Increased investments to provide treatments for unmet medical needs continue to fuel the creation of new biotechnology companies in the United States and abroad. These startup companies’ common objective is to make their drugs or services commercially available by following a rigorous and well-defined FDA approval process.

Prior to meeting important clinical development milestones, however, startups will need to tackle several key questions early on to ensure that they can one day reach their full potential.

Our panel brings together seasoned industry veterans and dynamic entrepreneurs to share their insights on necessary ingredients for a successful biotech startup. The presence two talented entrepreneurs – one from France and one from the US – will allow for a rare comparative perspective of the strength and weaknesses of both country’s incubator models.

The speakers will cover the following topics :

– The Development Strategy : what to choose between a lower risk technology platform
and a long-term product development focus?
– Corporate Counsel : without the resource to hire full-time legal and business
development staff, how to pick the right consultants(s) and get the most out of
their advice ?
– Early Collaborations with Strategic Partners and Role of Incubators : what are the
advantages and drawbacks of working within structures dedicated specifically to
promote transnational research initiatives?

Speakers :

– Dr. Philippe Bertin, French Entrepreneur, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Vaxon Biotech
– Steve Kirsher, American Entrepreneur, Founder and CEO of Cartagen Molecular Systems Inc.
– Charlotte Rogers, Life Science Consultant

Moderator : Didier G. Perez, Managing Partner of Innovation Ventures LLC

Details about the program and the speakers, and registration

Photograph: Myleen Hollero