Invest in Cures | Disease Foundation Forum

Join us on February 20 at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), home to the Gene Therapy Initiative, to explore the transformative potential of impact investing in addressing rare disease challenges. This forum highlights the promise of venture philanthropy and innovative collaborations, offering hope for the commercialization of therapies that could revolutionize rare disease treatment. Learn from venture leaders, advocates, researchers, and entrepreneurs as they share insights on accelerating translational research and advancing cures for patients through strategic funding and collaboration. Invest in Cures features main-stage sessions, panel discussions, intimate gatherings and high-level networking opportunities. This unique event brings together researchers, clinicians and investment professionals from leading foundations to discuss cutting-edge approaches to supporting and funding breakthrough therapies.

Co-hosted by UCSD and Fondation Ipsen (under the aegis of Fondation de France), with support from community partner Curebound.

Join us to connect and collaborate with leaders shaping the future of rare disease therapies.

Capacity is limited and guests must pre register to attend.

8:00 - 9:00 am: Registration and Networking Breakfast

9:00 - 9:15 am: Welcome and Opening Remarks

• Becky Beattie, CEO LaunchBio
• Cori Peek-Asa, PhD, UCSD Vice Chancellor for Research

9:15 - 10:15 am: Panel 1 - Investment Philosophies of Leading Venture Philanthropy Funds

10:45 - 11:00 am: UCSD Gene Therapy Initiative

11:00 - 11:50 am: Panel 2 - Moving from Lab to Marketplace - Success Stories and Challenges of Rare Disease Biotech Startups
PANELISTS

• Mike Krenn, CEO, CONNECT
• Carter Cliff, CEO, Papillon Therapeutics
• Stephanie Cherqui, PhD, Professor of Pediatrics, UCSD

11:50 am - 12:00 pm: Wrap-up of morning session; review of afternoon

12:00 - 1:00 pm: Networking Lunch

1:00-1:30 pm: Keynote Speaker

1:30 - 2:30 pm: Panel 4 - Translational Research Showcase

2:30 - 2:45 pm: Closing Remarks - Humanizing the Mission

• James Uyeda, Vice President of Individual Giving, EveryLife Foundation

2:45 - 3:30 pm: Networking

Host or Publisher LaunchBio