Events - Event View
This is the "Event Detail" view, showing all available information for this event.
If the event has passed, click the "Event Report" icon to read a report and view photos that were uploaded.
Société Annual Meeting, Luncheon, and Panel Presentation
If you are a member, please
log in to access additional, potentially lower registration fee options.
About this event
Biotech and Life Sciences: Opportunities and Challenges
The biotech and life sciences sector is at a crossroads, propelled by game-changing technologies yet battered by unprecedented challenges. Cutting-edge gene editing tools like CRISPR, AI-powered drug discovery, and RNA-based therapies are revolutionizing treatments for cancer, autoimmune disorders, and rare diseases. Yet, a storm of obstacles looms: shifting trade policies, crippling tariff hikes, and supply chain crises—especially for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)—are skyrocketing costs and jeopardizing access. Beyond relentless regulatory hurdles that delay approvals and inflate compliance costs, U.S. startups and established firms alike face soaring R&D expenses, high failure rates, and a looming innovation threat from proposed $100,000 H-1B visa fees that choke access to global talent.
To navigate this high-stakes landscape, Mizuho Americas analyst Greg Suvannavejh will reveal what’s sizzling and what’s fizzling in the healthcare sector he covers. Jim Bruno, a seasoned APIs consultant, will dissect supply chain chaos. And Adam Closson of Chemical Angels will spotlight startups poised to dominate with breakthrough technologies and unpack the daunting barriers they face.
Join us for a dynamic discussion on thriving in this turbulent industry. Whether you’re an investor, innovator, or industry leader, this event will equip you with critical insights.
Société President Marc Reisch will moderate the discussion.
Meet the Panelists:
James Bruno, Owner, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Solutions
Mr. Bruno started his profession career supporting manufacturing and process improvements while going to graduate school. He eventually moved over to formulation development where he supported a product line of clays and other thickening agents. He recognized that as he was completing his MS in chemistry from Saint Joseph’s University in 1978, he was doing more on the business side and went back and completed his MBA from Rider University in 1982.
His first position outside of the lab was working in business development for a European Contract Manufacturing Organization. After several years in the position, he had the opportunity to work for a French CMO and start their US business. He continued working for twenty years at various CMOs including at Honeywell where he was Global Business Manager of the firm’s fine chemical and pharmaceutical business.
In 2002, he started Chemical and Pharmaceutical Solutions, Inc which focuses primarily on working with small pharmaceutical companies to develop both their APIs and their dosages. He supports their chemical development as well as their regulatory requirements.
Adam Closson, Director, Chemical Angels, Inc.
Dr. Adam Closson holds a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of California, San Diego. After spending nearly two decades in the Fragrance Synthesis group of International Flavors and Fragrances, he now acts as a Director and Life Sciences Lead of the Chemical Angel Network.
The Chemical Angel Network is an angel investor group consisting mainly of chemists and chemical engineers who utilize their sector specific knowledge to make early-stage investments in fields involving materials science, medtech, and therapeutics. The group generally sees 250 pitching companies per year with a roughly even breakdown between materials science and life science.
Graig C. Suvannavejh, Managing Director, Equity Research for Biopharmaceuticals & Biotechnology, Mizuho Securities
Graig joined Mizuho in January 2022 as a senior analyst based in New York, covering the biopharmaceuticals and biotechnology sector. He came from Goldman Sachs, where he built out and led the European biotechnology research franchise, and was a key player in the firm’s US biopharmaceuticals research efforts. Graig has had equity research roles at bulge bracket and boutique investment banks, including also Jefferies, JP Morgan, and UBS, and he holds a B.S. in Biology and an M.S. in Physiology (both from Georgetown University), and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience (from Northwestern University).
Graig brings a unique perspective to his research product. In addition to his PhD background in Neuroscience, Graig brings 25 years of experience in the biotech and pharmaceuticals sector, including 21 years on Wall Street and four years also in industry, with operational roles in business development and corporate strategy at Biogen and AbbVie. He began his career in investment banking before transitioning to equity research, where he has covered large cap pharma, generic and specialty pharma, and biotech (where he has spent the majority of his time), including covering both US and European biotech.
Given his long career, Graig is known for his breadth and depth of knowledge of many therapeutic categories, and his research product is known to be thoughtful, and differentiated – not only in terms of style, but more importantly, in terms of the content (both on the details and the bigger picture perspective).
Agenda:
12:00 PM - Lunch & Networking
12:45 PM - Annual Elections & Annual Report of the Officers
1:15 - 2:15 PM - Panel Presentation (available virtually)
Registration Info
Registration is required
Payment In Full In Advance Only
Number of People Who Will Attend
Search for your information - enter the following
Invalid Quantity
Register Now