SHAPING YOUR FUTURE...ACT NOW!
Basel, June 6th, 2025. The Swiss Healthcare Licensing Group (Swiss HLG), a non-profit association of Business Development and Licensing professionals, hosted its annual flagship conference in the stunning locale of Montreux.
Over two and a half days, 110 delegates from all over the world gathered in a beautiful lakeside setting to explore and discuss the theme "Shaping your future...Act now!"
The conference began with a keynote speech by David Veitch, CEO of Basilea, who highlighted the critical role of dealmaking in any portfolio strategy. He addressed potential barriers to successful partnerships and shared strategies for fostering mutually beneficial relationships. Dealmaking has been instrumental to Basilea's success and remains central to its operations.
The second keynote was delivered by Konstantina (Tina) Katcheves, SVP Global Business Development for Innovative Medicines at Teva Pharmaceuticals. She detailed how Teva has pivoted its business development focus to emerging therapeutic areas, positioning the organization for future growth. Drawing on her extensive experience, Tina emphasized the importance of authentic relationships, transparent communication, and mutual value creation in successful pharmaceutical partnerships.
Over the next two days, leading healthcare industry experts presented on three main themes, offering valuable insights for the future.
The first session examined the external drivers of portfolio strategy, featuring four inspiring presentations. From Monday keynote speaker Jeff Berkowitz, CEO at Real Endpoints, attendees learned about the critical role of payers, their significant influence on access and product pricing, and the uncertainties created by a dynamic policy environment. Key strategies for biopharma companies to succeed were also discussed. Melanie Senior highlighted how change presents opportunities for innovation, requiring new assumptions about the meaning of "innovation" today. Companies and leaders must stay focused on delivering added value for patients and payers. Subsequent sessions addressed navigating EU pharmaceutical legislative changes, recent developments and emerging challenges, and the importance of joint clinical assessments in BD thinking with the new pan-EU HTA process.
The focus then shifted to managing a sustainable portfolio through dealmaking. Speakers shared various perspectives on innovative dealmaking, including managing a portfolio of minority stakes, building a product portfolio, exploring creative deal structures, and strategic divestments/acquisitions to optimize portfolio growth.
In the final session, delegates learned how to adapt their portfolio strategy. Genmab shared their journey from a Danish start-up to a commercial biotech. Molecular Partners discussed their pioneering work with DARPin therapeutics, which has helped them navigate uncertainty and leverage opportunities. Siegfried showcased how a CDMO must adapt and anticipate the changing environment to achieve success.
The conference concluded with two insightful keynote speeches. Murray Aitken from IQVIA discussed the evolving US landscape for life sciences and its implications for dealmaking. Isabel Afonso, CEO of Arcera Life Sciences, shared the journey of Arcera and how business development has been instrumental in building strategic and resilient portfolios.
In addition to the informative presentations, participants had ample opportunities to network in the beautiful location.
The Swiss HLG Board extends its gratitude to all presenters and participants for the lively discussions and interactions.
We also thank our supporters for their crucial and valued support
2023 © Swiss HLG | by evago.fr
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