Date: 29 May
Time: 10am EST / 3pm BST
Location: Webinar
Overview:
The biotech industry is in a transformative phase, with evolving therapeutic areas and innovative funding models reshaping its future. As mergers and acquisitions (M&A) continue to drive investment, identifying the optimal timing for exits becomes crucial in maximising asset value. Our panel will delve into the key catalysts, including the data that influences asset valuation and strategies for successful exits.
Additionally, they will explore how the evolving ecosystem—comprising emerging therapeutic areas such as gene therapy and immunotherapy, research collaborators like CROs, and new funding models—affects drug development and investment decisions. By examining the interplay between these factors, the discussion will highlight strategies for creating value, reducing risk, and fostering continued innovation in the biotech space.
Learning objectives of this webinar:
- How to identify major market influences underpinning biotech asset valuation and optimal exit strategies.
- The impact of emerging therapeutic areas – such as gene therapy and immunotherapy – on long-term value creation
- How evolving funding models and strategic partnerships shape drug development and investment decisions
- Strategies for navigating M&A trends and reducing risk potential risks, all while maintaining a steady pace of innovation
Speakers:
Dr. Liz O’Brien
Dr. Liz O’Brien MB.,BAO.,BCh.,DME.,DCH.,Dip Pharma Med.,MRCGP brings over 25 years of experience in the life sciences industry, with a proven track record across executive medical affairs, clinical development, commercialisation, market access, and lifecycle management in both large and small pharmaceutical companies. Her leadership spans national, regional, US, and global levels, with extensive experience in regulatory engagement worldwide.
A former member of the EMA’s Efficacy Working Party and clinical assessor for the Irish national agency, Dr. O’Brien has played a key role in shaping industry efficacy guidelines and regulatory strategy. Recognised as a subject matter expert in oncology, she has led major drug development programmes, most recently serving as Chief Medical Officer for a breast cancer initiative in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute’s site networks. She also brings deep operational insight from her 3.5 years with ICON Drug Development Solutions.
Dr. Will Maier
In his current role Dr. Maier works with pharmaceutical companies throughout the world to provide regulatory, strategic and scientific guidance on medical treatment development and commercialisation with a focus on rare disease.
Education:
• PG Dip (Organisational Development), Tavistock Institute, London, UK - 2009
• Ph.D. (Epidemiology), University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, US – 1995
• M.P.H. (Epidemiology and Biostatistics), San Diego State University, US – 1989
• B.A. (Biology and Cell Biology), University of California, San Diego, US - 1986
Employment history:
Dr. Maier has over 27 years of experience in drug development and commercialisation at pharmaceutical companies in Europe, Canada, the United States and Asia, as well as over 16 years’ experience working at ICON.
Georg Schragel
Georg is Director of Business Development at Genmab, where he is responsible for the identification, evaluation, and negotiation of partnerships with biotech companies, academic institutes, and other industry stakeholders. Currently, Georg leads Genmab’s Venture Capital Fund relationships and direct investment activities.
He brings broad industry experience in antibody therapeutics, having worked at companies such as argen-x, Genmab and Byondis over the past 15 years. His career has encompassed roles in R&D, Competitive Intelligence, Corporate Finance and Business Development. He has a background in Molecular Biology & Microbiology and has a degree in Science & Business Management from the University of Utrecht.
Quentin Horgan, MSc, BSc
Quentin Horgan, MSc, BSc, is Associate Director of the drugs database at GlobalData. With over 7 years of experience working amongst pharmaceutical Intelligence presiding over multiple presentations and insightful reports during his time in GlobalData and supporting clients on significant campaigns. His primary responsibilities include reviewing and updating drug information presented on GlobalData’s drug module, as well as the maintenance of data quality through quality control and timely client support.
Quentin is also involved in the production of analytical reports and insights, as well as testing database releases. He has a firm understanding of all aspects of the pharmaceutical market, drugs development, and marketing. Quentin holds a MSc in Drugs Discovery and Pharma Management from University College London and a BSc in Biochemistry from the University of Sussex.