Gene therapy: miracle for a few or cure for many?
Panel discussion and Q&A 
Wednesday, 23 October 2024

Since the approval in 2003 in China of the first commercial gene therapy, Gendicine, gene therapy has emerged as a miracle modality for many previously hard-to-treat diseases. Examples include Novartis’ Zolgensma for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), CSL Behring’s Hemgenix for hemophilia B, and Janssen’s Carvykti for multiple myeloma.

In this panel discussion, five industry experts will address a broad range of questions, including:

• In the past, what were the limitations of gene therapy, particularly in Europe?
• What costs are expected to be classified by payers as reimbursable, and for which indications?
• Is cost of manufacturing the key limitation making these therapies cheaper and, if yes, can costs be reduced by 90% or more per treatment?
• Will gene therapy expand to more indications and benefit more people?
• What could a successful gene therapy business model look like in the future?

  The discussion will be followed by networking drinks during which you can continue the discussion with the panelists and fellow alumni.

Claire Grignolo, Strategic marketing expert Claire has over 15 years of experience in the life sciences industry. She has held leadership positions in strategic marketing, commercial operations, and communications with global companies in the gene therapy space, including bluebird bio, Actelion, and Novartis. https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-grignolo-54614085/

Jean-Christophe Hyvert, President Biologics Division and Member of the Executive Committee, Lonza A physicist by training, Jean-Christophe’s career spans several industries and functions including healthcare, M&A, finance and corporate development. At Lonza, he currently leads global teams that bring complex therapies to market, to enable a healthier world. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jchyvert/

Vice President Europe Major Markets & Canada at CSL Behring Markus has 30 years of international experience in the pharma industry, from start-ups to mature markets, and a strong track record in market and business development. CSL Behring is a global leader in cell and gene therapies for bleeding, immune, and chronic inflammatory disorders. https://www.linkedin.com/in/markus-staempfli/

Joshi Venugopal, General Manager and Head of Europe, Novartis Gene Therapies & Rare Diseases Joshi currently leads Novartis’s Rare Disease unit in Europe, known for industry-leading gene therapy launches with revenues surpassing $1bn annually. Previously, as Head of New Products, he was responsible for shaping the company’s early pipeline and played a key role in several licensing deals. https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshi-venugopal-8931a061/

Programme
17:30 Self-tour of exhibition “Wonders of Medicine”
18:00 Door opening
18:30 Panel discussion
19:30 Networking Drinks
21:00 Closing

Key Facts
When: Wednesday, 23 October 2024, 18:00
Where: Novartis Pavillon, St. Johanns-Hafen-Weg 5, 4056 Basel (public transportation recommended, limited parking available at Novartis Campus, Fabrikstrasse 2)
Tickets: CHF 70 NAA Members (paid-up) and CHF 95 Alumni non-members and guests

Registration: https://infomaniak.events/shop/OgdHOhsxIX/event/1280664

INSEAD Alumni Association Switzerland
Event organizers:
Eric de La Fortelle, MBA’99D
Victor Zambrano, MBA’08D
Aleks Ruzicic, MBA’97J