The healthcare investment landscape in 2024: What to expect
Eli Casdin sheds light on market volatility, regulatory dynamics, and investment strategies (920 words, 4.5 minutes)
At the recent 2024 Bloom Burton & Co. Healthcare Investor Conference in Toronto, Casdin Capital founder Eli Casdin (pictured below) presented a compelling case for the strategic value of biotech investments during economic downturns.
Casdin argued that unlike traditional industries reliant on quarterly results, early-stage biotech firms operate non-cyclically. This insulation from economic swings allows them to maintain value and thrive in volatile markets. This translates to a potential hedge against broader economic fluctuations for pharmaceutical professionals.
While acknowledging the headwinds of interest rate hikes, such as prolonged market volatility and reduced valuations, Casdin remained optimistic about the sector’s long-term prospects. He emphasized biotech’s ability to drive groundbreaking medical innovations that address unmet healthcare needs.
Casdin also underscored the importance of sustained research and development. He argued that ongoing investment in this area is crucial for unlocking a deeper understanding of human biology and diseases, ultimately leading to more affordable and accessible healthcare.
For investors, Casdin highlighted the strategic importance of identifying “consolidators” within the industry. These firms leverage existing infrastructure to boost profitability through strategic acquisitions, increasing their market presence. Standard BioTools was cited as a successful example of this strategy.
Bottom line: Casdin’s insights provide a strategic framework for pharmaceutical professionals to approach biotech investments. By focusing on innovation, resilience, and strategic acquisitions, investors can position themselves to maximize returns even in challenging economic climates.
THIS WEEK 04/30/24
ImmunityBio announced the U.S. FDA has approved N-803, or nogapendekin alfa inbakicept-pmln (Anktiva) plus Bacillus Calmette-Guérin, for the treatment of patients with BCG-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer with carcinoma in situ, with or without papillary tumours.
The European Commission granted conditional marketing authorization to CSL Vifor and Travere Therapeutics’ sparsentan (Filspari) for treating adults with primary IgAN nephropathy.
Health Canada issued marketing authorization to Roche’s atezolizumab for subcutaneous injection (Tecentriq) for specific indications in lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and breast cancer.
The U.S. FDA approved Day One Biopharmaceuticals’ to sorafenib (Ojemda) for treatment of relapsed or refractory pLGG harbouring a BRAF fusion or rearrangement, or BRAF V600 mutation, in patients six months of age and older.
LISTEN UP
S12 E03 Crossing Cultures Through Higher Education in the Life Sciences
In season 12 of the NPC Podcast, Raj Dam, Assistant Director of Partnerships and External Relations at the University of Toronto, gives insights into co-op programs at the University of Toronto’s Scarborough Campus, preparing students for the workplace and fostering partnerships with industry. Hear him in conversation with podcast hosts Mitch Shannon, Jim Shea and Mark McElwain.
HEALTHBIZ REWIND
This feature of NPC Healthbiz Weekly looks back at some of the most insightful moments from previous NPC Podcast episodes. In Healthbiz Rewind, you’ll read bold life sci predictions made during the renowned “Prognostication Korner” segment of the NPC Podcast.
Dimitris Polygenis,
President of Biopharma and Payer Solutions
McKesson Canada
Mississauga, Ont.
Season 11, episode 07
Listen to this episode here
What bold predictions will you make about the life sciences industry during the coming 12 to 24 months?
I would say we’re going to see more technology around drug innovation. I think drug manufacturers will become more technology companies, or at least the ones that will be the ones that embrace technology. I also think we’re going to see a focus on more real-world data and taking advantage of the increased connectivity we’re seeing. We’re going to see healthcare stakeholders having to work more closely together. And speaking on the supplier side, I think the companies that figure out AI and automation and adopt those technologies to reduce the costs required to get drugs into patients' hands faster will win. I know this is something McKesson is putting a lot of effort and focus on.
Register now for the NPC Spring Webinar on Pharmacare
🔔 Upcoming Webinar: National Pharmaceutical Congress Spring Webinar on Pharmacare – May 29 🔔
Topic: Unpacking Bill C-64: Myths, Realities, and the Future of Canadian Pharmacare
As Canada buzzes with discussions on the proposed national #Pharmacare program, join us for a crucial session to demystify the complexities surrounding Bill C-64. This is your chance to dive deep into the key issues at the heart of this national debate.
What to Expect:
- Expert Panel Discussion: Hear from leading experts who will explore the pressing concerns related to drug shortages, the impact on workplace benefits, and the pharmaceutical industry: Dr. Mihai (Mike) Csaki of Council for Continuing Pharmaceutical Education; patient advocate Zal Press; and the consultant and board member Pamela Fralick, former president of Innovative Medicines Canada - Médicaments novateurs Canada.
- Fact vs. Fiction: Gain clarity on the myths and realities of how a national pharmacare program could reshape healthcare in Canada.
- Comparative Insights: Learn from existing universal drug plans to understand the potential outcomes of the proposed policy.
- Interactive Q&A Session: Our panellists will answer your questions in real time. This is your chance to voice your concerns and get direct feedback from healthcare leaders. Moderators are Mitchell Shannon of Chronicle Companies and Ben Parry of The Pangaea Group. The event and background research is organized by the NPC Institute.
📅 Date: May 29, 2024
🕒 Time: 11:00 a.m. EDT
📍 Location: Online – Join from anywhere!
This free webinar is a must-attend for healthcare life sciences managers and executives, policymakers, industry experts, and anyone interested in the future of healthcare in Canada. Whether you support the bill, oppose it, or seek more information, this event will provide valuable insights into one of the most significant healthcare reforms under consideration.
✅ Register now to secure your spot at http://tiny.cc/NPC24b
👥 Please share this event with colleagues and anyone who might benefit from this critical discussion.
Life Sciences Ontario: 2024 Annual Awards
Join LSO for a night of celebration of the #lifesciences sector and individuals and companies that have made outstanding contributions — Bill Mantel of Centre for the Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine (CCRM); Dr. Benjamin Rovinski of Lumira Ventures; Dr. Christine Allen of Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto; Dr. Durhane Wong-Rieger of Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders; and Satellos Biosciences Inc.
Date: Wednesday, May 15th, 2024
Venue: Liberty Grand, Exhibition Place - 25 British Columbia RoadMay 15o
May 15ception - 5:30 p.m. / Dinner: 6:30 p.m.
Grab your tickets now here.
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