BIOPHARMA BOSTON
THE FUTURE OF ALLIANCES STARTS HERE
November 9-11, 2026
Register Now
Early Bird Discount Ends September 25
November 9-11, 2026
Register Now
Early Bird Discount Ends September 25
ASAP BioPharma Boston
The Future of Alliances Starts Here
Boston, Massachusetts Menu
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
Ed Cox, Head of Forward Deployed Technology & Digital Health, Pfizer
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
Andre Heeg, MD, Founder, The Upward ARC
Dana Hughes, Partner, KPMG
Alasdair Milton, PhD, Partner & Principal, KPMG
Roel van den Akker, Deals Partner, Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences, PwC
Who's Attending
Join alliance and partnership leaders from more than 120 organizations across pharma, biotech, academia, and consulting.
- AbbVie
- AbCellera
- Absci
- ADARx
- Ailux
- allianceboard
- Allorion Therapeutics
- Alloy Therapeutics
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals
- Alzheimer's Research UK UCL Drug Discovery Institute
- Amgen
- Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals
- Astellas
- AstraZeneca
- Beam Therapeutics
- BeOne Medicines
- Biogen
- BioNTech
- Boehringer Ingelheim
- Boston Children's Hospital
- Boston Consulting Group
- BridgeBio
- Bristol Myers Squibb
- C4 Therapeutics
- Carberry Consulting
- CAS
- Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A.
- Daiichi Sankyo
- DNDi
- Douglas Pharmaceuticals
- Dyno Therapeutics
- Eisai
- Electrome
- Eli Lilly and Company
- EMD Serono
- Everest Medicines
- Evopoint Biosciences
- Flagship Pioneering
- Foresight Diagnostics
- Genevant Sciences
- Genmab
- Gilead Sciences
- GondolaBio
- GSK
- Guardant Health
- Harvard University
- Houston Methodist Hospital
- Illumina
- IMMvention Therapeutix
- Incyte
- Inpart
- Integrated Project Management (IPM)
- Intercellular
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals
- Isomorphic Labs
- Jazz Pharmaceuticals
- Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine
- Kailera Therapeutics
- KDodd Consulting
- KPMG
- Kyorin Pharmaceutical
- Kyowa Kirin
- LifeArc
- Lundbeck
- Lygature
- mAbxience
- Mass General Brigham
- Merck
- Merck Sharp and Dohme (MSD)
- Moderna
- n-Lorem Foundation
- Nabla Bio
- Nationwide Children's Hospital
- Novartis
- Novo
- NS Pharma
- Nurix Therapeutics
- Nutriquest
- Ono Pharmaceutical
- Oxford University
- Pfizer
- Pierre Fabre
- Pillar Biosciences
- PPAM Solutions
- Precede BioSciences
- Psivant Therapeutics
- PwC
- Quotient Therapeutics
- SanegeneBio
- Sanofi
- Schrödinger
- Servier
- Shionogi
- Simcere Pharmaceutical
- Soufflé Therapeutics
- Stanford University
- Stealth Biotech
- Sumitomo
- Supernus
- Symbix Consulting
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals
- Teva Pharmaceuticals
- TFC BioSciences
- The Rhythm of Business
- Thea Open Innovation
- Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College
- University College London
- University of Cambridge
- University of Illinois - Chicago
- University of Michigan
- Upsher-Smith Laboratories
- Valo Health
- Vantage Partners
- Voyager Therapeutics
- Wave Life Sciences
- X-Chem
- Xencor
- Xtalpi
- Zealand Pharma
Program
Sessions and times are subject to change
| 1:00-5:00 | Board of Directors Meeting (Invite only) |
| 6:00-8:00 | Board of Directors Dinner (Invite only) |
| 8:00-2:30 |
Alliance Essential Course (separate registration and fee required) |
| 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) Tracy Blois, PhD, Amgen, Vickie Dalton, PsyD, Clinical Psychologist, Katherine Kendrick, CSAP, CA-AM, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Nick Palmer, Oaklin & David Thompson, CSAP, CA-AM, BeOne |
| 8:30-11:30 | ASAP Advisory Council Meeting (w/ the Board of Directors) (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) |
DAY 1: ALLIANCE LEADERSHIP IN A CHANGING WORLD |
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| 3:00-3:15 |
BioPharma Boston Kick-Off, Nicole Boston, CAE, CA-AM, ASAP; Katherine Kendrick, CSAP, CA-AM, Jazz Pharmaceuticals; Arne Wörn, Novartis |
| 3:15-3:45 |
Extreme Negotiations Aram Donigian, Tuck Business Bridge Program at Dartmouth |
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3:45-4:15 |
The New Geography of BioPharma Innovation: China and the Changing Deal Landscape Roel van den Akker, PwC The geography of biopharma innovation is being redrawn. China’s biotech ecosystem has rapidly evolved into a major source of globally competitive science and innovative assets, increasing cross-border licensing, investment, and partnership activity. For global biopharma companies, this evolution creates both significant opportunity and new complexity. Deal structures are changing, competition for assets is increasing, and regulatory, geopolitical, valuation, and execution considerations are becoming more important. Drawing on PwC’s perspective across the global biopharma deal environment, Roel van den Akker will examine the forces driving China’s emergence as a global innovation hub and what they mean for the next generation of cross-border partnerships. The session will explore what alliance and business leaders should understand, and the capabilities they will need to build, when evaluating opportunities, structuring partnerships, managing risk, and preparing for the next phase of global biopharma collaboration. |
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4:30-5:15 |
Leading Alliances in the Age of AI, Brooke Paige, CSAP, CA-AM, Novartis, Tracy Blois, PhD, Amgen, Crystal Dillon, Eli Lilly, CA-AM , Fern McSorley, PhD, Isomorphic Labs & Petra Sansom, PhD, Beam Therapeutics |
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5:15-5:45 |
The External Forces No Alliance Can Ignore: How Policy, Pricing, & Geopolitics Are Reshaping Partnerships, Mark Bolton, Jazz Pharmaceuticals |
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5:45-6:00 |
Presentation of the Alliance Excellence Awards, Katherine Kendrick, CSAP, CA-AM, Jazz Pharmaceuticals & Nicole Boston, CAE, CA-AM, The ASAP Alliance Excellence Awards recognize outstanding achievement, leadership, and contributions within the alliance management community. These prestigious awards celebrate individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the profession and creating meaningful impact through strategic partnerships. Award Categories:
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| 6:00-8:00 | Welcome and Awardee Celebration Reception (all invited) Sponsored by Jazz Pharmaceuticals |
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| 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. |
| 7:00-8:00 |
Networking Breakfast
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| 7:00-8:00 |
CSAP Breakfast (invite only)
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DAY 2: AI, DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION, AND NEW INNOVATION MODELS
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| 8:00-8:10 |
Welcome Back, Katherine Kendrick, CSAP, CA-AM & Arne Wőrn, PhD
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| 8:10-8:55 |
The Clinic as Catalyst: Rethinking Partnership Across the Innovation Lifecycle Chris Coburn, Mass General Brigham & Kevin Little, PhD, CSAP, CA-AM, Novo The next generation of healthcare innovation will not be created or delivered by any one organization alone. As the boundaries between academia, healthcare, biotechnology, technology, investment, and industry continue to blur, the traditional partnership playbook must evolve. If the way innovation is discovered, developed, and delivered has changed, why should we expect yesterday’s partnership models to get us there? In this fireside conversation, Chris Coburn of Mass General Brigham joins Kevin Little of Novo Nordisk to examine the partnership imperative from both sides of the innovation equation: those creating and commercializing clinical breakthroughs, and biopharma organizations seeking to bring them to scale. They will explore how collaboration models are being challenged, how organizations move innovation across institutional boundaries, and what distinguishes partnerships capable of turning great science into meaningful healthcare systems outcomes. |
| 8:55-9:25 |
The Science Behind Successful AI and Biopharma Alliances: Lessons from the Front Lines
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
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| 9:25-9:55 |
Networking Break |
| 9:55-10:40 |
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 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.
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10:40-11:25 |
Alasdair Milton, PhD, KPMG & Dana Hughes, KPMG |
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11:35-12:15 |
BREAKOUTS |
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Track 1 AI, Digital Innovation & the Future of Alliance Management |
Building AI-Ready Alliances: “Before the Bots” Essential Steps for Success. , Jennifer Christian, AbbVie & Melanie Patterson, PhD, AbbVie Many alliance management teams rush to adopt AI solutions without first establishing a solid foundation. This session outlines the critical steps to prepare for AI integration: organizing data into reliable "sources of truth," standardizing terminology across stakeholders, and collaborating with IT to address pain points. Attendees will learn to evaluate current data landscapes and develop capabilities that enhance the clarity, reliability, and scalability of AI insights. Rather than viewing AI as a shortcut, this talk provides a practical roadmap for creating the necessary structure, discipline, and shared language to maximize AI's value in alliance management. The session will feature examples of AI tools co-developed by AbbVie Global Alliances and Business Technology Solutions. |
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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 |
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Track 3 Complex Partnerships, Governance & Cross Sector Collaborations |
Novel Governance Models for Scaling AI-Enabled Multi-Partner Ecosystems , Swati Prasad, PhD, CSAP, CA-AM, Alloy Therapeutics AI-enabled collaborations are reshaping the biopharma partnership landscape, demanding governance models that extend beyond traditional bilateral structures. Many current models are optimized for bilateral partnerships, creating operational friction in dynamic, multi-stakeholder ecosystems involving technology, analytics, infrastructure, and research partners. This session explores practical lessons from scaling complex, multi-party alliances, addressing governance overload, IP ambiguity, partner engagement challenges, AI-enabled health metrics, and data-sharing complexity. Through case studies and interactive exercises, attendees will learn how novel modular governance structures and scalable decision frameworks can enhance alignment and collaboration outcomes. Participants will leave with tools to assess alliance scaling risks and redesign governance for adaptive AI-enabled partnerships. This session moves beyond conceptual frameworks to explore the real-world implementation challenges of AI-enabled alliances |
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Track 4 Global Collaboration, Discovery Partnerships & Academia |
Overcoming Challenges and Building High-Impact Academic Alliances, Fabienne Furt, PhD, CA-AM, Boston Childen's Hospital, 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. |
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12:15-1:30 |
Lunch |
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12:15-1:30 |
Academic Alliances Peer Group Lunch |
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1:30-1:35 |
Welcome Back, Katherine Kendrick, CSAP, CA-AM & Arne Wőrn, PhD |
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1:35-2:05 |
Academic Innovation Partnerships: Turning Discovery Into Impact, 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. |
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2:05-2:50 |
Challenges and Opportunities Facing Academic Alliances (panel discussion) |
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2:50-3:20 |
Networking Break & Puppy Playground (yes, puppies!) |
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3:20-4:00 |
BREAKOUTS |
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Track 1 AI, Digital Innovation & the Future of Alliance Management |
Integrating AI into Alliance Management: Enhancing Tools and Practices, Stefan Walke, PhD, CA-AM, Boehringer Ingelheim As AI becomes a vital component of alliance management, its application extends beyond ad-hoc experimentation. This session explores practical experiences in using AI across recurring alliance management activities, such as contract analysis, governance preparation, structured communication, and discussion synthesis. AI acts as a sparring partner or "second reader," enhancing clarity, consistency, and efficiency while maintaining human accountability. Demonstrations will show how AI reduces routine effort, supports stakeholder preparation, and facilitates access to alliance management knowledge. The session also examines AI's role in coaching alliance managers to refine discussion structures, challenge assumptions, and prepare for governance interactions. Attendees will learn to recognize where AI can support core activities, leverage AI to challenge assumptions, and strengthen key behaviors like clear communication and structured thinking. Overall, the session highlights embedding AI in daily alliance management to improve quality and execution. |
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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. |
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Track 3 Complex Partnerships, Governance & Cross Sector Collaborations |
The Next Frontier for Alliance Management: Maximizing the Value of Strategic Partners, Gregg Jewett, Genmab & Adam Kornetsky, Vantage Partners
Biopharma companies increasingly depend on external organizations that operate as strategic partners, even when contractually classified as vendors. CROs, CDx providers, CMOs, digital and AI companies, patient organizations, commercial distributors, and other specialized providers may control critical capabilities, data, infrastructure, or access. This session will briefly introduce the alliance models supported by Genmab’s Global Alliance Management organization, including product, discovery and technology, revenue-driving, and strategic vendor partnerships. Using real-world examples, the presenters will explore how Genmab has extended alliance-management practices to this emerging fourth category, including how to recognize when a vendor has become strategic, establish fit-for-purpose governance, clarify decision rights and escalation paths, and create shared accountability for outcomes
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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 The Alzheimer's Research UK Drug Discovery Alliance exemplifies how cutting-edge academic drug discoveries can be transformed into impactful drug discovery projects applying industry process to accelerate promising discoveries towards patient solutions. Operating in academia with an industry mindset in structured collaboration frameworks with partners including academics, non-profits, funding bodies, service providers, healthcare sectors, and industry involves significant alliance capability. This session will discuss how alliance leadership facilitates complex cross-sector programs and accelerates research outcomes. Participants will learn to apply broad alliance management practices to turn opportunities into outcomes, understand the value of an outward mindset in cross-sector collaborations, and see how a unified vision and working model within alliances optimizes ways of working. |
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4:10-4:50 |
BREAKOUTS |
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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
Jazz Alliance Management and Digital Enterprise Capabilities have developed an AI tool, Maestro, launched in early 2026 to enhance transparency, insight, and coordination across complex collaborations and the entire alliance portfolio. This session will highlight the development planning and rationale for creating an internal tool, showcasing how Maestro proactively identifies risks, tracks value drivers, and accelerates alliance managers' research and analysis to support daily workflows. We will discuss coordination with corporate AI strategy and oversight councils to ensure compliance and security alignment. Lessons learned from implementation, including change management, data harmonization, and stakeholder adoption, will be shared, along with insights on scaling digital innovation in a live portfolio. Participants will gain a tangible framework for collaborating with internal stakeholders to leverage AI and elevate alliance performance. Attendees will learn about alliance management collaboration with internal technology teams, implementation lessons, and information security and compliance considerations
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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 Most 50:50 alliances are built on the premise of shared power, yet many still struggle with stalled decisions, recurring conflict, and misalignment. Why? Because governance does not lead alliances-people do. In partnerships where neither company has the authority to dictate outcomes, success depends on leaders who can influence without control, align without hierarchy, and maintain trust when interests diverge. At the center of this challenge is a relationship that often determines alliance success: the partnership between Governance Co-Chairs and the Alliance Manager.||This session challenges the notion that Alliance Managers are merely facilitators. Drawing on real-world biopharmaceutical case studies, we will explore how Alliance Managers act as architects of alliance leadership-shaping co-chair effectiveness, fostering trust, and creating the conditions for collaborative decision-making. Participants will leave with practical lessons, a leadership framework, and actionable tools to strengthen governance effectiveness when no one is in charge and influence is everything. |
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Track 3 Complex Partnerships, Governance & Cross Sector Collaborations |
From Silos to Synergy: Effective Governance for siRNA Innovation , Amy Arthur, PhD, ADARx & Allison Hoch, PhD, AbbVie Abbvie The collaboration between AbbVie and ADARx combines AbbVie's expertise in biotherapeutic development and commercialization with ADARx's proprietary RNA platform to advance next-generation siRNA therapeutics across neuroscience, immunology, and oncology. This session explores governance models designed to manage a multi-therapeutic-area collaboration while maintaining focused, efficient decision-making. Speakers will discuss how governance forums are structured to remain lean and aligned with the most advanced asset or critical program inflection point, allowing later-stage program learnings to inform best practices for earlier-stage assets. Participants will learn practical approaches for steering complex collaborations, balancing strategic oversight with operational agility, and fostering cross-functional alignment. The session will also cover strategies for managing risk and accelerating the delivery of innovative siRNA therapies within a highly integrated partnership environment. Attendees will gain insights into governance practices that balance rigor with agility, enabling productive peer-to-peer relationships among subject matter experts while maintaining strategic alignment and accountability to shared partnership objectives. |
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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 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 |
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5:00-5:40 |
BREAKOUTS |
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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.
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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. |
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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 |
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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 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. |
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5:40-8:30 |
Free time to enjoy partner and team dinners in the city |
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8:30-10:00 |
After Glow Reception (all invited) Sponsored by Vantage Partners |
| 6:15 - 7:15 | 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 |
| 7:00-8:30 | Breakfast |
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DAY 3: THE FUTURE OF PARTNERSHIPS |
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8:30-8:40 |
WELCOME BACK Katherine Kendrick, CSAP, CA-AM & Arne Wőrn, PhD |
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8:40-9:40 |
Alliance Discussion Groups Alliance Discussion Groups offer a chance to connect with fellow alliance professionals around topics that matter most to you. Choose from multiple facilitator-led discussions, share experiences and perspectives with peers, and after 30 minutes, decide whether to move to a new topic or stay and continue the conversation.
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9:40-10:10 |
Ed Cox, Pfizer |
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10:10-10:40 |
Networking Break |
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10:40-11:20 |
BREAKOUTS |
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Track 1 AI, Digital Innovation & the Future of Alliance Management |
AI + EQ: The Human Edge in an AI-Driven Alliance World, Matt Brosnan, CA-AM Takeda & Rita Galhano, PhD, CA-AM, EMD Serono
As AI transforms alliance management, the most effective alliance professionals will be those who know when to leverage AI—and when to lead with human judgment. This interactive session explores how Alliance Managers can use AI-enabled tools to streamline routine work, generate insights, and improve decision support while focusing their time on the uniquely human skills that drive successful partnerships. Through practical examples and facilitated discussion, attendees will examine how emotional intelligence, trust-building, stakeholder influence, and strategic decision-making remain essential in navigating complex collaborations. Participants will leave with a practical framework for balancing AI "autopilot" with human "mission control," enabling them to increase efficiency, strengthen partner relationships, and create greater strategic value in an increasingly AI-driven alliance landscape. |
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Track 2 Alliance Leadership & Value Creation |
Navigating Role Clarity and Accountability in Strategic Alliances, Anna Skabeev, MD, CA-AM, Teva Pharmaceuticals In complex strategic alliances, clearly defined roles and responsibilities are essential but not always sufficient. When one partner perceives underperformance, it can trigger disruptive behavior, such as encroachment into the other party's scope. These actions, often driven by urgency, can erode trust, create duplication, and weaken the alliance. This session explores the challenges of maintaining role clarity while enabling agility. Drawing on practical experience in alliance management and cross-company collaboration, we examine how organizations can balance accountability and partnership. Participants will learn to identify early signals of role breakdown, understand risks of scope encroachment, apply governance tools effectively, implement collaboration models, and foster trust and transparency in high-pressure situations |
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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 |
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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, Jason Powell, 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. |
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11:30-12:10 |
BREAKOUTS |
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Track 1 The Future of AI & Alliance Intelligence |
AI and Alliance Management: Enhancing Partnership Leadership Without Losing Critical Thinking, Adam Kornetsky, Vantage Partners & Ben Siddall, Vantage Partners |
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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 |
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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 |
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Track 4 The Future of Alliance Leadership |
The Evolving Role of Alliance Management in Biopharma , Aura Fratian, Xencor, Samuel Gosselin, CA-AM, SangeneBio, & Pamela Rodriguez, PhD, Bristol Myers Squibb
Ask any alliance leader what keeps them up at night, and while deal terms may come up, it's often the hallway conversation, someone still asking what alliance management actually does. This session is three unscripted stories about why that question persists and what it costs. A governance committee that broke, and the fallout when the function's value wasn't understood at the table. A function built from ad-hoc coverage into a well-defined strategic hub, and what that took. A portfolio stretched across early-stage research to commercial launch at once, and the constant mode-shifting it demanded. Together, they show what strategic alliance leadership looks like when it works, and what's lost when it's misread or under-resourced. Come curious: this isn't your usual panel, and the takeaways are real. |
| 12:20-12:50 | Reflections and Predictions, Chris Black, Merck |
| 12:50-1:00 | Closing & Invite to 2027 BioPharma Boston, Tracy Blois, PhD, Nicole Boston, CAE, CA-AM, Katherine Kendrick, CSAP, CA-AM, Petra Sansom, PhD & Arne Wőrn, PhD |
| 1:00 | 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
Member Rate - $2,159
“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."
Sponsors
We’re grateful to our sponsors whose support makes this event possible and strengthens the entire ASAP community. Their partnership enables us to deliver meaningful programs and experiences throughout the year. Interested in becoming an ASAP sponsor? Visit our sponsorship page to learn more and connect with us.
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