The 10th Annual BioHealth Capital Region Forum has once again brought together some of the most influential leaders and innovators in the biohealth industry. This year’s Forum features a stellar lineup of returning presenters and keynotes, each contributing unique insights into the state of the biohealth sector, both locally and nationally. Here’s a look at some of the standout sessions from this year’s event.
"The caliber of speakers at this year’s BioHealth Capital Region Forum was truly exceptional. From industry veterans to emerging leaders, the insights shared reflected the depth of expertise and innovation driving the growth of our biohealth ecosystem. We were honored to host such influential voices who are shaping the future of healthcare and biotechnology, and their contributions made this year’s event one of the most impactful yet," said Rich Bendis, President and CEO of BioHealth Innovation, Inc.
GEN Top 10 BioCluster Update
A familiar face at the Forum, Alex Philippidis, Senior Business Editor at Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (GEN), returned to present the latest Top 10 Bio Clusters in the United States. For the second consecutive year, the BioHealth Capital Region proudly retained its spot in the Top 3, an ambitious goal set nearly a decade ago. Alex’s update delved into the shifts and trends in the top bio clusters for 2024, offering valuable insights into the regions driving the future of biotechnology.
BioHealth Capital Region Update
Pete Briskman, Executive Managing Director and Co-Lead of JLL’s Mid-Atlantic Life Sciences Practice, also made a return to the Forum to provide a detailed update on the performance of the BioHealth Capital Region (BHCR) and its continued growth in the life sciences sector. Pete’s presentation explored both local and national trends, highlighted key achievements in 2023, and offered a forward-looking perspective on what 2024 and beyond hold for the region. His insights underscored the BHCR’s role as a key player in the national biohealth landscape.
AMGEN’s Entrance to the BioHealth Capital Region
In one of the most anticipated keynotes, Robert Stoffel, VP of Rare Disease, Complex Biologics, and Strategic Technology Alliances at Amgen, discussed the company’s entrance into the BioHealth Capital Region. Amgen’s long-term investment in the region began with the acquisition of Horizon Therapeutics in 2023, following Horizon’s earlier acquisition of Viela Bio, a spin-off from AstraZeneca/MedImmune in Gaithersburg, MD. Robert’s keynote emphasized the region’s strategic importance for Amgen and its future growth in rare diseases and biologics.
The State of the Bio Industry
John Crowley, President and CEO of BIO, took the stage to offer a comprehensive keynote on the State of the Bio Industry. His address covered global trends shaping the future of biotechnology and life sciences, highlighting emerging opportunities and challenges. As the head of BIO and a seasoned leader in the industry, John’s insights provided attendees with a clear view of where the biohealth sector is heading.
A Patient’s Perspective
Bringing a personal and moving touch to the Forum, John Sackett, President & CEO of Adventist Healthcare, shared his own patient story, living with cystic fibrosis. His story served as a powerful reminder of the ultimate goal of health innovation—improving and saving lives. John’s journey resonated deeply with attendees, underscoring the human impact of advancements in healthcare.
ARPA-H: A New Partner for Bio-Health Innovators
Craig Gravitz, Director of the Project Accelerator Transition Innovation Office (PATIO) at ARPA-H, delivered a keynote that outlined how ARPA-H is becoming a pivotal partner for emerging bio-health companies. His presentation focused on ARPA-H’s role in supporting the development of breakthrough technologies and therapies, offering pathways for these innovations to reach patients more quickly.
These sessions and keynotes showcased the BioHealth Capital Region Forum’s commitment to featuring forward-thinking discussions and insights from leaders shaping the future of biohealth. As the Forum continues to grow in prominence, it remains a vital platform for collaboration, innovation, and progress in the biohealth industry.