The U.S. has long been the global leader in the biotech space. However, over the past twenty years China—including through its universities, research institutions, and companies—has emerged as major global player in biotech research, clinical trials, and scientific discovery. Despite current tensions between the two countries, there is significant opportunity for U.S-China collaboration for the common good. For example, the U.S. and China could combine their resources to develop a cure for cancer. However, there are many challenges and risks that will need to be resolved or at least mitigated to foster greater collaboration, including protection of biological information, intellectual property rights, and national security concerns. What can the public and private sectors in both countries do to improve future collaboration in biotech?

Join us on Monday, November 20 for an executive roundtable discussion with seasoned biotech expert Andrew Scharenberg, founder and CEO of Umoja Biopharma, to explore this important and timely topic in depth. He will be joined by Kristi Heim, Senior Director of Communications for Element Biosciences.

This program is a part of our Seeking Truth Through Facts U.S.-China Program Series, which focuses on new strategic frameworks for the bilateral relationship, plurilateral relationships, rebalancing trade, national security, technology, and climate change; as well as the global impact of the political and economic landscape.

This Executive Roundtable Program is for Innovator, Groundbreaker, Advisory Council, and Board Members. However, we offer complimentary access to general members in Seattle and Northern California (virtual) as we celebrate the launch of Asia Society Seattle. Non-members should email [email protected] for registration inquiries.

This is a private, off-the-record event. Registration and confirmation of registration is required. Space is limited. Lunch will be served. Zoom link will be provided 48 hours before the event. 

AGENDA

Date: Monday, November 20, 2023 Pacific Time

Board, Advisory Council, Groundbreaker and Innovator Members Event.

11:00 a.m.     Event Registration and Networking 

11:30 a.m.     Event and Q&A Discussion, lunch will be served (ASNC Zoom Livestream Starts)

12:45 p.m.     Networking (ASNC Livestream Ends)

1:00 p.m.       Event Concludes

Seattle In Person Location: 1301 5th Ave, Suite 1500, Seattle, WA 98101

The Zoom link for ASNC Members will be emailed to registered attendees in advance of the event.

SPEAKERS

Dr. Andrew M. Scharenberg is the founder and CEO of Umoja Biopharma, an MPM portfolio company. He also serves as an Executive Partner at MPM Capital, and Chairs the Scientific Advisory Boards at Generation Bio, Genti Bio, and Alpine Immune Sciences.

Prior to founding Umoja, Andrew co-directed the Program in Cell and Gene Therapy at Seattle Children’s Research Institute, working to translate cell and gene therapies for the treatment of inherited immunologic and blood diseases. This work led to the development of a program in engineered regulatory T-cells, partnered with Casebia Therapeutics for the purpose of developing a gene edited cell therapeutic for Type I diabetes and other inflammatory diseases. Previously, he was the Chief Scientific Officer of Cellectis Therapeutics, where he initiated the development of an allogeneic CAR T-cell platform, and co-founder of Pregenen Inc., a gene editing and cell-signalling technology company that was acquired by bluebird bio in 2014.

Andrew earned his M.D. from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, and then completed residency at the University of North Carolina Children’s Hospital and his fellowship in immunology at NIH and at the Division of Experimental Pathology, Beth Israel Hospital. From 2000 to 2020, he was an attending Physician at Seattle Children’s Hospital, a Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, and an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Immunology at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. Andrew received the American Pediatric Society/Society for Pediatric Research National Young Investigator Award in 2002. He is an active member of the American Society for Clinical Investigation and the American Pediatric Society.

Kristi Heim is an experienced communications leader in life sciences, international business, and global health. A former journalist, she is currently Senior Director of Communications for Element Biosciences, a multi-disciplinary life science company. She has more than 20 years' experience in media, public relations and international affairs, managing communications strategy and business partnerships.

Her experience includes directing corporate communications for global biopharma and genomics companies. She also spent many years working in Asia and served as executive director and president of the Washington State China Relations Council (WSCRC), from 2013 to 2016. As an award-winning journalist, she wrote about business and technology for publications including the Wall Street Journal, the Seattle Times, and the San Jose Mercury News.