Tag Archives: economy

RESI London 2025: Dec 4! See feedback from previous attendees about the UK’s biggest investment conference!

21 Oct

By Sougato Das, President and COO, LSN

Sougato-Das

RESI London 2025 will be the second year of the UK’s biggest life science investor conference. We expect 250 investors, ready to finance your company. The RESI partnering system allows you to schedule face to face meetings with each investor. See what last year’s attendees are saying!

Testimonials

“RESI London was an extremely productive experience for my company, and the partnering system was so easy to use.”

– Nick Sireau, CEO, Serenatis Bio

“RESI is the go-to meeting for biotech CEOs’ seeking early stage capital. They have built an early stage platform educating founders and bringing capital to them. They are the only people serving this under loved sub sector with such passion.”

– Sunil Shah, CEO, O2h Ventures & Co-founder, O2h Group

“Attending RESI London for the first time was a refreshing and highly positive experience. The event exceeded my expectations in several ways. The atmosphere was welcoming and collaborative, which created a conducive environment for meaningful interactions. What stood out most was the exposure to a unique group of investors—those with a specific interest in early-stage, cutting-edge technologies. These are exactly the type of investors we aim to connect with at Rinri, so the conference provided an excellent platform to engage with individuals who understand the risks and rewards of innovative science-driven ventures.”

– Simon Chandler, CEO, Rinri Therapeutics

“My session was punctual and well-organized. The jury members were thoughtfully selected and provided insightful, constructive feedback that was highly valuable.”

– Christine Ruckenbauer, CBO, RIANA Therapeutics

“I highly value RESI and am grateful for the opportunity both to contribute as a pitch judge, company scouting and the networking opportunities. You have a dynamic network with easy, friendly, professional access. Thanks for all you are doing for the life science and tech development sector.”

– Jill Sorensen, MTEC (Investor)

“As One Nucleus seeks to enable our members to engage with the widest possible investor pool, partnering with RESI London creates a unique opportunity to bring our members into contact with new global early-stage investors to complement the known local investors they meet at all other early-stage pitching events in the UK.”

– Tony Jones, CEO, One Nucleus

“We started this as a grassroots meeting with One Nucleus, and it has been extremely gratifying and rewarding to see our international investors attending because the UK, we know, has some great science that needs to get to the global stage. We are expecting 250+ investors.”

– Dennis Ford, CEO, Life Science Nation

Register RESI London by Friday, October 24 to save £200 on early bird rates!

Register for RESI London Appy to Pitch at RESI London

Will PubMed be Shutdown? 

15 Oct

By Sougato Das, President and COO, LSN

Sougato-Das

Many in the life sciences research community were spooked when PubMed went down temporarily in March after the Trump administration cut $4 billion in “indirect costs” that supported medical research. More recently, an ominous message appeared on PubMed: “Because of a lapse in government funding, the information on this website may not be up to date, transactions submitted via the website may not be processed…” Many who use PubMed but not other government websites were probably panicked by this, but a quick look at clinicaltrials.gov, NIH Reporter and even NIH’s main site reveals the same message, while different versions of this message appear on the websites of HHS, CMS, etc.

Still, various EU governments have been quietly preparing for a PubMed shutdown by ensuring they will have a PubMed-alternative just in case. Of course, let’s be real: while they may be able to serve the existing content in PubMed, they will not be able to suddenly support the thousands of additional abstracts and articles added each day, along with MeSH tagging, journal selection, XML/JSON feeds, and other critical functions PubMed provides.

While PubMed is critical to nearly every life science researcher, even those with access to Web of Science, Embase, etc., it is especially critical to early-stage life science companies and investors. For basic research, competitive intelligence, due diligence and more, PubMed is indispensable for those without access to paid literature databases. PubMed is also an important source for pipeline database providers that investors and pharma use to find assets and perform CI.

The US government, for decades, has supplied a critical and reliable literature resource for worldwide audiences, both professional and non-professional alike. With the addition of the first and best clinical trial registry in 2000, continued funding for this resource is paramount for global biomedical research.

How 100% Pharma Tariffs Could Ripple Through Early-Stage Biotech Investment 

7 Oct

By Sougato Das, President and COO, LSN

Sougato-Das

We have all heard about the recent 100% pharma tariff announcement, applicable mainly to manufacturers or marketed drugs unless they are in the process of building manufacturing facilities in the US. We know that early stage biotechs are generally not counting on investment to take them through manufacturing, for which they will seek a pharma partner. Nevertheless, these tariffs may still have an effect on early-stage biotech investments. Investment in early-stage (seed, Series A/B) biotech is likely to face increased headwinds under a 100 % pharmaceutical tariff regime. The tariff risk exacerbates existing structural challenges in biotech investing.

Overall Expected Effect (Short to Medium Term) 

  • Slower fundraising pace 
    The number of deals may decline, particularly in the earlier stages. Biotech investors will likely become more selective, preferring de-risked assets, strong data, or compelling platforms with clear strategies to mitigate tariff exposure.
  • Higher effective cost of capital 
    Investors will demand more upside or stricter protections (e.g. liquidation preferences, anti-dilution) to compensate for the added risk.
  • Greater emphasis on capital efficiency / leaner burn models 
    Startups may need to conserve cash more, focus earlier on key inflection points, outsource less, and plan fallback strategies for supply chain risk.
  • Longer timelines / delayed exits 
    Because of the risk, uncertainty, and possible delays, the time to IPO, acquisition, or commercialization may stretch, further compressing IRR for investors.
  • Capital flow shift toward infrastructure and enabling technologies 
    Some portion of venture capital may redirect toward bioprocessing, domestic manufacturing, synthetic biology for local API production, supply-chain tools — companies that can help others evade tariff impact.
  • Public market investment in pharma may slow, leading to less IPOs 
    The tariffs could serve to further erode the attractiveness of the biopharma sector for public market investors, reducing the room for IPOs, and pressuring investment taking place more upstream.

In summary, while the recent 100% pharma tariffs certainly don’t have a direct effect on early-stage biotech investing, their dampening effects will nonetheless be felt.

Super Early Bird Rates End October 3 for RESI London and RESI JPM 

30 Sep

By Sougato Das, President and COO, LSN

Sougato-Das

Life Science Nation’s Redefining Every Stage of Investments (RESI) conferences are designed to connect life science companies with global investors and strategic partners. Two major upcoming events, RESI London and RESI JPM, are now open for registration at Super Early Bird rates through October 3. By registering early, attendees can save £300 on RESI London and $800 on RESI JPM.

RESI London 2025

The first week of December marks the largest life science partnering and venture week in the UK. If you are raising pre-seed, seed, round A or round B, or are in phase 2 or earlier development, Life Science Nation’s RESI London, One Nucleus’ Genesis, and ELRIG/SLAS events offer stronger partnering, investment, learning, and procurement opportunities compared to the health care week in late November that runs alongside the Jefferies investment banking event. That November week typically focuses on recent IPOs, companies close to IPO, and phase 3 or more advanced companies seeking partnerships. For companies not yet at that stage, December’s conference series is a more strategic use of critical conference and travel budgets.

RESI London and Genesis are joining to provide a multi-day investment, partnering, and thought leadership event for venture-stage companies pursuing funding and strategic alliances. RESI London will take place on December 4 at 1 Wimpole Street and 11 Cavendish Square, followed by two days of virtual partnering on December 5 and 6. Super Early Bird registration is now open, offering a savings of £300 until October 3.

RESI JPM 2026

RESI JPM will be held January 12–13, 2026, at the San Francisco Marriott Marquis. The program features two days of in-person investor panels, workshops, networking, and one-on-one partnering, followed by three days of online partnering on January 14, 19, and 20.

Previous RESI JPM conferences have drawn more than one thousand attendees, including over 500 investors, innovators, and industry experts from across the globe. The conference is held concurrently with JP Morgan Healthcare Week, January 12–15, 2026, which takes place at the Westin St. Francis. Known as the largest healthcare investment symposium worldwide, JPM attracts thousands of life science professionals each year.

Super Early Bird registration for RESI JPM offers a savings of $800 when completed before October 3.

Register for RESI London
Register for RESI & Genesis Combi Ticket
Register for RESI JPM

Both conferences provide access to global investors and in-licensors, strategic partners, and hundreds of early-stage innovators across therapeutics, medical devices, diagnostics, and digital health. Register now to take advantage of Super Early Bird discounts for RESI London and RESI JPM before October 3.

China’s Biotech Boom: Innovation, Influence, and Rising Tensions 

5 Aug

By Sougato Das, President and COO, LSN

Sougato-Das

As 2025 progresses, China’s biotech and pharmaceutical sectors are not just growing—they’re reshaping the global industry landscape. With skyrocketing innovation, bold regulatory reform, and a deepening rivalry with the U.S., Chinese biotech firms are asserting their global presence at unprecedented speed. The GSK / Hengrui Pharma deal, involving a major collaboration potentially worth up to $12.5 billion, is the latest example. The deal focuses on developing up to a dozen drug candidates, primarily in respiratory diseases, immunology, infection, and oncology. GSK will pay Hengrui an upfront fee of $500 million, with the potential for significant milestone payments and royalties if the collaboration is successful. China will continue to play a major role in the worldwide biopharma ecosystem as…

China Emerges as a Global Drug Development Powerhouse

  • Record Licensing Activity: China-to-West drug licensing hit a record $41.5 billion in 2024, a staggering 66% jump from the previous year. Nearly 30% of global innovative drug assets now trace their origin to China.
  • Biotech Licensing Leadership: In 2024, 42% of all global biotech licensing deals over $50 million involved Chinese firms—up from 22% in 2023.

Drug Discovery Is Going East

  • Rapid Shift in Molecule Sourcing: One in three externally sourced molecules by global biopharma firms now comes from China—a dramatic rise from virtually none in 2019. Chinese biotech firms are lauded for their speed, efficiency, and low-cost synthesis of new compounds, positioning them as preferred partners for drug discovery.

Clinical Trials and Regulatory Momentum increases in China

  • China’s Clinical Surge: In 2023, nearly 28% of global clinical trial sponsorships originated from China—up from just 4% a decade ago. Registrations alone rose by 26% last year.
  • Faster to Market: Thanks to reforms by China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), investigational new drugs can now be approved for human testing in just 60 working days.
  • FDA Recognition: Chinese trials are increasingly qualifying for FDA priority pathways, challenging the traditional dominance of U.S.-based clinical development.

China is at the Cutting Edge of Gene Editing

  • CRISPR Leadership: Chinese startups like YolTech (in vivo CRISPR therapy) and Huidagene (brain-targeted CRISPR trials) are leading in next-gen gene editing.
  • Global Recognition: According to Goldman Sachs, China is at the forefront of CRISPR and CAR-T research.

Tensions and Regulatory Hurdles deepen with the US

  • Geopolitical Pressure: Proposed U.S. legislation—the BIOSECURE Act—would prohibit drugmakers with federal contracts from using Chinese firms like WuXi AppTec and WuXi Biologics after 2032. This could disrupt global supply chains and complicate R&D strategies for U.S. companies.
  • Scientific Chilling Effect: Fears of increased scrutiny are causing some Chinese and Chinese-American researchers to avoid applying for NIH grants, impacting U.S.-China scientific collaboration.
  • Investment Headwinds: Despite innovation, venture capital investment in Chinese biotech has declined due to geopolitical uncertainty.

Cross-Border Deals Multiply

  • Western Biopharma Engagement: U.S. and European firms are actively pursuing licensing and partnership deals with Chinese biotechs—particularly in ADC and bispecific antibody platforms, expanding beyond oncology.
  • Investor Sentiment Splits: Some U.S. investors advocate for protectionist strategies, while others see China’s rise as an opportunity for strategic alignment and access to novel therapies.

What Does All This Means for the Industry>

China is no longer simply a “fast follower” in biotech. It’s now an originator of breakthrough science, shaping the future of global drug development, even as geopolitical tensions threaten to redraw the map of international collaboration.

As global biopharma leaders and investors reassess their strategies, one thing is clear: ignoring China’s biotech ascent is no longer an option.

JPM 2026: Partnering, Event/Reception Space Available at RESI JPM

29 Jul

Host your event. Launch your brand. Meet your partners.

By Sougato Das, President and COO, LSN

Sougato-Das

Life Science Nation (LSN) has secured a 20,000 square foot (1900 square meters) space at the Marriott Marquis in Union Square in the heart of JPM Week 2026. This premium venue will serve as the headquarters for the Redefining Every Stage of Investment (RESI) conference on Monday and Tuesday, January 12 and 13—but we’re opening the doors Sunday, January 11 for groups looking to host their own event in the center of the action.

We’re inviting economic development agencies, global trade organizations, venture groups, and industry associations to partner with LSN or book standalone time in this flagship location.

The Space

  • 20,000 square feet of meeting and activation space
  • 4 fully equipped conference rooms (2400 square feet/220 square meters), good for theater-style seating for presentations or a small networking event
  • 90+ RESI-style partnering tables
  • Full-service meeting logistics support available

This space is ideal for:

  • Networking receptions, investor briefings, and pitch showcases
  • Country or region-specific innovation days
  • Workshops, roundtables, or startup presentations
  • Private investor or industry partner meetings

Flexible Integration Options

  • January 11 (Sunday): Available for standalone programs, private events, or pre-RESI activities
  • January 12 and 13 (Monday and Tuesday): Integrate into the RESI JPM program, gain access to hundreds of global investors, and use the space to host partner meetings or specialized tracks within the RESI ecosystem

LSN is already in discussion with a range of organizations, including tech hubs, economic development agencies, service providers, and nonprofit patient groups who are seeking affordable options for hosting events and partnering at JPM.

Why Co-Locate with LSN During JPM?

  • Prime Union Square location just steps from the major hotel hubs and investor meetings
  • Built-in foot traffic and visibility from RESI attendees, investors, and partners
  • Flexible use of infrastructure and logistics support from the LSN team
  • Branding and signage opportunities throughout the venue
  • Streamlined meeting scheduling and visibility if integrated into the RESI partnering platform

Make It Yours

Whether you’re looking to host a private country reception, a thematic track inside RESI, or a custom event that aligns with your mission, the space is move-in ready and centrally located. We can help with meeting set-up, agenda development, signage, staffing, registration flow, and more.

Interested in booking or learning more?
Contact salescore@lifesciencenation.com to discuss options, availability, and pricing.

Let’s create a high-impact presence for your organization at the most important week in global life sciences.

200% Pharma Tariff Threat: Impacts on Biotech Venture Investment

22 Jul

By Sougato Das, President and COO, LSN

Sougato-Das

The newly proposed 200% pharma tariff threat (not a reality yet, but Trump has indicated they will go into effect on August 1) hasn’t delivered an immediate market shock; biopharma stocks have remained steady, albeit flat. The 12-18 month grace period included in the tariff proposal gives large pharma wiggle room to pivot to US manufacturing while stockpiling to ride out the remaining 2 – 3 years required to make the transition. Predictably, there are concerns that such tariffs could increase drug costs, lead to shortages, impact profit margins (dampening appetite for investment/BD) and disrupt the supply chain.

The tariff threat has, however, catalyzed a strategic pivot toward U.S. manufacturing, with major firms like Biogen, J&J, Eli Lilly, Roche, Sanofi, and Merck spending billions in U.S. facilities.

In the biotech investment and BD community, the question is: how will/has this affect/ed investment and BD activity?

  • Overall biotech investment may slow as cost inflation pressures biotech valuations and investment capital.
  • It has been theorized that the pharma tariff threat has contributed to the IPO dry-up in life sciences (nearly all biotech IPOs since 2023 are trading below their IPO price). A continued drought would obviously have a negative impact on biotech venture investment.
  • If large pharma funnels billions into new manufacturing plants, that money must come from somewhere (usually R&D), and may signal a further slowdown in pharma partnering and investment.
  • An unpredictable economic environment could deter biotech investment. Such investor caution could lead to more selective funding rounds and a decrease in overall venture capital flowing into the sector.
  • Finally, it’s well-understood that investors are becoming more selective, focusing on companies with de-risked assets, strong scientific data, and clear commercialization potential.

On the positive side, we see pharma biotech acquisitions up, simply due to how inexpensive small biotechs are to buy right now.

These factors make it far more critical this year than in 2024 or 2023, that you meet with elevated numbers of investment or strategic partners to overcome the above hurdles. Partnering events like RESI are the best way to have 10-20 investor meetings in a day. Using Life Science Nation’s BD Assist, where we set up investor meetings for you, is another option to supercharge your fundraise.