2025 CABS Investor forum recap

Date: January 15, 2025 @ 12:00 am – February 15, 2025
Location:

CABS Launches 2025 with Investor Forum and Roadshow in San Francisco

The Chinese American Biopharmaceutical Society (CABS) kicked off 2025 on January 15 with its Investor Forum, held at Morrison & Foerster’s San Francisco offices during JP Morgan Week. Morrison & Foerster, a CABS sponsor for over a decade, partnered once again to host the event.

Investor Forum Highlights

CABS President Kay Tong led the forum, highlighting 2024 achievements such as the successful Bio Pacific Conference and various workshops. CABS continues to support career development through mentorship programs with Fortune 500 executives and hosts social events like Chinese New Year celebrations.

Brigid Bondoc of Morrison & Foerster addressed the potential impact of the incoming administration on the life sciences sector, focusing on nominees like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Oz. Concerns were raised about possible FDA and CDC staffing cuts and regulatory changes affecting vaccine development and drug approvals, indicating significant policy shifts ahead.

Janet Xiao moderated the first panel on future life sciences trends. Experts discussed adapting to high interest rates, leveraging Chinese partnerships, increasing scrutiny on asset differentiation in capital markets, and rising drug discovery costs. The panel emphasized the need for speed, quality, and strong team dynamics to navigate industry challenges.

The second panel, led by Alex Zhang, CEO of OneTwenty Therapeutics, focused on recent biopharma successes. Andrew Lam shared insights on IPOs, while Matt Karlyn highlighted growing confidence in Chinese biotech and cross-border deals. David Shen discussed the importance of differentiation in mergers and acquisitions, cautioning that trends like "Newco" deals may wane amid investment slowdowns. The panel underscored the necessity for strategic planning and contract flexibility amid geopolitical changes.