Is conventional equity funding for innovation in the life sciences industry truly a viable strategy for private equity and venture capital firms, or is it all just a house of cards? Against a backdrop that includes some local criticism of Big Pharma’s hardball buyout tactics, the San Diego Venture Group has organized a debate on the merits of the venture-backed biotech business model. Making the case for venture biotech innovation are Wende Hutton of Canaan Partners and Camille Samuels of Versant Ventures; Arguing for a change are Bob More of Frazier Healthcare and Kevin Kinsella of Avalon Ventures. More information and online registration is available here.