Workshops at BioTrinity 2010
The workshops at BioTrinity 2010 will be more like roundtable discussions than seminars, and as organisers we demand that they are interactive. Participation at workshops is included in the conference registration fee, however as spaces are limited, pre-registered delegates are advised to sign up for workshops online and in advance via the online partnering system's Agenda Planner which is available to all registrants, to reserve their places. Workshops will be held over both days of the conference, 13 - 14th April in the Fred Winter Suite of the Berkshire Suite. You will be able to walk in to join workshops at the start of their sessions, but pre-registered participants will take precendent over those who walk in.
We are pleased to bring you workshops from Fry Heath Spence, SRG Recruitment, Manches LLP, James Cowper, Almac Group, Morrison & Foerster and Biotech Personnel . There is a single track of workshops, complementing the single track of company presentations in the Conference Hall.
Full details of 2010 Workshops will be given shortly but listed below is a brief summary
Workshops Day 1: Tuesday, 13th April 2010
| Berkshire Stand, Fred Winter Suite, 2nd Floor | |
| 12:00-12:30 | A Strategy for Skills, Salaries and Shortages Hosts: Ena Vieira, Commercial Manager, SRG Recruitment The UK leads Europe in the industrial exploitation of biotechnology. During the last decade there has been a rapid and continued growth in the number of specialist biotechnology R&D based companies with over 40,000 people currently employed within the industry, most of whom are placed in highly skilled roles. However, will future growth be jeopardised by "brain drain"? “Britain will face a new brain drain of scientific talent to the US if the next government cuts the research budget to contain the £178 billion national debt, according to a group of America's most senior and respected scientists.” (The Times 23rd February 2010.) Utilising recent research, the Biotrinitiy workshop on "A Strategy for Skills, Salaries and Shortages" will outline the current demand and salary levels within the biotech sector for scientitic skills and, through an interactive session in which attendees can participate, will prioirtise the skills needed by the Biotech industry in the future and produce a "skills statement" for the sector. |
| 13:30-14:00 | Checking it out....common stumbling blocks during due diligence Host: Sue Staunton, Partner, James Cowper Whether you are looking to exit or bring in investment or debt into your life science based business, your company will probably find itself the subject of a due diligence process. If you are a growing business you may be seeking to make an investment or acquisition in another company and, therefore, will be looking to execute such a process. During this workshop, business advisers and accountants, James Cowper, will discuss the process of financial due diligence, highlighting what those carrying out due diligence are looking for, identifying common stumbling blocks, and suggesting ways to prepare for such a process so that you can portray your business in its best light. James Cowper routinely carry out due diligence assignments on behalf of clients ranging from Banks and investors to those looking to acquire other businesses. With their understanding of the life science sector they recognise what is likely to be important to their client and tailor their approach accordingly" |
| 14:00-15:00 | Why are solid forms still causing headaches? Hosts: Linda McCausland, Head of Physical Sciences, Almac Group Drug Development Services While many in the pharmaceutical industry believe that solid state chemistry is well established and major dilemmas are a thing of the past, our experience shows that this is not the case. Almac has the privilege to work on many diverse projects for pharma and biotech companies. Using case studies we will reflect on issues such as; rescuing poorly bioavailable drugs, generating valuable intellectual property, developing the ‘wrong’ form, unwelcome guests at the 11th hour. |
| 15:30-16:30 | Patents: What’s The Point? Hosts: Graham Lock, Partner; Mark Sweetingburgh, Patent Attorney, Fry Heath Spence The workshop will cover the advantages and disadvantages of the patent system, examples of when patent protection is not appropriate, a reminder of the requirements for obtaining patent protection with a particular focus on what can be protected in the field of biotechnology, and the best strategies to employ when considering patent protection in this area. Questions will be welcomed throughout the workshop and it is hoped that an interesting and informative discussion will ensue! |
| 16:30-17:00 | Introducing the OBN Clinical Trials Insurance Scheme Hosts: Steve Ilott, Partner, FOCUS, Paul Monaco, Commercial Insurance Manager, FOCUS, Rob Evans, Business Development Director, FOCUS and Colby Walker, Senior Life Science Underwriter, Chubb Insurance Europe This workshop will explain the special OBN Clinical Trials Insurance scheme for members of OBN. Explanation of the features of this scheme which will be of significant benefit to OBN members who either have this protection or wish to enhance their protection levels or companies who may be embarking on a Clinical Trials programme. |
Workshops on Day 2: Wednesday 14th April
| Berkshire Stand, Fred Winter Suite, 2nd Floor | |
| 12:00-12:30 | Current legal issues for life sciences companies Hosts: Jim Kinnier Wilson, Partner Head of Life Sciences; Chris Shelley, Partner; Patrick Baddeley, Partner, Manches LLP The workshop will examine current legal issues facing life sciences companies, such as the protection and exploitation of intellectual property, commercial agreements, company structures and funding for growth. The team will address how to use these to your best advantage. |
| 13:30-14:00 | Unlocking European R&D Funding. Opportunities for Pharma, Health and Biotechnology SMEs Host: Graham Hughes Thought about looking to Europe to secure R&D funding? This workshop will provide an open and honest overview of the European Framework Programme, demystifying some of the common misconceptions and looking at the pros and cons from the viewpoint of the SME. It will provide some practical advice about the application process, identify resources for help and support and touch upon some other funding schemes suitable for the SME community. Open to complete beginners as well as old hands. |
| 14:30-15:00 | Planning for Recovery – the Remuneration Issues Hosts: Rod Cook, Partner, Biotech Personnel; Andy Christie, Senior Consultant, Hewitt New Bridge Street Last year saw an unprecedented number of pay freezes being applied to all sectors in the UK and the continued economic uncertainty may mean that the picture on pay reviews could take longer to emerge than before. Now we are out of recession, if only just, how will companies react at their next pay review and how difficult will it be to continue to apply restraint against predictions that we will see a sharp rise in the RPI over the coming months? Andy & Rod will discuss how companies can plan to meet the remuneration issues they will face and what steps may be available to respond to the market with both salaries and benefits. |
| 15:30-16:30 | Vacancy |
| 16:45 | Meeting close |
Below are examples of 2009 workshop details.
2009 Workshops:
| Thursday 2nd April 2009 - Workshops - Landmark Suite, Upper Floor | |
| 11:00-12:00 | Purchasing from distressed sellers - tips and traps Workshop Details - Host: Patrick Baddeley, Corporate Finance Partner, Manches LLP |
| 12:00-12:30 | Spinning out the Oxford Way Workshop Details - Host: Sue Staunton, Partner, James Cowper and Linda Naylor, Head of Tech Transfer, Isis Innovation |
| 13.30-14.30 | Developments in EU Rare Disease Policy and implications for pipeline products Workshop Details - Host: Wills Hughes-Wilson, Senior Director, Genzyme |
| 14:30-15:00 | How to streamline IP strategy for dual US and European patent protection and enforcement Workshop Details - Host: Dr Tony Maschio, Partner & Dr Kathleen Williams, Partner & Dr. Candi Soames, PartnerEdwards Angell Palmer & Dodge Innovations LLP |
| 15.30-16.00 | Patents in the credit crunch: keeping costs down Workshop Details - Host: Rebecca Tollervey, Mewburn Ellis LLP |
| 16:00-16:30 | Evaluating Innovative Technologies: Reimbursement and Market Access Planning Workshop Details - Host: Adam Barak, VP, Boston Healthcare Associates, Inc |
| Friday 3rd April 2009 - Workshops | |
| 10:00-10:30 | When it hits the fan: How to retain and motivate key employees when finances are restricted Workshop Details - Host: Rod Cook, Biotech Personnel |
| 11:30-12:00 | Accelerated Process Integrated Drug Development Workshop Details - Host: Denis Geffroy, Almac |
| 14:00-14:30 | How to Access Wellcome Trust Translational Funding Workshop Details - Host: Richard Seabrook and Nick Dunster, The Wellcome Trust |
| 14:30-15:00 | The IMI opportunities for biotechnology companies Workshop Details - Host: Jackie Hunter, GSK |
Workshop registration
You can book into workshops using the online partnering system, accessible once you register. This will help us to allocate your partnering meetings around the workshops you wish to attend, helping you access everything you wish.
Workshop Details
Purchasing from distressed sellers - tips and traps
One man's misfortune is another man's fortune. While the current economic downturn may not be good news for some companies, it will also present opportunities for others with cash to spare and an eye for a bargain. However, if you are in a position to purchase assets from a company in distress, you will need to understand that the process is different from a normal transaction. You need to set your approach and expectations accordingly. In this workshop experts from our corporate, employment and intellectual property departments will take you through some of the tips and traps inherent in purchasing financially distressed businesses including managing transfer of risk, ownership of IP, supplier's retention of title claims, retaining leased equipment and use of premises and employment liabilities.
Spinning out the Oxford Way
Sue Staunton, Partner, James Cowper and Linda Naylor, Head of Tech Transfer, Isis Innovation
Isis Innovation and James Cowper will discuss the methodologies for spinning out life science based businesses used by the University of Oxfords technology transfer company
Developments in EU Rare Disease Policy and implications for pipeline products
Host: Wills Hughes-Wilson, Senior Director, Genzyme
In the 10 years since the adoption of the EUs Orphan Regulation the EU legislative framework has further evolved to take account of new technologies, including cell- and gene-therapies. Recent proposals for the creation of National Plans and further cooperation between Member States in sharing information to facilitate market access are also currently under discussion. Genzyme played a leading role in the creation of the EUs orphan system and has continued to do so. The environment regulating pipeline products has become increasingly complex to navigate, but there is a pathway through.
How to streamline IP strategy for dual US and European patent protection and enforcement
Dr Tony Maschio & Dr Kathleen Williams & Dr. Candi Soames, Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge Innovations LLP
For the vast majority of biopharmaceutical companies, the US is the most important market in terms of potential sales, collaborations and sources of investment. Despite this, for most European companies, IP strategy is designed around a European model and does not take into consideration the particular requirements of US law. In this workshop, European patent attorneys Dr. Candi Soames and Dr. Tony Maschio, together with registered US patent attorney Dr. Kathleen Williams, will explain how to optimise European strategy to obtain the best advantage both in Europe and the US.
Patents in the credit crunch: keeping costs down
Rebecca Tollervey & Simon Kiddle, Mewburn Ellis LLP
Working within an IP budget is always a challenge. There is an ongoing need to reduce costs while ensuring that valuable intellectual property is protected and the right expert advice is obtained. We will be discussing how costs can be kept down by careful filing strategies, and identifying points in the life of a patent where savings can be made.
Evaluating Innovative Technologies: Reimbursement and Market Access Planning
Adam Barak, VP, Boston Healthcare Associates, Inc
For companies developing innovative technologies, it is essential to prepare to achieve payer endorsement as well as to secure the necessary licences which will enable them to launch their products in a given territory. Payers in all countries have been introducing various means of managing healthcare expenditures, and it therefore behoves a company hoping to secure payment for its technology to know what the payers expectations are in order for the technology to achieve reimbursement and enable optimal market access.
Similarly, without knowing what the payers expectations are, it is very difficult to derive what an optimal in-market price should be or what the international price range should be for the technology and therefore what its value is in terms of sales expectations or its acquisition potential.
We will explain the steps and activities needed to determine how a company can evaluate what a technologys price should be, how it can achieve reimbursement and how the value of the technology can be assessed and appraised.
When it hits the fan: How to retain and motivate key employees when finances are restricted
Rod Cook, Partner, Biotech Personnel
There is clear evidence that redundancy programmes do not always produce the savings expected. Rod will draw on his experience of assisting clients with budget restrictions to discuss ways of either avoiding redundancies or minimising the impact. He will refer to data from the most comprehensive remuneration survey of the UK biotech industry.
Accelerated Process Integrated Drug Development
Denis Geffroy, Almac
A new approach to early clinical development using our specialist technologies where appropriate e.g. Biocatalysis, Peptides, Solid State Services. A complete set of solutions aimed at accelerating entry into clinical development; saving on average 1 year from the early clinical development timelines. The RAPIDDTM package includes an integrated set of services (API, Drug Product, Pre-clinical tox and safety studies) speeding up entry into Phase I clinical trials (First in Man).
How to Access Wellcome Trust Translational Funding
Richard Seabrook and Nick Dunster, The Wellcome Trust
Technology Transfer at the Wellcome Trust is a committed funder of translational research. Bridging the gap between fundamental medical research and commercial application, Technology Transfer supports both academic researchers and companies by funding applied research and development projects to a stage where they are attractive to a follow-on funder.
At this workshop you will hear about R&D projects that have already been funded by the Wellcome Trust and, more importantly, how you can access translational funding to support your research.
