Rakeysh Mehra, famed Bollywood Filmmaker will speak at TiEcon 2014

Rakeysh Mehra, highly acclaimed Bollywood Filmmaker & Screenwriter, will speak at TiEcon 2014.  Have you registered?  You can register as my guest through the link http://tinyurl.com/kr2hkcw and enter code “TiEvalue” to get $100 off.

The process of filmmaking begins with a great story and then the filmmaker or the producer needs to work with the screenwriter to develop the story or screenplay they have just purchased.  Rakeysh Mehra is an Indian filmmaker and screenwriter, known for writing and directing such films as Rang De Basanti (he won Best Director Filmfare Award for it in 2006) and directing blockbuster “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag”, starring Farhan Akhtar as Milkha Singh, India’s legendary runner (here’s link to my review  http://bit.ly/1cUwG4o).  “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag” acquired international fame and was nominated for 10 awards. Obtaining the right script and developing it into a good screenplay and then directing it into a successful film, is a highly challenging process, in the cut throat film world.  One needs to understand and develop the characters, ensure the dialogues are not lame, understand the story structure, identify the genre or the blend of genres and Mehra is brilliant, with each of the steps of filmmaking.

Delhi 6 Premiere (Photo credit: muckster)

Currently, India, the largest democracy in the world, is busy with the process of deciding its new leader.  Voting is in full swing, in India.  Mehra has been a critic of the vote bank politics and currently he is campaigning to introduce e-voting to facilitate voting by travelers.  Mehra is also deeply committed to children and the education system in India.  Regarding “Bhaag Milkha Baag”, Mehra said that to see the movie connect with children as young as six and eight, was the biggest part of his success with the movie that he is proud of.  He has criticized marks-driven, education system in India saying that it emphasizes test scores over actual learning and achievement.  Perhaps his next movie will address this issue?  The filmmaker was location hunting recently in Jodhpur, for his upcoming film.  Will there be announcements?  Mehra will give keynote address on the morning of day 2 of the conference.

See discount codes to register for TiEcon 2014, www.tiecon.org and for Health Technology Forum

www.tiecon.org – If you are a professional  in #healthIT, #digital health,  #internetofthings, #cloud, #bigdata or related, then this is the conference, you don’t want to miss – It offers a fabulous opportunity to network with 3000+ professionals and listen to top notch speakers and panelists.  Register for #TiEcon (May 16 & 17 at Santa ClaraConvention Center) as my guest, at link http://tinyurl.com/kr2hkcw  & enter promo code tievalue to get $100 discount.

Healthtechnology Forum conference http://www.healthtechnologyforum.com, focused on exploring pathways to sustainable health, is on May 20 in SF. Please register for the conference as my friend, with the discount code “HTF14-FriendOfOrganizer” and send me your first & last name at wd_darshana at hotmail dot com, to get $150 off the price of the ticket.  Also check out & participate in code-a-thon on patient engagement, for May 8.  Over 20K+ in prizes.

JOBS: are posted at the link http://bit.ly/1o85CTM

 

 

Fiona Ma (Assemblywoman & Campaigner against Hepatitis B) to speak at Health Technology Forum Conference

Hepatitis B Virus (Photo credit: AJC1)

Hepatitis B (HBV) virus is a very common virus worldwide.   Approximately, 1.2 million people in the United States are affected by this virus.  Almost 350 million people worldwide, are living with Hepatitis B.  Many people with Hepatitis B are likely to be infected at birth or in early childhood, and due to lack of immediate attention, have developed a lifelong chronic infection.   Hepatitis B is a contagious liver disease that is commonly spread through blood, semen, or other body fluids.  Most people do not experience symptoms until it is too late.  The virus causes 80% of all liver cancers, if left untreated.  Hepatitis B can be prevented with vaccination.  And with immediate attention and monitoring with nutrition, fluids, and medical supervision, acute Hep B can also be effectively treated.

Fiona Ma, incumbent democratic candidate for State Board of Equalization, a reputed politician and a former member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, California State Assembly, is a tireless campaigner and spokesperson for “San Francisco Hepatitis B Free” campaign.  San Francisco has the highest concentration of Hep B in the country.  Ma herself learned that she had Hep B, when she was 22.  She acquired it from her mother, who had acquired it from her mother.  About 1 in every 10 Asian Americans, is infected with the virus.  Ma’s mother had developed liver scars and having caught that early, had it removed.

English: California State Assemblywoman Fiona Ma (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Fiona Ma will be giving keynote address at Health Technology Innovation Forum annual conference on May, 20 at Parc 55, Wyndham Hotel, SF.  The conference is focused on exploring pathways to sustainable health through various means including “best practices for globally underserved”, through “gamification” and “patient engagement”, and through “building resilient communities for better outcomes”.  Traditionally, this conference is heavily attended by physicians from UCSF, as well as entrepreneurs focused on healthcare breakthroughs.  Please register for the conference at http://www.healthtechnologyforum.com , as my friend, with the discount code “HTF14-FriendOfOrganizer” and send me your first & last name at wd_darshana at hotmail dot com, to get $150 off the price of the ticket.

 

Please note other upcoming events below – dates & deadlines.

1) Register for #TiEcon at link https://www.123signup.com/register?id=dbnfb&ref=4182698  as my guest & enter promo code tievalue to get $100 discount. If you are an entrepreneur, I would say this is the conference, you don’t want to miss.  Check out great agenda, top notch speakers & panelists on #IoT, #bigdata, #cloud, and #Healthcare tracks at http://www.tiecon.org.

3) Feel free to send me an email for any of these events at wd_darshana at hotmail dot com and you can follow my updates on Twitter @DarshanaN.  Also, do check out (in JOBS category on this blog), my job opportunities that include many Quality Engineering jobs in CA and MA and hot Software Embedded Engineer job and more.

Steve Mollenkopf, CEO, Qualcomm to give Grand Keynote at TiEcon 2014

TiEcon, the largest entrepreneurship conference, will focus this year on four industry focused tracks, Internet of Things, Big Data, Cloud Infrastructure, and Healthcare. (Please register through this link as my guest https://www.123signup.com/register?id=dbnfb&ref=4182698 and enter promo code tievalue to get a $100 discount).

Steve Mollenkopf, President and CEO of Qualcomm, will give grand keynote address, on day 1.  With a background in electrical engineering, Mollenkopf holds patents in “power estimation and measurement, multi-standard transmitter system, and wireless communication transceiver technology.”  He has spent his entire 20+ year career at Qualcomm.  Previously, he led the chip set business at Qualcomm and helped make Qualcomm the world’s largest mobile chipset supplier and global leader in LTE technology.  Mollenkopf also led the company’s largest acquisition of Atheros, purchased at $3.1 billion, a deal that helped expand Qualcomm’s business beyond smartphones and enabled and speeded adoption of Qualcomm’s technologies and platforms in new segments.

Qualcomm logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Qualcomm makes over $25 billion each year, in revenues, powering world’s smartphones and tablets.  Qualcomm may not be a lean and mean startup, but it is a technology driven company.  Mollenkopf is entrepreneurial in nature and a self-proclaimed gadget freak.  Entrepreneurs at TiEcon will be waiting to hear Mollenkopf’s perspectives on opportunities in mobile space.  Will he share any new industry leading innovations in the pipeline, at Qualcomm?

TiEcon 2014 is shaping up to be fantastic entrepreneurship focused conference, with awesome panels and speakers.  Please register through this link as my guest https://www.123signup.com/register?id=dbnfb&ref=4182698 and enter promo code tievalue to get a $100 discount.

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Other Life Science focused events

1) Register for Health Tech Forum annual conference on May 20, at www.healthtechnologyforum.com.  With a theme of “Pathways to Sustainable Health”, the conference will bring together physicians, entrepreneurs, payers, and providers with an aim to empower quality of health.
2) Michelle Chen from DNAtrix, Inc. will talk on “Developing Oncolytic Virus to Treat Glioblastoma” on Tuesday, April, 29, 8:30am.  This is a free event – all are welcome – http://www.bio2devicegroup.org.
3) Dr. Sarvajna Dwivedi, founder of Pearl Therapeutics will talk on Tuesday, May 6 at Cubberley, PA www.eppicglobal.org.  Pearl Therapeutics was acquired by Astra Zeneca last year, for $1.15 B and was a winner of TiEcon’s TiE50 awards, two years in a row.
4) Feel free to send me an email for details on any of these events at wd_darshana at hotmail dot com.  You can also follow my updates on Twitter @DarshanaN.  Also, do check out (in JOBS category on this blog), my job opportunities that include many Quality Engineering jobs in CA and MA and hot Software Embedded Engineer job and more.

 

 

 

Healthcare Innovation & Entrepreneurship in Silicon Valley, CA

Life Science Industry gearing up for Innovation:  Code-a-thon (Health Technology Forum), TiEcon, EPPIC event

Code-a-thons are fun and also highly productive live events that bring together developers, designers, innovators and entrepreneurs, brimming with new and exciting ideas on applications and tools for any given problem.  Health Technology Forum in San Francisco was formed with a mission to improve healthcare through technology.  In 2013, HTF organized a very successful code-a-thon that focused on serving the needs of the underserved populations. This year again, HTF has organized a code-a-thon to precede (by about a week to 10 days) its annual conference focused around the theme of Pathways to Sustainable Health, on May 20, at Parc 55, Wyndham Hotel, SF.  Additionally, HTF has proposed a series of events to follow the weekend code-a-thon challenge, including a unique second phase to enable the winning team to be placed on-site at one or more safety-net hospitals.  

DC Health Week Code-a-Thon 13109 (Photo credit: tedeytan)

So how do code-a-thons help spur innovation?  These short and focused events often result in the rapid development of breakthrough concepts and working prototype applications.  Code-a-thons highlight a problem in need of a solution.  This spotlighting of the problem, with clarity around its challenges and opportunities, helps the problem to remain the primary focus of innovation, and not the technology.  This is a good mental discipline for enthusiastic bright innovators who tend to fall in love with their own idea, and often fail to pay heed to the needs of the market.  The ideas and technologies that come out of code-a-thons often lead to creation of actual products that can be deployed in the marketplace.  Further, if these innovators would receive coaching from stakeholders within the hospital centers then it is inevitable that the positive impact will be enormous and immediate, in creating new innovative solutions, for sustainable healthcare. Few can argue that our healthcare system needs an overhaul, and something that will greatly impact the transformation in the healthcare system is the impact that Big Data will have.  For instance, Big Data can help empower patients to be in charge of their own health.  From providing access to their medical records, to enabling continuous health monitoring, it will help inform and empower patients to be proactive managers of their own health.  Similarly, mounds of clinical and epidemiological data can lead to greater insights in diagnosis and therapeutics of various diseases.  The requirements of this particular code-a-thon will be centered around developing and designing the prototype of an app that supports the collection and communication of health care data about key diseases and behaviors. Please stay tuned for more information, and sign up for the code-a-thon and for the annual conference at www.healthtechnologyforum.com and follow them on twitter @healthtechforum.  You can follow me on twitter @DarshanaN.

Additionally, mark your calendar for 2 other interesting life science events.
May 16, 17 is #TiEcon 2014, the largest entrepreneurship conference, at Santa Clara Convention Center, CA.  The Healthcare Track on Day 2 will feature panels on exciting topics like “Harnessing Healthcare Data”, “Engaging Patients of the Future”, “Where the VCs are Investing in Healthcare” and more.  Register by May 1, for  www.tiecon.org through the link http://tinyurl.com/kr2hkcw as my guest and enter promo code tievalue to get $100 off.
May, 6 EPPIC event – EPPIC frequently spotlights success stories of local entrepreneurs and on My 6 at Cubberley in Palo Alto, will host Dr. Sarvajna Dwivedi, Founder of Pearl Therapeutics which was acquired last year, by Astra Zeneca for $1.15 B.  Register at www.eppicglobal.org.
http://www.bio2devicegroup.org is a group that meets every Tuesday, in Sunnyvale and hosts speakers on a wide range of healthcare topics.  Pre-registration required for “Second Tuesday of the month meetings” and all other meetings are free and open for walk-ins.  For information on any of these events, feel free to send me an email at wd_darshana at hotmail dot com.

 

On “Building a Pearl” – Story of Pearl Therapeutics from Concept to Acquisition by Astra Zeneca for $1.15B

Pearl Therapeutics is a huge success story in the biotech world.  At www.bio2devicegroup.org event, Dr. Sarvajna Dwivedi, co-founder of Pearl Therapeutics talked about his own professional journey and about Pearl team, technology and products, that brought the company to pearly stunning $1.15 Billion exit.  Pearl Therapeutics was acquired by Astra Zeneca in June, 2013.

Dwivedi began the talk by paying tribute to his mentors, his father, Professor Rewa Prasad Dwivedi, his first role model and a reknowed Sanskrit scholar and poet, his professor Dr. Alan Mitchell  at University of British Columbia who imparted important lessons on staying true to fundamentals and understanding the properties of nature, and Silicon Valley’s prolific inventor Mr. Mir Imran, who told him long before he needed to raise money, “don’t ever take investor’s money, unless you can treat it as your own”.  Dwivedi said he carried all those valuable lessons in his professional journey.

After his education where he worked on tablets, Dwivedi was invited to join Glaxo to work on inhalation products.  When he was concerned about making a jump from tablets to inhalation products, he was told “you know how to keep particles together, you would know how to keep them apart too”.  From Glaxo, he went on to Dura, where he worked on an electromechanical inhaler system, a complex 50 part device.  Then at Alkermes, Dwivedi put together a team which designed a device with a precessing capsule inside.  Each of these opportunities contributed to giving him a stronger grounding into fundamentals.

Eventually, his career journey brought him to Nektar Therapeutics.  Nektar was focusing on systemic conditions like diabetes, to be treated by inhalation delivery of drugs like insulin, and on anti-infective therapies for lungs.  Dwivedi and his colleagues were looking at delivering drugs uniformly into the lungs for diseases such as asthma and COPD, and especially make drug combinations with standard metered dose inhalers.  Global COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma market is projected to reach $47 billion, by 2017.  These were compelling clinical problems that Dwivedi and his colleagues were trying to solve, but Nektar chose to stay focused on other opportunities.  Eventually, Dwivedi and his co-founder Adrian Smith formed Pearl Therapeutics and spun it out as a separate company.

Image via CrunchBase

Pearl Therapeutics has combined two bronchodilator drugs in one inhaler, and put it into Phase III.  Pearl has now demonstrated that it can also combine three drugs, to treat the fatal lung condition, COPD.  These drugs typically do not mix well together in a common inhaler and that leads to less than ideal distribution of the drugs in the lungs.  Pearl’s secret is its proprietary technology.  Dwivedi said the lessons he learned earlier in life regarding staying true to fundamentals and to not fight nature, were most useful in navigating these challenges.  The nature of particles is to coalesce, and therefore it’s very difficult to keep them separate for aerosolization purposes.  This can be achieved easily with liquid propellant suspensions, such as those in commonly used metered dose inhalers.  Pearl creates these suspensions with a proprietary technology utilizing specially engineered phospholipid porous particles.  When these inhalers are actuated then the porous particles go back from liquid to vapor, facilitating consistent and uniform inhalation delivery. The porous particles traverse the back of the throat easily and spread aerosols throughout the lung.  Astra Zeneca saw the tremendous promise in this technology, the product progression achieved by Pearl, the value of the product pipeline at Pearl, and the Pearl team assembled by Dwivedi and his co-founder, Smith.  AZ forked over $1 B+ and acquired Pearl, with a promise to enable Pearl to continue to operate independently.  This was very interesting talk and generated a great deal of discussion.

2013 J P Morgan Healthcare Conference – Pharmaceutical & Biotech Company Presentations

2013 J P Morgan Healthcare Conference – Pharmaceutical & Biotech Company Presentations 

Disclaimer – Below is my best attempt to capture highlights from company presentations, at 2013 J. P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, in San Francisco, CA.  Please check details against more authentic sources, before making any financial decisions.  My writeup on the overview of the conference can be found at this link – http://bit.ly/UY1Cpk .  My article on the highlights from some of the medical device company presentations can be found at this link – http://bit.ly/WfhGmU .  Big Pharma industry historically enjoyed growth rates in double digits and 20% operating margins with growing demand and big profits.  But times are changing for big pharma with challenging healthcare environment, cost pressures, and patent expirations.  Many firms responded to initial challenges by investing heavily in next-generation drugs, often based on biotechnology.  Though promise of biotech has not panned out, many pharma companies have done restructuring, initiated serious cost containment and have nurtured the pipeline by investing in some promising molecules.  See below, highlights from some of these companies.

 

Amgen – 2011 & 2012 were solid years and advanced pipeline offers promise for 2013

Both 2011 and 2012 were solid years for Amgen, with revenue growth of 11%, said COO and CEO elect, Bob Bradway.  He credited the growth largely to the newly launched products, particularly denosumab franchise that include XGEVA and Prolia.  In first year in market, Amgen has recouped over $500M of revenues from this new franchise.  Amgen has returned 36% back to the shareholders.  Prolia accounts for $1B in sales in the US.

Besides growth in its core franchise and advanced footprint, Amgen also has exhibited strong commercial execution with solid performance in the US and international markets, said Barclay.  Sales of Neulasta grew and 40% of patients receive it during first chemo.  Enbrel is Amgen’s leading molecule in rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis space and is steadily growing.  Sensipar, Nplate, and Vectibix also have strong and steady momentum. There was 18% growth in 2011 on these new products.

Additionally, there is a late stage pipeline emerging that looks promising.  It includes, molecules AMG 145, an antibody PCS K9 for hyperlipidemia for high cholesterol, AMG 785 antibody for post menopausal osteoporosis, AMG 827 (in collaboration with Astra Zeneca) for psoriasis, AMG 416 for secondary hypothyroidism, and several oncology molecules, including AMG 102 for gastric cancer and AMG 386 for ovarian cancer.

Amgen will continue collaborations with other significant players.  Recent acquisitions that are advancing its pipeline include Micromet, decode, and finally Mustafa Nevzat to help establish a presence in Turkey, an emerging market for Amgen.  Amgen will continue to return significant capital to shareholders and in 2013, Amgen will focus on growing revenue, operating efficiencies, advance its pipeline, and focus on ROI.

Bristol Myers Squibb – will its promising portfolio deliver in 2013?

While 2012 was a year of transition, BMS is now poised to deliver by driving growth of key brands, executing on new product launches, and driving late stage pipeline said, CEO, Lamberto Andreotti.

BMS’s diversified portfolio includes key brands Eliquis, Yervoy, forxiga, Orencia, Sprycel and so on.  Acquisition of Eliquis for stroke prevention and systemic embolism for Afib, offered a significant global opportunity and it was launched in Europe, US, Canada, and Japan.  BMS has a broad portfolio targeting diabetes, in partnership with Astra Zeneca and it includes Amylin, onglyza, forxiga, and Byetta.  A robust late stage portfolio targeting HCV includes some promising molecules.  Finally, immuno-oncology continues to remain an exciting portfolio.  Yervoy is showing encouraging 5 year survival data for melanoma patients, Nivolumab is in broad stage III program, and Elotuzumab phast III studies are looking promising, said Andreotti.

BMS is committed to 3% increase in dividend for 2013 versus 2012, has completed initial $3B share repurchase program and has announced additional $3B share repurchase program, and will continue to focus on business development through licensing, acquisition, and partnerships.  BMS is well poised to deliver with improved decision making, more efficient operations, and greater collaboration, said Andreotti.

Merck – Exciting Pipeline & Plans to Expand Geographic Footprint

Celebrating first year as a combined company, following the merger of Schering-Plough and Merck, the company is well poised to outperform the broader healthcare market, said Ken Frazier, President & CEO of Merck.  Its broad portfolio includes market leading medicines and vaccines, Merck has expanded geographic footprint in key markets, and has a strong exciting late stage pipeline.

While sales force was reduced in the US by 10%, in emerging markets like China, Brazil, and Russia, Merck was increasing the presence.  Despite 2012 being a year of maximum disruption, with blending sales forces, training reps on new products etc., the company maintained top line growth with 7 of the top 10 products growing at a steady pace, said Frazier.  The current late stage pipeline includes 55% legacy Merck compounds and 45% legacy Shering-Plough compounds, affirming the scientific productivity of both organizations, said Frazier.  Growth strategy going forward includes plan for geographic expansion in Japan and emerging markets, delivering on the pipeline, and expanding broader portfolio of business that include Merck BioVentures and animal health business. Some significant brands include, Simponi which is launched in 18 countries, with great success.  There are five new drug approvals including Dulera in the US, and Brinavess, Daxas, Elonva and Sycrest in Europe.

While strongly focusing on internal innovation, Merck has also signed 46 significant outside deals with external partners including most recently the SmartCells deal in diabetes.  Merck has over 20 drugs in Phase III incuding Vorapaxar, Tredaptive, Anacetrapib, and Odanacatib.  Merck will continue to remain committed to cardiovascular space, with currently over 100,000 patients in outcome studies and though costly now, the eventual aim is that these will lead to drugs that will reduce cardiovascular events, heart attacks, and strokes.  Vorapaxar is the largest study with 40,000 patiens and Tredaptive has 25,000 patients. While Merck is number two pharmaceutical company, globally, it is number five in emerging markets and going forward, plans to expand presence in these markets from current 18% total sales to 25% by 2013, said Frazier.  The plan is to grow the current portfolio in oral antibiotics and vaccines, as well as in women’s health.  Additionally, given the rise in chronic diseases, Merck plans to grow in respiratory, cardiac, and diabetes space.  Januvia is already number one oral diabetic product in emerging markets.   Merck acknowledges that countries like China are surrounded by strong science and innovation in those markets can be a huge contributor.  Merck aims to grow through value creating partnerships in those markets that would help in issues like pricing, reimbursement, market access, and low cost manufacturing.

Gilead – In addition to targeting Hep C, also continues to grow & remain a Leader in HIV Treatment

2012 has been a busy year for Gilead, said Chairman and CEO, John Martin.  Gilead’s current commercial portfolio includes HIV, liver, respiratory, cardiovascular and other areas.  The biggest part of revenue generation has been HIV.  Truvada, the single regimen pill is steadily growing and is made available in low and middle income countries at steeply discounted prices or through generic licensing partners.  In 2012, Gilead launched single table regimens, Atripla and Completera for HIV, distributed through join ventures with Merck and Janssen Therapeutics.  Also in 2011, Gilead extended licenses to Indian partners to grant them future rights to produce generic versions of single table regimen, Stribild.  Stribild was approved by US FDA, in August, 2012 and approval in Europe is expected in 2013.

Gilead’s pipeline includes Tenofovir, delivered directly to lymph nodes and showing greater efficacy, Sofosbuvir for Hep C, and Simtuzumab targeting Ideopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.  While much of the focus in 2012 had been on Gilead’s Hep C pipeline, it seems the company’s HIV franchise may emerge as a strong growth driver, than previously anticipated.  The number of people in developing countries receiving Gilead antiretroviral therapy has increased from less than 30,000 in 2006 to over 3 million in 2012 and one-third of people treated for HIV in developing countries receive Gilead medicines.  

Eli Lilly – Poised to deliver with 13 molecules in Phase 3, and 20 molecules in phase 2

Chairman, President, and CO John Lechleiter shared that Lilly’s total revenue is over $20B, with gross margin of revenue, approximately 78%, $3 billion in net income with at least $4 billion in operating cash flow.  Lilly will continue to stay the course and implement the strategy that includes, replenishing and advancing the pipeline, driving growth in countercyclical growth areas, and increasing productivity to fund R&D.

In 2008, Lilly made the largest acquisition in Lilly’s history, by acquiring ImClone, to advance its oncology pipeline.  In 2012, Lilly launched Amyvid in US, got approval for Erbitux and Jentadueto.  Cymbalta and Zyprexa are approved for new indications in Japan and Cialis is approved in Europe for once daily use for BPH.    Some of the setbacks included slower emerging market growth, due to patent expirations.   Growth is expected from dulaglutide in collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim to target diabetes, launch of Tradjenta in 30+ markets, and from Lilly’s animal health division Elanco’s acquisition of Janssen Pharmaceuticals animal health business.  Lilly is poised to deliver with rich pipeline that includes 13 molecules in Phase 3, and 20 molecules in phase 2, said Lechleiter.

Glaxo Smith Kline –  Refocused on Science & Revamped R&D Engine

Patrick Vallance, President of Pharmaceutical R&D opened the presentation  with assurances that GSK has re-engineered its drug discovery organization, has built a late stage pipeline, restructured its commercial and manufacturing to support the pipeline and will deliver value.  Given where GSK was a year ago, there seemed to be a marked progress in terms of its late stage pipeline.

Six new drugs that completed phase III studies in 2012 include dabrafenib and trametinib in oncology, albiglutide targeting diabetes, dolutegravir targeting HIV and Relvar and UMEC/VI for respiratory diseases.  In oncology, combination therapy with both molecules is indicating more complete blockade of critical pathway and ability to prevent or delay emergence of resistance.  For type II diabetes, albiglutide, first once-weekly fully humanized GLP-1RA regimen that can be administered with a pen device, is indicating opportunity to delay use of basal insulin and no weight gain.  For HIV, current trials indicate dolutegravir to be statistically superior to Atripla at week 48.  GSK has a broad portfolio targeting respiratory diseases.  Relvar/Breo for asthma and COPD, appears well tolerated and efficacious at lower doses and shows significant improvement in lung functions compared to FF or FP.  UMEC/VI for COPD, once daily, is potentially first in class in the US and indicates statistically significant improvement over placebo.  GSK has more advanced portfolio in respiratory disease space.  GSK has reengineered to deliver sustainable pipeline flow with visible multiple waves of pipeline delivery, said Vallance.  It seems that GSK has refocused on science and has revamped its R&D engine.  Will it deliver?

Baxter – Diverse Core Portfolio, Robust R&D Pipeline, Targeted Acquisitions – (stock worth watching)

Baxter CFO, Robert Hombach began the presentation with a reminder that this $38 billion healthcare company is one of the most diversified companies presenting at this conference.  Baxter focuses on acute and critical care business and on treatment of chronic diseases.  Emerging markets account for 20% of sales.  Baxter has a diverse core portfolio, a robust R&D pipeline, and engages in targeted acquisitions.

BioScience accounts for $6.1 billion business and represents vaccines, bio surgery and hemophilia.  Baxter is advancing pipeline of novel recombinant proteins.  Bio surgery business continues to be double digit growth driver.  Advate, a targeted therapy for hemophilia A, which affects approximately 1 in 5,000 males, is also a strong growth driver, showing to be very safe and efficacious and remains a gold standard of therapy. Investors believe Advate sales will continue higher, on account of FDA’s recent approved a higher dosage strength of the drug, in 2012. The higher dose allows patients to be treated only once every three days, which is a first in the hemophilia market and gives Baxter a sustainable advantage.  Medical products business account for $7.8 billion in sales in 2011.  Its key renal business accounted for 32%.  Baxter acquired Swedish-based Gambro, a kidney and liver dialysis company, for $4 billion, in late 2012, to integrate end stage renal market and enhance worldwide reach.

Baxter’s late stage product pipeline in 2012, includes 18 molecules in phase 3.  SubQ self-administration therapy of Gamnagard Liquid for Primary Immunodeficiency is showing favorable tolerability pipeline including low infusion site reaction and is advancing label indications.  A possible future blockbuster drug, Baxter has multiple data releases of Gamnagard for Alzheimer’s disease this year.  There is a probability that Baxter receives FDA approval for Gammagard Liquid in mild/moderate Alzheimer’s in coming years.  Baxter’s expanding portfolio to new therapeutic areas include, CD34+ stem cells as a possible treatment for chronic myocardial ischemia, anti-MIF antibody targeting MIF protein that influences tumor growth, and Rigosertib, a novel targeted anti-cancer compound.  Baxter has partnered with Momenta Pharmaceuticals, in a $452 million deal, to tap into the biosimilars market.   Baxter is continuing the innovation in home dialysis, with over 30 new products in the pipeline and has potential to contribute up to $250 million to its top line.  This is one of the richest pipeline in Baxter’s history, said Hombach.

Abbott – New Diversified Healthcare Company with Focus on Nutrition, Established Pharma, and Medical Devices

Abbott is a large cap diversified healthcare company and is now separate from new company, abbvie, a large cap biopharmaceutical company, said CEO, Miles White.  The new Abbott Laboratories is strongly position with $5.9 billion sales in medical devices and $5.4 billion in sales in established pharma market, in 2011.  Diagnostics accounted for an additional $4.2 billion in sales and nutrition accounted for $6 billion in sales, in 2011.  There is an increasing emerging market presence with sales targeted to approach 50%, by 2015.

Abbott enjoyed leadership position in large markets in several industry sectors.  In diagnostics, Abbott hold number 1 place in immunoassay diagnostics and in blood screening and has a leading point of care platform.  In nutrition, it is number 1 in adult and pediatric nutrition and is a leading science based nutrition company.  In medical devices, Abbott is number 1 in DES, BMS, BVS, and number 1 in Lasik and number 2 in cataract, said White.  Diabetes and vision care is driving growth in emerging markets.   Abbott also has robust vascular pipeline and in 2012, launched Absorb, a bioresorbable vascular scaffold for treatment of CAD, in Europe, Asia, and Latin America.  In established pharmaceuticals, Abbott is a leader in branded generics, with a broad portfolio that includes, 500+ branded generics, a strong development pipeline, and 60% presence in emerging markets.

AbbVie – Will other products pick up slack from Humira’s patent expiration for more agile new company?

AbbVie is the new spinoff company, from Abbott Laboratories, focused on “research-based pharmaceuticals.”   It is a global biopharma company, with focus and agility of a biotech, said CFO, Bill Chase.  AbbVie has revenues of about $18 billion and Humira, a prescription drug for rheumatoid arthritis, is its best asset.   Humira is a huge product, generating about $9 billion in sales.  There is a concern with Humira’s pending patent expiration in 2016, but Chase outlined some future plans.  AbbVie will focus on achieving Humira’s full potential through new indications, maximizing product portfolio, advancing pipeline, and leveraging global footprint.

Humira has recently been approved for ulcerative colitis.  Beyond Humira, other growth brands and durable performers include, Andro Gel, leading in testosterone replacement, Lupron, Synagis1, Creon, Synthroid, Kaletra, Norvir and Zemplar.  Humira faces stiff competition, in addition to patent expiration.  Will AbbVie’s other products easily take up the slack?

Bausch & Lomb – Only Global Company Focused on Eye Care Focused on Future Growth & New Products

B&L is the only global company found on caring for the eyes, said, President & CEO Brent Saunders.  B&L is an iconic brand with 160 year history.  The company manufactures and markets eye health products that include contact lenses and lens care products for Astigmatism, Presbyopia, Nearsighted/Farsighted, and cataract patients.  The company also provides intraocular lenses and delivery systems, ophthalmic surgical devices and instruments, and ophthalmic pharmaceuticals; vision shaping treatment products; dry eye products; allergy/redness relief products; eye wash products; eye vitamins and so on.  Three important worldwide trends, the aging population, higher diabetes prevalence, and emerging middle class more interested in eye care, will lead to increased demand, said Saunders.

At B&L, 80% of business is in cash market.  Some of the upcoming B&L products to watch are, BioTrue, one day lenses made from a next generation, bioinspired material called HyperGel, Victus Fentosecond Laser platform for enhanced performance across cataract and corneal procedures, and enVista, new glistening free, hydrophobic acrylic IOLs.  What is in its future?  Will there be a buyer willing to offer multi-billion dollar deal or will this private equity firm turn to an initial public offering (IPO)?  Following the company presentation, Saunders mentioned that the company is focused on future growth and also “aspiring to return to public markets”.

Cerulean Pharma – Private Company with Nanoparticle Based, Dynamic, Targeted Drug Delivery Platform

Cerulean Pharma develops and markets novel, intelligently designed, nanoparticle based technology to target tumor agents, in fight against cancer, said CEO Oliver Fetzer.  Tumor is targeted via leaky vasculature, used at entry portals into the tumor tissue.  Cerulean nanoparticles are are small enough to penetrate these tumor blood vessels but are too large to enter health tissue.  These nanoparticles are transported through the tumor tissue up into tumor cells and then the drug is gradually released within tumor cells. The drug is covalently bound and dynamically releases within tumor cells and the nanoparticles eventually disintegrate over time.

While chemo works well in getting the tumor cells, it also harms the healthy tissue.  History of oncology is somewhat gloomy.  With surgery, radiation, combination therapy, chemo, personalized medicine, immunotherapy etc., 5 year survival is still only 50%.  This kind of dynamic tumor targeting has two important benefits.  By focusing on tumors and sparring healthy tissue from unwanted exposure, Cerulean nanopharmaceuticals leads to limited side effects, while also enhancing therapeutic results.  The linker that attached the drug to the nanoparticle is selected to provide optimal intra-tumor drug release, by gradually breaking apart inside the tumor and releasing the drug payload over time.  The current trials indicate significantly lower toxicity and higher effectiveness with drugs with high adverse profile, like Docetaxel, Erlotinib, and Pemetrexed.  Cerulean’s own small molecule oncology product pipeline in trials, includes CRLX101, CRLX301, and siRNA delivery platform.  Cerulean develops products with partners by marrying their molecules, marketed or in development, with their nanopharmaceutical platform.