Plenary programme confirmed

roel_bulthuis_October 21, 2010

Cooperating with rather than directly competing with a would-be competitor, can increase the likelihood of successfully commercialising a new technology. Whether to compete or cooperate with established firms is one of the most fundamental choices a life sciences  start-up has to make.

These fundamental strategic choices and the benefits for start-up companies and academic institutions will be addressed by two of the largest pharmaceutical companies: Novo Nordisk and Merck Serono. In addition, Philips Research will talk about developments in the commercialisation of innovations  in the medical device industry.

The fourth plenary lecture by Matrix clinical research management will discuss regulatory initiatives to get approval for and thus enable the commercialisation of emerging molecular diagnostics. Companies like Myriad, Agendia and others are gaining traction in detecting cancers, enabling  the emerging field of personalized medicine. The passing of the GINA law in the US may might foster the growth of more molecular diagnostics, clinical lab services and other related genetic testing services.

Keynote speakers:
- Willem de Laat MD, PhD, Managing Director Life Sciences & Health
- Melissa Thompson PhD, CEO Matrix Clinical Research Management
- Ronald Wolf, Senior Director Venturing Philips Research
- Roel Bulthuis, Head of Merck Serono Ventures
- Thomas Hanke PhD, Sourcing Director Novo Nordisk