Logo for LaunchBio Program: Invest in CuresLogo for LaunchBio Program: Invest in Cures

A disease foundation forum

  • February 20, 2025
  • 9:00am - 3:30pm PT
San Diego | UCSD Design & Innovation Building

Invest in Cures San Diego 2025

Impact Investing Through Disease Foundations

Early Bird Registration

Program

Join us on February 20 at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), home to the Gene Therapy Initiative, to explore the transformative potential of impact investing in addressing rare disease challenges. This forum highlights the promise of venture philanthropy and innovative collaborations, offering hope for the commercialization of therapies that could revolutionize rare disease treatment. Learn from venture leaders, advocates, researchers, and entrepreneurs as they share insights on accelerating translational research and advancing cures for patients through strategic funding and collaboration. Invest in Cures features main-stage sessions, panel discussions, intimate gatherings and high-level networking opportunities. This unique event brings together researchers, clinicians and investment professionals from leading foundations to discuss cutting-edge approaches to supporting and funding breakthrough therapies.

Co-hosted by UCSD and Fondation Ipsen (under the aegis of Fondation de France), with support from community partner Curebound. Sponsorship provided by BioLabs. VIP Dinner sponsored by Wilson Sonsini.

Join us to connect and collaborate with leaders shaping the future of rare disease therapies.

Take advantage of Early Bird pricing until January 20.
Capacity is limited and guests must pre register to attend.

There are still several opportunities to sponsor this exciting event. If you’d like to learn more, please contact LaunchBio’s CEO, Becky Beattie.

Agenda

8:00 – 9:00 am: Registration and Breakfast Networking

9:00 – 9:15 am: Welcome and Opening Remarks


9:15 – 10:15 am: Panel 1 – Investment Philosophies of Leading Venture Philanthropy Funds


10:45 – 11:00 am: UCSD Gene Therapy Initiative


11:00 – 11:50 am: Panel 2 – Moving from Lab to Marketplace – Success Stories and Challenges of Rare Disease Biotech Startups


11:50 am – 12:00 pm: Wrap-up of morning session; preview of afternoon

12:00 – 1:00 pm: Networking Lunch

1:00-1:30 pm: Panel 3 – Keynote Speaker

1:30 – 2:30 pm: Panel 4 – Translational Research Showcase

2:30 – 2:45 pm: Closing Remarks – Humanizing the Mission


2:45 – 3:30 pm: Networking

By attending this event, you consent to being photographed, filmed, and/or otherwise recorded. These images and recordings may be used by LaunchBio for promotional purposes, including but not limited to social media, websites, print materials, and other marketing or informational platforms. If you do not wish to be photographed or recorded, please notify event staff upon arrival or take necessary precautions to avoid camera areas. For any concerns or further inquiries, please contact Meredith Martindale, Director of Marketing.

Speakers

  • Cori Peek-Asa, UCSD Vice Chancellor for Research

    Cori Peek-Asa, PhD, UCSD Vice Chancellor for Research

    Corinne Peek-Asa, PhD, joined UC San Diego in 2022 as the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, and Distinguished Professor in the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science. In her role as VCRI, she supports UC San Diego’s $1.76 billion research and innovation portfolio and works extensively with internal and external partners to support the campus and region. She has successfully expanded innovation activities in climate, national security, health, and broadening EDI programs for entrepreneurs.

  • Mike Krenn, CEO, CONNECT

    Mike Krenn, CEO, CONNECT

    Mike Krenn is CEO of Connect, and is leading a mission to thoughtfully grow the innovation economy in San Diego – for the benefit of future generations.  The Connect organization regularly mentors companies, helps companies secure funding, and helps existing companies to scale. Mike has been instrumental in influencing VCs to proactively seek out Southern California companies for investment.  Mike brings more than 200 VCs annually to San Diego.

  • Carter Cliff, CEO, Papillon

    Carter Cliff, CEO, Papillon Therapeutics

    Carter Cliff is CEO of Papillon Therapeutics. He has raised over $250 Million as co-founder and executive of biotechnology companies developing disease-modifying genetic medicines, including Opsis Therapeutics and Kenai Therapeutics. Opsis entered a Strategic R&D Alliance with BlueRock Therapeutics (a Bayer AG company), who provided a $70 Million up-front commitment for option to three programs with $83 Million Series A financing raised by Kenai.

  • Stephanie Cherqui, Professor of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego

    Stephanie Cherqui, PhD, Professor of Pediatrics, UCSD

    Stephanie Cherqui is Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetics at the University of California San Diego. She is also the Director of the UC San Diego Gene Therapy Initiative. Her laboratory primarily centers on two research areas: the development of hematopoietic stem cell and gene therapy-based treatments for genetic disorders. Her work led to the first-in-human HSPC gene therapy clinical trial for cystinosis.

  • James Uyeda, Every Life Foundation

    James Uyeda, Vice President of Individual Giving, EveryLife Foundation

    James Uyeda is a seasoned fundraising and development professional with over two decades of experience advancing healthcare and research initiatives. Currently serving as the Vice President of Individual Giving at the EveryLife Foundation for Rare Diseases, James has dedicated his career to fostering impactful donor relationships and securing philanthropic support for transformational programs. James brings a unique blend of strategic vision and personal commitment to his work.

  • Alice L. Pomponio, Managing Director, American Cancer Society BrightEdge

    Alice Pomponio, MPP, Managing Director, BrightEdge

    Alice Pomponio is Vice President of Innovation and Impact Investing at American Cancer Society and Managing Director of BrightEdge — the ACS’s mission-driven venture capital and innovation arm. Alice is an impact investor, social innovation entrepreneur, and patient advocate with extensive experience in life sciences and business, coupled with her passion for the American Cancer Society’s lifesaving mission.

  • Betty Cabrera

    Betty Cabrera, MPH, Director of Research Engagement and Operations, UCSD Gene Therapy Initiative

    Betty L. Cabrera, MPH, brings over a decade of expertise in advancing cell and gene therapy research and development, with a focus on transforming patient care. At UC San Diego, she is currently shaping a prominent gene therapy research program within the university’s Gene Therapy Initiative (GTI). She also has extensive experience in clinical trials, gene therapy CRUs, and patient registries.

  • Karyn DeMartini, MBA, VP, Major, Principal & Planned Giving, March of Dimes Innovation Fund

    Karyn DeMartini, MBA, VP, Major, Principal & Planned Giving, March of Dimes

    Karyn is the VP of Major, Principal, and Planned Giving at March of Dimes and has been with the nonprofit since 2000. She has raised over $200M and secured some of the largest gifts from individuals in the history of the organization. Karyn led the March of Dimes California Chapter for several years, which was a top chapter in mission, advocacy, fundraising, communications, and operations. She then moved into the Major Gifts department and was asked to serve as the VP.

Early Bird Registration

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