and educational programs.

A Steering Committee composed of prominent individuals from Philadelphia's academic, life science, government, association, and real estate development sectors has been established to oversee the Symposium.

"The Symposium facilitates industry growth, networking with like-minded individuals, and finding potential funding and consultation."


"The symposium provided great awareness and industry updates."


– 2023 PHILLY BUILDS BIO+ Symposium ATTENDEES

Placeholder Image
Placeholder Image
Placeholder Image
Placeholder Image

EVENT VIDEOS

EVENT GUIDELINES

EVENT SPONSORS

EVENT GUIDELINES

Gold Sponsors


Image
Image
Image
Image

Breakfast and Lunch Co-Sponsors



Image
Meyer Architects Logo
Image

Image

Institutional Sponsors


B.Labs

Image

Image

Lanyard Sponsor


Image

Association Partners


Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image

Image
Image
Image
Ben Franklin Technology PArtners - Southeastern Pennsylvania
Image
Image

Image
Image
Image

EVENT GUIDELINES

EVENT GUIDELINES

Image

SPONSORS

EVENT GUIDELINES

Gold Sponsors


Image
Image
Image
Image

Breakfast and Lunch Co-Sponsors



Image
Meyer Architects Logo
Image

Image

Institutional Sponsors


B.Labs

Image

Image

Lanyard Sponsor


Image

Association Partners


Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image
Image

Image
Image
Image
Ben Franklin Technology PArtners - Southeastern Pennsylvania
Image
Image

Image

2nd Annual Symposium for Life Science Innovation and Development

September 12, 2023 • 8 AM - 3 PM
Lincoln Hall, The Union League of Philadelphia
140 S Broad St, Philadelphia

2nd Annual Symposium for Life Science Innovation and Development

September 12, 2023
8 AM - 3 PM
Lincoln Hall
The Union League of Philadelphia
140 S Broad St, Philadelphia


Image
Image
Image