The 2024 Biotech Symposium: Innovations in Regenerative Medicine commenced on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, with opening remarks by Elyse Blazevich, CBSA President and CEO, setting the stage for an engaging exploration of the latest advancements in the regenerative medicine sector. Following Blazevich’s introduction, Rita Johnson-Greene, MBA, Chief Operating Officer of Alliance for Regenerative Medicine, took the stage to deliver a keynote address that left a lasting impression on attendees.

Johnson-Greene’s keynote underscored the profound impact of cell and gene therapies on healthcare, offering insights into their potential to revolutionize medical treatment and outcomes.

Following Johnson-Greene’s presentation, the symposium delved into a thought-provoking panel discussion, “Navigating the Changing ATMP Market: A Conversation on the Future of Cell and Gene.” Hosted and moderated by AGC Biologics, the panel brought together industry experts to explore current and emerging trends in production and manufacturing within the cell and gene therapy sector.

In addition to the panel discussion, attendees had the opportunity to gain further knowledge from an enlightening venture financing report presented by Michael T. Nelson, Partner at Cooley LLP. Nelson’s report provided a comprehensive overview of current financing trends in life sciences, as well as offeried invaluable insights into potential future investment patterns and market dynamics.

Wrapping up a dynamic day of Education + Networking, the symposium concluded with the “Transformative Innovations in Colorado Advancing Regenerative Medicine” panel. Moderated by Sally Dyer, SVP, General Manager Colorado Operations at Umoja Biopharma, this panel invited open discussion and provided audience and panel members a chance to share personal patient stories.

Panelist Richard Freed, Co-Founder and CEO of RheumaGen, expressed optimism in the current landscape of cell and gene therapy innovation, highlighting the potential for transformative breakthroughs in regenerative medicine. “We can use words like ‘cures,'” he said. “We can see the future, and it’s really exciting for all of us.”

The event also provided opportunity for attending members of Colorado’s life sciences ecosystem to network and connect, as well as learn from companies with exhibitor booths: AGC Biologics, ArcticZymes Technologies, Azzur Group, BioCloud 3D ,Biomedical Solutions, Inc., Colorado Photonics Industry Association, Fisher Scientific, Fitzsimons Innovation Community, General Air, Halloran Consulting Group, and Inotiv.

CBSA extends a special thanks to our 2024 Biotech Symposium event sponsors, AGC Biologics, Cooley LLP, Fitzsimons Innovation Community, and Umoja Biopharma for making this event possible, and to all those who joined us.