One of San Diego’s strengths as a biotech hub is its expertise fighting two of the biggest epidemics of the 21st century—obesity and diabetes. Yet the FDA has taken a tough stance, demanding more and more evidence, before it will allow new drugs for these conditions on the U.S. market.
It’s been a rough year for many in San Diego who have invested much of their careers in developing these new drugs. So now that so many people need to regroup and rethink their strategies for treating these related diseases, I figure it’s a perfect time for a conversation about what it will take to go forward. This event, “San Diego’s Fight Against Diabesity,” is set for January 27th at Amylin Pharmaceuticals’ headquarters.
I’m still putting finishing touches on the program, but here’s the gist so far. I’ll moderate a panel with a number of top executives with products in late stages of development, who are trying to figure out a path forward with the FDA. That will be followed by a fast-paced “lightning roundtable” with three venture capitalists who have dared to invest in diabetes or obesity drugs before. Then, we’ll hear brief 3-4 minute “burst” talks from a few startup executives working on cutting edge projects that could change the way we think about treating these conditions.
Here’s the latest lineup of speakers.
—Dan Bradbury, CEO, Amylin Pharmaceuticals
—Jack Lief, CEO, Arena Pharmaceuticals
—Kurt Graves, Executive Chairman, Intarcia Therapeutics
—Bob More, General Partner, Frazier Healthcare Ventures
—Mike Powell, General Partner, Sofinnova Ventures
—Pratik Shah, Partner, Thomas, McNerney & Partners
—John West, CEO, ViaCyte
—Jeff Purvin, CEO, Calibra Medical
When we’re done hearing from the speakers, as always, there will be time for plenty of great networking. You can find more details about how to reserve a seat here at the registration page. See you there January 27.
