The 43rd Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, held from January 13–16, 2025, in San Francisco, once again brought together industry leaders, investors, and innovators from around the globe. As the largest healthcare investment symposium, the event offered a platform to discuss breakthroughs in cancer, pain management, neurodegenerative diseases, artificial intelligence (AI) in drug development, and strategies for mergers and acquisitions (M&A).
Several of BioHealth Innovation’s (BHI) Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EIRs) attended, sharing insights and observations from this pivotal event.
Anna Zornosa: Showcasing NIH-Supported Innovators
Anna Zornosa focused on the NIH SEED Company Showcase at the Biotech Showcase and RESI Conference, supporting 12 NIH-funded companies at RESI and 10 at Biotech Showcase. “The competitive process selects investment-ready companies representing some of the most exciting innovations,” said Zornosa. She highlighted the optimism at sessions like "Financing the Biotech Sector," where panelists predicted a rise in IPOs and acquisitions.
Kevin Heller: Supporting BHI’s Portfolio Companies
Kevin Heller supported three BHI portfolio companies during the conference:
- Aloe Therapeutics: Helped CEO Martha Sklavos prepare for her Biotech Showcase presentation and provided feedback on resonating with investors.
- MitoMed Pharma: Engaged in development discussions with leadership and reviewed investor meeting strategies.
- Oqory: Advised CEO Michael King on a reverse merger with Vincerx Pharma, navigating complex development plan negotiations.
Heller noted that while investors remain conservative, there’s renewed interest in preclinical programs. “Overall, there is more optimism compared to recent years,” he observed.
Kwame Ulmer: A MedTech Perspective
Kwame Ulmer focused on medtech companies at JPM, observing distinct trends in their strategies:
- Many companies prioritized bridge rounds to sustain operations and extend their runways.
- There was a strong emphasis on building regulatory narratives for investors, strategically sequencing milestones like Breakthrough Device Designation (BDD), Pre-Submissions, OUS pilot data, and pivotal clinical trials to maximize company value.
- Well-established medtech companies leveraged the conference for soft fundraising efforts, preparing for future growth rounds.
Ulmer also highlighted notable ecosystem builders with a medtech focus, including University Lab Partners, Tulsa Innovation Labs, and BORYUNG, whose strong presence underscored the importance of collaboration in advancing the field.
Conference Takeaways
Across the conference, key themes emerged, including the critical role of AI in drug discovery, the growing need for innovative financing solutions, and a cautiously optimistic funding environment for biotech and medtech startups. Investors showed a clear preference for clinical and near-IND-ready assets, but preclinical programs with strong candidates also began to gain traction.
For BHI, events like the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference offer invaluable opportunities to connect with global leaders, highlight regional innovation, and support the growth of its portfolio companies. Rich Bendis, President and CEO of BHI, said, “These gatherings are essential for keeping a pulse on the industry and ensuring we’re positioned to help our partners and companies succeed in this ever-evolving landscape.”