About this Event
Invest in Cures 2025 - A 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.
Early-bird registration ends January 20, 2025
AGENDA
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
By attending this event, you consent to being photographed, filmed, and/or otherwise recorded. These images and recordings may be used by LaunchBio for promotional purposes, including but not limited to social media, websites, print materials, and other marketing or informational platforms. If you do not wish to be photographed or recorded, please notify event staff upon arrival or take necessary precautions to avoid camera areas. For any concerns or further inquiries, please contact Meredith Martindale, Director of Marketing.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
UCSD Design & Innovation Building, 9510 Innovation Lane, San Diego, United States
USD 38.09 to USD 53.64
