BIOPHARMA BOSTON

THE FUTURE OF ALLIANCES STARTS HERE
November 9-11, 2026
Register Now
Early Bird Discount Ends September 25

Early bird discount ends 9/25

ASAP Biopharma Boston

The Future of Alliances Starts Here

November 9–11, 2026

Renaissance Boston Seaport · Boston, MA

Boston, Massachusetts

4Tracks

300+Attendees

70+Speakers

The future of biopharma alliances in an AI-driven, high-complexity world

What to expect

Three days built by practitioners, for practitioners. Every session is chosen for its real-world relevance, which means you'll leave with strategies, frameworks, and connections you can actually use.

Sessions that reflect the work you do

The 2026 program covers what's actually changing the job: AI moving from experiment to daily toolkit, governance models stretching to handle three, four, or more partners at once, and alliance leaders being asked to own value realization, not just process. No product pitches. No purely theoretical topics. Just the real work our community comes for.

What you'll walk away with

Actionable strategies from 50+ alliance leaders and practitioners
High-value connections with peers from pharma, biotech, and beyond
12 professional development hours toward CA-AM or CSAP certification renewal

“Networking with peers who truly understand the art and science of alliances was game-changing. I connected with leaders across industries whose insights have reshaped how our teams think about collaboration and value creation.” ~ Kristin Rosner, PhD, CSAP, CA-AM, Senior Director, Global R&D Alliance Management, Takeda

Featured speakers

Katherine Kendrick, CSAP, CA-AM, Executive Director, Head of Alliance Management, Jazz Pharmaceuticals

Arne Wörn, PhD, Global Head of Alliance Management, Novartis

Vivian Berlin, PhD, Executive Director, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University

Chris Coburn, Chief Innovation Officer, Mass General Brigham

Aram Donigian, Clinical Professor of Business Administration, Faculty Director, Tuck Business Bridge Program, Dartmouth

Aleksey Gerasyuto, PhD, Senior Vice President, Discovery & Preclinical Development Sciences, Schrödinger

Program

Sessions and times are subject to change

Sunday, November 8, 2026

1:00-5:00	Board of Directors Meeting (Invite only)
6:00-8:00	Board of Directors Dinner (Invite only)

Monday, November 9, 2026

8:00-2:30	Alliance Essential Course (separate registration and fee required) Lynda McDermott, CA-AM, Equipro International
8:00-2:30	Applied Alliance Management Course formerly called the CA-AM Exam Prep (separate registration and fee required) Swati Prasad, PhD, CSAP CA-AM, Alloy Therapeutics
8:00-2:30	Alliance Strategy & Leadership Course (separate registration and fee required) Ann Trampas, CSAP, CA-AM, University of Illinois at Chicago
8:00-2:30	Mastering Alliance Management: Driving Clarity, Value, and Influence in Alliance Leadership Course (separate registration and fee required) Vickie Dalton, PsyD & Nick Palmer
8:30-12:30	ASAP Advisory Council Meeting (w/ the Board of Directors) & Luncheon (Invite only)
12:00-2:00	Boston Dine-Arounds Kick off your BioPharma Boston experience with a casual lunch alongside a small group of fellow attendees. These intimate dine-arounds are a great way to connect and network before the conference begins. An additional fee applies. Sign up under Networking Add-Ons in the conference registration.
11:30-2:30	Executive Leadership Luncheon & Forum (Invite only) Andre Heeg, MD, Upward ARC
	DAY 1: ALLIANCE LEADERSHIP IN A CHANGING WORLD
3:00-3:15	BioPharma Boston Kick-Off, Nicole Boston, CAE, CA-AM, ASAP; Katherine Kendrick, CSAP, CA-AM, Jazz Pharmaceuticals; Arne Worn, Novartis
3:15-3:45	Extreme Negotiations Aram Donigian, Tuck Business Bridge Program at Dartmouth What do high-stakes negotiations in military operations have in common with the complex negotiations that shape today's business partnerships? More than most people realize. Drawing on his experience negotiating with tribal leaders, local officials, and assorted international partners while serving in the U.S. military, Aram Donigian explores the principles that determine success when the stakes are high, trust is fragile, and relationships must endure despite competing interests. In this keynote, Aram shares powerful stories from the field and translates them into practical lessons for leaders navigating strategic partnerships, cross-functional decision making, commercial negotiations, and organizational change. Participants will gain fresh perspectives on building trust under pressure, understanding interests beyond positions, using creativity to manage uncertainty, and creating influence without authority. Whether leading a critical alliance or negotiating a complex agreement, learn to succeed in the most challenging negotiation environments—where relationships matter as much as results.
3:45-4:15	New Global Innovation Ecosystems: China TBD
4:30-5:15	Leading Alliances in the Age of AI, Brooke Paige, CSAP, CA-AM, Novartis (invited), Crystal Dillon, Eli Lilly, CA-AM (invited), & Fern McSorley, PhD, Isomorphic Labs (invited)
5:15-5:45	The External Forces No Alliance Can Ignore: How Policy, Pricing, & Geopolitics Are Reshaping Partnerships, Mark Bolton, Jazz Pharmaceuticals
5:45-6:00	Alliance Excellence Awards, Katherine Kendrick, CSAP, CA-AM, Jazz Pharmaceuticals & Nicole Boston, CAE, CA-AM, ASAP
6:00-8:00	Welcome and Awardee Celebration Reception (all invited)

Tuesday, November 10, 2026

6:00 - 7:00	Brooke's Boston Stroll (Run/Walk) - Free Activity Lace up and explore Boston's rich history on foot with Brooke Paige and fellow attendees-whether you run, jog or walk, it's a perfect way to connect and energize.
6:45-7:45	CSAP Breakfast (invite only)
	DAY 2: AI, DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION, AND NEW INNOVATION MODELS
8:00-8:10	Welcome Back, Katherine Kendrick & Arne Worn
8:10-8:40	From Discovery to Delivery: Building the Partnerships That Advance Innovation, Chris Coburn, Mass General Brigham
8:40-9:10	The Science Behind Successful AI/Biopharma Alliances: Lessons from the Frontlines Aleksey Gerasyuto, PhD, Schrödinger While traditional biopharma alliances often center on specific therapeutic assets, the rapid evolution of computational and AI-driven drug discovery has introduced a fundamentally new partnering paradigm. These alliances require a distinct approach, capitalizing on the synergistic strengths of each partner by combining the deep integration of proprietary technology with close, cross-functional team collaboration. Drawing on Schrödinger’s extensive history of successful, large-scale collaborations with leading global pharma and biotech companies, this presentation will explore the unique anatomy of these partnerships. Aleksey will unpack the specific opportunities and challenges these collaborations present. Through real-world case studies, the presentation will highlight key learnings, common hurdles, and proven best practices for fostering AI-driven collaborative innovation
9:10-9:40	TBD
9:40- 10:10	Break
10:10-10:55	Building Successful AI-Enabled Discovery Alliances, Moderated by Kristin Rosner, PhD, CSAP, CA-AM, Takeda; Frances Anastassacos, PhD, Nabla Bio, Karen Berna, CSAP, CA-AM, Jazz Pharmaceuticals Echoe Bouta, PhD, Takeda, Kris Deibler, PhD, Novo Nordisk Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are reshaping drug discovery, accelerating innovation while introducing new partnership complexities. From business development negotiations through alliance execution, organizations must navigate evolving challenges around intellectual property, data governance, proprietary algorithms, and cross-functional collaboration. Success depends on balancing innovation with appropriate protections while aligning scientific, technology, and alliance management teams around shared objectives. In this interactive panel discussion, experienced pharmaceutical and biotechnology leaders will share practical strategies for structuring, launching, and managing AI-enabled discovery collaborations. Attendees will gain real-world insights into negotiating agreements, fostering trust and transparency, protecting valuable assets, and establishing governance practices that enable agile, productive partnerships capable of delivering long-term scientific and business value.
10:55-11:40	TBD
11:50-12:30	BREAKOUTS
Track 1 AI, Digital Innovation & the Future of Alliance Management	Before the Bots: Building The Foundation for AI-Enabled Alliance Success, Jennifer Christian, AbbVie & Melanie Patterson, PhD, AbbVie
Track 2 Alliance Leadership & Value Creation	Transitioning from Single Partnership to a Strategic Alliance Portfolio , Krista Durney, PhD, Valo Health & Nancy Griffin, EdD, CSAP, CA-AM, Valo Health How can a small company evolve from managing its first collaboration to orchestrating a strategic partnership portfolio? Valo Health leaders share their journey from a single 2023 partnership to managing multiple collaborations by the end of 2025. Discover essential strategies for shifting from transactional thinking to a portfolio-level partnership strategy, systematically developing alliance management capabilities in resource-constrained environments, and fostering a partnering mindset across the organization. Gain actionable insights on capability development and strategic prioritization, learn practical approaches to creating effective management reporting structures, and understand scalability in agile, resource-constrained organizations
Track 3 Complex Partnerships, Governance & Cross Sector Collaborations	Novel Governance Models for AI-Enabled Alliances: Scaling Beyond Bilateral Structures to Multi-Partner Complex Ecosystems, Swati Prasad, PhD, CSAP, CA-AM, Alloy Therapeutics
Track 4 Global Collaboration, Discovery Partnerships & Academia	Overcoming Challenges and Building High-Impact Academic Alliances , Kimberly Griffin, PhD, Stanford University, Sabrina Kamran, PhD, CA-AM, Boston Children's Hospital, Matthew Moscato, Nationwide Children's Hospital, & Seohee You, PhD, University of Michigan Managing alliances in academic settings presents unique challenges due to complex organizational structures. While some institutions have dedicated alliance managers, many professionals juggle multiple roles, such as technology transfer and program management, leading to misalignment and slower execution. Academic institutions consist of various departments and labs, resulting in distributed decision-making and diverse incentives. This panel session offers practical approaches to building successful, high-impact alliances with academic partners by understanding their organizational structures and strategic priorities. Participants will learn to manage expectations, identify suitable partners, and align academic priorities like publications and funding with industry objectives. Building relationships beyond the scientific team, including tech transfer and department leadership, is crucial for maintaining successful alliances. Attendees will gain insights into managing data-sharing, IP complexity, and stakeholder coordination, ensuring alignment with industry partner objectives and fostering a collaborative environment.
12:30-1:30	Lunch
12:30-1:30	Academic Alliances Peer Group Lunch
1:30-1:35	Welcome Back
1:35-2:05	Academic Innovation Partnerships: Turning Discovery Into Impact, Vivian Berlin, PhD, Harvard University Scientific discovery is advancing at an unprecedented pace, fueled by breakthroughs in AI, data science, genomics and emerging technologies. Yet the greatest innovations will only reach patients through strong partnerships that connect academics, start-ups, healthcare systems, investors, and the biopharma industry. Drawing on Harvard Medical School’s experience at the forefront of technology transfer and innovation, the talk will cover how the biomedical innovation landscape is evolving and how cross-sector collaboration is becoming the foundation for translating scientific discovery.
2:05-2:35	TBD
2:35-3:05	Afternoon Puppy Break (yes, puppies!)
3:05-3:45	Breakouts
Track 1 AI, Digital Innovation & the Future of Alliance Management	What Changes When AI Enters the Alliance Managers Toolkit?, Stefan Walke, PhD, CA-AM, Boehringer Ingelheim
Track 2 Alliance Leadership & Value Creation	Alliance Leaders' Evolving Mandate: Owning Value Realization, Jan Twombly, CSAP, CA-AM, The Rhythm of Business Enterprising life science alliance leaders are expanding their roles beyond governance and stakeholder orchestration, recognizing that value does not materialize on its own. Proficient and purposeful execution is essential, and alliance leaders are now central to this process. This session demonstrates how the profession is embracing its value realization mandate across the entire product lifecycle. Drawing on over 20 years of data and experiences from complex biopharma partnerships, we provide specific examples of how alliance leaders engineer value realization using simple tools that expose misalignment and create opportunities for realignment. We illustrate how alliance leaders reduce risk through consistent operating discipline and mobilize the enterprise to perform in a partner-dependent model. Participants will leave with practical tools to strengthen execution and deliver the promised value of their alliances. Attendees will learn to engineer operating discipline that drives real value, use practical tools to spot misalignment early, and apply methods to engage the enterprise in a partner-dependent strategy and operating model.
Track 3 Complex Partnerships, Governance & Cross Sector Collaborations	Beyond the Contract: When Strategic Vendors Need Alliance Management, Gregg Jewett, Genmab
Track 4 Global Collaboration, Discovery Partnerships & Academia	Strategic use of Alliance Management Best Practice Across Sectors Steve Andrews, PhD, University of Cambridge, Fiona Ducotterd, PhD, CSAP, CA-AM ARUK Drug Discovery Institute, University College London, Fiona Jeganathan, PhD, ARUK Drug Discovery Institute, University College London & Emma Mead, PhD, Oxford University
3:55-4:35	BREAKOUTS
Track 1 AI, Digital Innovation & the Future of Alliance Management	Introducing MAESTRO: Building a Practical Digital Backbone for Modern Alliance Management, Karen Berna, CSAP, CA-AM, Jazz Pharmaceuticals
Track 2 Alliance Leadership & Value Creation	Who Leads When No One is in Charge? The Alliance Manager's Role in Shaping Leadership in 50:50 Collaborations, Andi Gardner, PharmD, CA-AM, Biogen & Jennifer Berg, Supernus Pharmaceuticals
Track 3 Complex Partnerships, Governance & Cross Sector Collaborations	From Silos to Synery: Making Complex Governance Work for siRNA Innovation, Amy Arthur, PhD, ADARx & Allison Hoch, PhD, Abbvie
Track 4 Global Collaboration, Discovery Partnerships & Academia	Designing an Ecosystem for Impact: The LifeArc-CF Trust Translational Innovation Hub, Thunicia Moodely, PhD, CA-AM, LifeArc & Rebecca Wilson, PhD, CA-AM, LifeArc This session explores how alliance management can accelerate impact in rare diseases by embedding cross-organizational teams within a purpose-built ecosystem. Using the LifeArc-Cystic Fibrosis Trust Translational Innovation Hub as a case study, we demonstrate how structured collaboration across multiple academic institutions aligns scientific leadership, optimizes limited research funding, and drives translation in areas of persistent unmet need. Participants will learn how charities and co-funders collaborate with academics to design effective academic ecosystems. The session will highlight how effective governance and clear processes facilitate operational excellence, enabling not only program delivery but also capability building. This approach develops the next generation of researchers while compounding scientific and translational outcomes across partners. Attendees will gain insights into optimizing research and fostering impactful collaborations
4:45-5:25	BREAKOUTS
Track 1 AI, Digital Innovation & the Future of Alliance Management	GA Catalyst AI: Reshaping the Alliance Leader's Role with AI, Ori Maller, PhD, Bristol Myers Squibb Imagine every Alliance Leader having a trusted AI colleague fluent in partnership best practices. At Bristol Myers Squibb, we developed GA Catalyst AI, an agentic AI designed to support alliance professionals across the partnership lifecycle, from governance design to risk mitigation and execution. Grounded in the BMS Global Alliances playbook, GA Catalyst AI delivers context-aware guidance that strengthens consistency, preserves institutional knowledge, and enables more informed strategic decisions. This work is part of BMS's broader enterprise AI transformation to advance new ways of working and support the company's next phase of growth—and what it means for the Alliance Leader's evolving role. Through real-world alliance scenarios, participants will see how GA Catalyst AI reinforces best practices and drives performance optimization.
Track 2 Alliance Leadership & Value Creation	Sustainable Alliance Management: People-First Leadership for Success, Niccolo Ciuffi, CA-AM, mAbxience Successful alliances rely on trust, engagement, and quality human interactions, not just strategy and governance. Sustainable Alliance Management emphasizes a people-first approach, recognizing communication, energy, and relationships as core drivers of long-term success. This session shares real-world experiences where the human dimension determined outcomes, such as transforming challenging partnerships and addressing burnout through shared ownership. Participants will learn to apply stakeholder psychology and people-first leadership to manage complex dynamics, adapt communication styles across organizational levels, and leverage strong relationships with Alliance Management counterparts. These strategies enhance team dynamics, prevent burnout, and drive sustainable business outcomes, ultimately benefiting individuals and organizations alike. Attendees will gain actionable tools to improve engagement, accelerate problem-solving, and create alliances that are sustainable for people and organizations.
Track 3 Complex Partnerships, Governance & Cross Sector Collaborations	Aligning Internally to Deliver Externally: The Alliance Behind the Alliance , Jessica Goodman, PhD, CSAP, CA-AM, Takeda, Andrew Ferguson, PhD, CA-AM, Takeda, Neha Garg, PhD, Derek Smith, Takeda, & Aaron Welch, Takeda As biopharma deals grow larger and more complex, the internal operating model behind each partnership increasingly determines its success. This panel introduces a two-function model at Takeda, emphasizing that the strength of an external alliance relies on the internal alliance supporting it. The R&D Asset Transition & Integration Office (RATIO) leads operational transitions, while Global Alliance Management (GAM) provides strategic oversight. Together, they present a unified face to partners. Panelists will discuss how this model works, the evolution of responsibilities, essential alignment points, and common challenges. Participants will learn to differentiate roles, map internal responsibilities, apply lessons to their organizations, and anticipate integration stumbling blocks
Track 4 Global Collaboration, Discovery Partnerships & Academia	One Partner, Multiple Interfaces: Delivering One Alliance Experience, Lauren Bautista, Bristol Myers Squibb & Melissa Nifenecker, Bristol Myers Squibb As biopharma partnerships expand across manufacturing and supply networks, the traditional single alliance leader model is no longer sufficient to deliver end-to-end value. This session introduces a practical dual-layer alliance management approach that integrates Global Alliance Management with Product Development & Supply (PDS) Alliance Management. Drawing on real-world lessons, speakers will demonstrate how clearly defined roles, governance, and decision rights align deal strategy with manufacturing and supply execution. Attendees will learn how to reduce organizational complexity, strengthen cross-functional collaboration, and create a seamless "one company" partner experience from negotiation through commercial supply.
5:25-5:55	Grab a Refreshment and Head to Dinner
8:30-10:00	After Glow Reception (all invited) Sponsored by Vantage Partners

Wednesday, November 11, 2026

6:30 - 7:30	Morning Yoga - Free Activity Rise and Renew with a calming morning yoga session led by Swati Prasad. Mats are provided-just bring your breath and start your day with intention. Space is limited to 20 participants. Sign up under Networking Add-Ons in the conference registration
7:30-8:30	Breakfast
8:30-8:40	WELCOME BACK DAY 3: THE FUTURE OF PARTNERSHIPS
8:40-9:40	Alliance Discussion Groups When the Ground Shifts: Alliances Through M&A & Organizational Change Celine Hechard, CSAP, CA-AM, Genmab & Wendy Pinchinson, Genmab Join this discussion group to explore the critical role of alliance managers during mergers and acquisitions. Share experiences and strategies for managing stakeholder uncertainty, aligning governance, integrating cultures, and maintaining partner trust through organizational transitions Elevating Alliance Leaders to Strategic Influencers Helena Cowley, CA-AM, Takeda Discuss the evolving role of alliance leaders as strategic influencers in biopharma R&D. Explore how leaders can integrate governance, contract intent, and partner relationships into a cohesive strategy that aligns with corporate goals. Alliance Leader as a Strategic Diplomat Yaminah Leggett-Wells, Amgen Focus on the diplomatic skills required for alliance leaders to navigate complex stakeholder landscapes. Share strategies for effective negotiation, conflict resolution, and maintaining alignment with corporate objectives. Harnessing AI for Smarter Partnering and Alliance Decisions Louis Rinfret, PhD, allianceboard Explore how AI can enhance decision-making across the alliance lifecycle. Participants will share insights on AI's role in strategic planning, risk assessment, and operational efficiency, focusing on practical applications and potential pitfalls. Cross-Sector Partnership Dynamics in Global Health Jon de Vlieger, Lygature Join a roundtable discussion on the dynamics of cross-sector partnerships in global health. Participants will share experiences in aligning diverse stakeholder interests and managing complex collaborations. Discuss best practices for governance, communication, and conflict resolution, and explore strategies for operationalizing initiatives to achieve shared goals in challenging environments Additional Topics Coming Soon
9:40-10:10	TBD
10:10-10:40	Break
10:40-11:20	BREAKOUTS
Track 1 AI, Digital Innovation & the Future of Alliance Management	AI + EQ: The Future of Alliance Management Requires Both, Rita Galhano, PhD, CA-AM, EMD Serono
Track 2 Alliance Leadership & Value Creation	When Boundaries Blur: Navigating Role Clarity and Shared Accountability in Strategic Alliances, Anna Skabeev, MD, CA-AM, Teva Pharmaceuticals
Track 3 Complex Partnerships, Governance & Cross Sector Collaborations	Building a Scalable Clinical Supply Agreement Process Amid Rapid Growth: Establishing an Industry Standard, Lillian Phan, CA-AM, BeOne Medicines & Jake White, CA-AM, BeOne Medicines BeOne shares its journey and tools developed to adapt to rapid growth in clinical supply agreements (CSAs). Starting with benchmarking best practices with four industry leaders, BeOne aims to save time and help patients access novel therapeutics faster. This session will discuss the challenges and successes of internal discussions, the live rollout process, and insights into the culture of these agreements. The team will share what they would do differently if they could do it over again. Participants will learn about the most common partner requests beyond contractual obligations and industry norms. Attendees will gain ready-to-use tools and templates, thought leadership on CSAs, and relatable examples to save time.
Track 4 Global Collaboration, Discovery Partnerships & Academia	Navigating Cross-Border Alliances in a Global Innovation Ecosystem, Moderated by: Jan Twombly, CSAP, CA-AM, The Rhythm of Business, Jacqueline Dim, PMP, CA-AM, Kailera Therapeutics, Sherket Peterson, PhD, & AbbVie, Ashley Snyder, PharmD, Everest Medicines This session provides a structured framework for evaluating and selecting strategic partners in emerging markets, balancing commercial opportunities, patient access, compliance, and operational risk. Learn to design governance models that transform distributor relationships into strategic alliances, enabling scalability and accountability. Identify indicators of partner success and failure, and implement performance management approaches for long-term value creation. Align cross-functional stakeholders around expansion decisions, incorporating commercial, medical, regulatory, quality, supply chain, finance, and legal perspectives. Translate market expansion strategies into sustainable execution plans that accelerate patient access while maintaining compliance and business continuity
11:30-12:10	BREAKOUTS
Track 1 The Future of AI & Alliance Intelligence	Session Information Coming Soon
Track 2 The Human Future of Alliances	The Wild Card: When One Person Knocks a Partnership Off Track, Katherine Ellison, CA-AM, Illumina, Maegan Harden, PhD, CA-AM, Illumina & Holly Lakin, CA-AM, Illumina
Track 3 The Future of Technology, Risk & Value	From Risk to Return: Maximizing IT Value for AM, Elnaz Atabakhsh PhD, AstraZeneca & Ajit Acharya, PhD, AstraZeneca
Track 4 The Future of Alliance Leadership	The Future of Alliance Leadership: Driving Strategic Value Across an Increasingly Complex Partnership Ecosystem, Aura Fratian, Xencor, Samuel Gosselin, CA-AM, SangeneBio, & Pamela Rodrigues, PhD, Bristol Myers Squibb
12:20-12:50	Prediction Panel, TBD
12:50-1:00	Closing & Invite to 2027 BioPharma Boston!
1:30	Boxed Lunch
2:00-4:30	Walk, Connect & Explore Boston Extend your BioPharma Boston experience with a relaxed, guided walking tour through historic streets, connecting with fellow ASAP attendees along the way. The tour concludes with a happy hour drink, a great way to unwind and enjoy the city before heading home. Minimum 6 participants; maximum 20. An additional fee applies. Sign up under Networking Add-Ons in the conference registration.

Registration

Conference Rate - $2,699 / $2,299 early rate ends 9/25

Member Rate - $2,159 / $1,839 early rate ends 9/25

“ASAP’s BioPharma Conference is unequivocally the most valuable event I attend each year. The rich content and community elevate my career and alliance capabilities."

Logistics

Venue & Room Block

Renaissance Boston Seaport District
606 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210
Reserve Now

ASAP has secured discounted room rate of $269+ per/night (until October 19, 2026 or when the block is full).

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"The ASAP BioPharma Conference is a transformative experience that brings together the brightest minds in the industry. The insights and connects are invaluable."

BIOPHARMA BOSTON

THE FUTURE OF ALLIANCES STARTS HERE
November 9-11, 2026
Register Now
Early Bird Discount Ends September 25

Early Bird Discount Ends September 25

ASAP Biopharma Boston

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