2024 BioCrossroads Life Sciences Summit
Transforming Healthcare: Indiana's Role in Revolutionizing Diabetes and Obesity Management
The annual BioCrossroads Life Sciences Summit is set for November 7, 2024, at the Biltwell Event Center in Indianapolis. This year's Summit will explore the groundbreaking advancements in diabetes and obesity care management happening in Indiana and impacting patients worldwide.
11.07.24 9:00 AM-4:30 PM
Biltwell Event Center, Indianapolis
2024 BioCrossroads Life Sciences Summit
Transforming Healthcare: Indiana's Role in Revolutionizing Diabetes and Obesity Management
The annual BioCrossroads Life Sciences Summit is set for November 7, 2024, at the Biltwell Event Center in Indianapolis. This year's Summit will explore the groundbreaking advancements in diabetes and obesity care management happening in Indiana and impacting patients worldwide.
11.07.24 9:00 AM-4:30 PM
Biltwell Event Center, Indianapolis
A Crucial Conversation Surrounding Indiana's Impact on Global Health
The 2024 BioCrossroads Life Sciences Summit will feature keynotes, panel discussions, and a patient roundtable focusing on the groundbreaking advancements in diabetes and obesity care management happening across Indiana’s life sciences ecosystem and impacting patients worldwide, including the development and potential for GLP-1's.
This event aims to highlight Indiana's significant contributions to the life sciences industry and its role in addressing some of the most pressing health challenges of our time, providing an excellent platform to engage with key players in the field and support groundbreaking work in life sciences.
The 2024 BioCrossroads Life Sciences Summit is is a must-attend for anyone in the life sciences field looking to expand their knowledge and network.
2024 BioCrossroads Life Sciences Summit Agenda
9:30 a.m.
Welcome
President & CEO, BioCrossroads
Vince Wong
President & CEO, BioCrossroads
Vince Wong is president and CEO of BioCrossroads, bringing significant valuable multi-national and start-up experience to the organization. Mr. Wong, who became CEO on January 31, 2024, most recently was chief commercial officer at Geneoscopy, a venture-backed start-up company focused on developing gastrointestinal diagnostics. His responsibilities included business development, government affairs, market access, sales, marketing, and communications. He also helped to raise more than $100M in venture capital. Mr. Wong serves as a director on the board of Bionano Genomics and Executive in Residence with IU Ventures. Prior to Geneoscopy, Mr. Wong enjoyed an 18-year career at Roche Diagnostics, where he held senior leadership roles in several functions across various disease areas.
9:40 a.m.
Eli Lilly and Company and the Changing Trajectory of Diabetes and Obesity Treatment
Opening remarks
President, Lilly Cardiometabolic Health; President, Lilly USA
Patrik Jonsson
President, Lilly Cardiometabolic Health; President, Lilly USA
Patrik Jonsson is executive vice president of Eli Lilly and Company, president of Lilly Cardiometabolic Health, and president of Lilly USA. Mr. Jonsson previously served as executive vice president and president of Lilly Immunology, Lilly Bio-Medicines, and general manager of Lilly Sweden, Scandinavia, Italy, and Japan. Since joining Lilly in 1990, Mr. Jonsson has held several positions in sales, marketing, and general management. He was European marketing director for Zyprexa and the neuroscience customer group, managing director of Sweden and later of Scandinavia (Sweden, Norway and Denmark), and president and general manager of Eli Lilly Italia, adding responsibilities for countries in central and southeastern Europe in 2012. He became president and general manager of Lilly Japan in 2014. Mr. Jonsson is the past chair of the Japan-based executive committee of PhRMA and served on the board of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan.
10:00 a.m.
Keynote Address
Distinguished Professor, Indiana University, and Linda & Jack Gill Chair in Biomolecular Science
Dr. Richard DiMarchi
Distinguished Professor, Indiana University, and Linda & Jack Gill Chair in Biomolecular Science
Richard DiMarchi is a Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Gill Chair in Biomolecular Sciences at Indiana University. Professor DiMarchi is a member of the National Academy of Medicine and the National Inventors Hall of Fame. He is a former Group Vice President at Eli Lilly and Company and later at Novo Nordisk. He is recognized for his contributions to the discovery and development of rDNA-derived Humalog®, rGlucagon®, and Forteo®. He is co-inventor on more than 100 U.S. patents and co-author to more than 250 peer-reviewed scientific publications. He was named a top five translation researcher by Nature Biotechnology and, since 2003, he has co-founded eight successful biotech companies. In the last decade Professor DiMarchi has received the Merrifield Award for career contributions in peptide sciences, the German National Erwin Schrödinger-Preis, the Meienhofer Prize, the Max Bergmann Medal, the ACS Alfred Burger career award in medicinal chemistry, and the 2023 AAAS Bhaumik Breakthrough Award for GLP-1 Rx in obesity.
10:45 a.m.
An Evolution from Stigma to Disease
Fireside chat
News Anchor and Reporter, WTHR
Karen Campbell - Moderator
News Anchor and Reporter, WTHR
Karen Campbell brings her expertise in storytelling and a deep understanding of life sciences to the Indiana Life Sciences Summit. With years of experience hosting BioCrossroads’ FrameWORX events, Karen has become a familiar face within Indiana’s life sciences community, helping to facilitate important conversations about innovation and advancements in healthcare. Karen developed her communications career through a variety of roles in both print and broadcast journalism, including her time in Baltimore, where she covered major issues of national and local importance. Her ability to distill complex information into engaging, accessible narratives has made her a natural fit for events that require nuanced understanding and clear communication. With a background in mass communications from Bowie State University and further studies at the University of Maryland, Karen combines academic knowledge with practical experience to serve as an effective host and communicator.
President and Chief Executive Officer, Obesity Action Coalition
Joseph Nadglowski
President and Chief Executive Officer, Obesity Action Coalition
Joe Nadglowski is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Obesity Action Coalition, a nonprofit organization formed in 2005 dedicated to elevating and empowering individuals affected by obesity through education, advocacy and support. A frequent speaker and author, Mr. Nadglowski is especially passionate about access to obesity treatments, tackling weight bias, and sharing his own experiences with obesity. He has more than 25 years of experience working in patient advocacy, public policy and education. He is a graduate of the University of Florida.
Clinical and Medical Psychologist, and Founder, Health Psychology Partners
Dr. Robyn Pashby
Clinical and Medical Psychologist, and Founder, Health Psychology Partners
Robyn Pashby is a trauma-informed clinical health psychologist who specializes in the psychological aspects of obesity care, anti-obesity medications, and internalized weight bias. She is the founder of Health Psychology Partners, a group health psychology practice based in Washington, D.C. Dr. Pashby serves on the American Diabetes Association’s Obesity & Weight Management Advisory Group and previously served as the Assistant Director and Senior Psychologist at the National Center for Weight and Wellness. Dr. Pashby is on the National Board of Directors of the Obesity Action Coalition and is a research assistant professor of psychology at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine.
11:30 a.m.
Indiana’s Life Sciences Resurgence
U.S. Senator (Indiana)
Sen. Todd Young
U.S. Senator (Indiana)
Senator Todd Young of Indiana is a strong advocate of developing the life sciences in the Hoosier State. In 2022, the CHIPS and Science Act – his landmark legislation to outcompete China and create more high-tech jobs in the Heartland – became law. Vital to America’s economic and national security, the law is bringing semiconductor production back to the United States to shore up our supply chain. Senator Young led a letter sent by all of Indiana’s congressional delegation in support of the state’s application to be named a Regional Technology and Innovation Hub (Tech Hub) known as Heartland BioWorks, which became reality in 2023 and earlier this year led to approximately $51 million in federal funding. Senator Young ran his first campaign for Congress in 2010. He served three terms in the House before running for Senate in 2016. He serves on the U.S. Senate Committees on Finance; Foreign Relations; Commerce, Science & Transportation; and Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
11:45 a.m.
Lunch
12:30 p.m.
Living with Obesity - From the Patient's Point-of-View
Patient Perspectives roundtable
Clinical and Medical Psychologist, and Founder, Health Psychology Partners
Dr. Robyn Pashby
Clinical and Medical Psychologist, and Founder, Health Psychology Partners
Robyn Pashby is a trauma-informed clinical health psychologist who specializes in the psychological aspects of obesity care, anti-obesity medications, and internalized weight bias. She is the founder of Health Psychology Partners, a group health psychology practice based in Washington, D.C. Dr. Pashby serves on the American Diabetes Association’s Obesity & Weight Management Advisory Group and previously served as the Assistant Director and Senior Psychologist at the National Center for Weight and Wellness. Dr. Pashby is on the National Board of Directors of the Obesity Action Coalition and is a research assistant professor of psychology at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine.
1:15 p.m.
The Societal and Human Impacts of Obesity
Panel discussion
WISH-TV Medical Expert, Triple Board Certified Family, Obesity & Lifestyle Medicine Physician
Dr. Janel Gordon - Moderator
WISH-TV Medical Expert, Triple Board Certified Family, Obesity & Lifestyle Medicine Physician
Dr. Janel Gordon is a Triple Board-Certified Family, Obesity & Lifestyle Medicine Physician and WISH-TV medical expert. She is a native of Indianapolis, Indiana, and has worked with individuals from all over the world, exploring how we all uniquely approach health and nutrition. Her work is fueled by lifelong learning, travel and collaboration with colleagues across industries. Dr. Gordon’s driving passion is and always has been improving the health and quality of life for all people–individuals, families and the community, especially those in her home state. Dr. Gordon is a sought-out speaker across multi-media platforms and for live in-person events. As an active community member, she enjoys getting out, speaking with stakeholders, sharing news about upcoming events, business services and products. She hopes to serve as a resource for Indiana residents, sharing in-depth, long-lasting and impactful stories.
Dean and Distinguished Professor, IU School of Public Health
Dr. David Allison
Dean and Distinguished Professor, IU School of Public Health
David B. Allison is Dean, Distinguished Professor, and Provost Professor at Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington and an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine. Dr. Allison has authored or co-authored more than 700 scientific publications. Awards include the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring (2006) from the White House; the Friends of Albert (Mickey) Stunkard Lifetime Achievement Award (The Obesity Society, 2021); and the Harry V. Roberts Statistical Advocate of the Year Award (American Statistical Association, 2018). In 2023, he was elected a Fellow of Sigma Xi, the Scientific Honor Society, and elected as a member of the International Statistical Institute. He also was elected and inducted into the Academy for Health and Lifespan Research, the first global non-profit group focused on accelerating breakthroughs in the expansion of the human health span. Dr. Allison serves as co-chair of the National Academy of Sciences’ Strategic Council on Research Excellence, Integrity and Trust.
Director and Chief Medical Officer, Marion County Public Health Department
Dr. Virginia A. Caine
Director and Chief Medical Officer, Marion County Public Health Department
Virginia A. Caine, M.D., is the Director and Chief Medical Officer of the Marion County Public Health Department. She is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine Infectious Diseases Division. She is a Past President for American Public Health Association. She is the 125th President of the National Medical Association. She is Chair of the IU Clinical and Translational Science Institute External Advisory Board and member of Regenstrief Institute. She is a member of the CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Editorial Board and CDC Board of Scientific Counselors, Deputy Director for Infectious Diseases federal committee. She received the BioCrossroads “2017 August Watanabe Life Sciences Champion of the Year” Award. In 2020, the Indianapolis Business Journal (IBJ) named her as one of 40 Influential People of the past 40 years.
Indiana Health Commissioner
Dr. Lindsay Weaver
Indiana Health Commissioner
Lindsay Weaver was named Indiana State Health Commissioner on June 1, 2023. Dr. Weaver brings to the role a passion for improving the health of Hoosiers through a focus on prevention, data-informed programming, and access to care. Prior to her appointment, she was the chief medical officer for the Indiana Department of Health, where she helped to lead the state’s pandemic response by spearheading the development of the statewide lab testing network to expand COVID-19 testing capacity in Indiana and led the statewide distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics. During her tenure, she provided clinical input and support to all agency divisions and helped lead efforts to transform the delivery of public health services in Indiana. Dr. Weaver is an assistant professor of clinical emergency medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine and practices emergency medicine at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis.
2:00 p.m.
Revolutionizing Treatment: GLP-1s
Panel discussion
Business of Health Reporter, Inside Indiana Business
Kylie Veleta - Moderator
Business of Health Reporter, Inside Indiana Business
Kylie Veleta has been a key voice in Indiana’s life sciences industry since joining Inside INdiana Business in 2008. As the Business of Health reporter for the Emmy award-winning Inside Indiana Business television show, her deep understanding of Indiana's life sciences landscape makes her a vital contributor to the dialogue driving innovation and growth across the sector. Her coverage of the state’s life sciences advancements on the IIB website earned “Best Medical/Science” reporting awards from the Indiana Society of Professional Journalists in 2015, 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2022. Kylie’s journalism career began in television news, where she worked as a reporter in Lexington, Kentucky, Evansville, and Terre Haute, earning an Indiana Associated Press award for her broadcast work. A Summa Cum Laude graduate of Ball State University, Kylie is passionate about sharing the stories of Indiana’s life sciences success. As a trusted storyteller and expert in life sciences, Kylie is honored to be part of the Indiana Life Sciences Summit, helping to highlight the transformative work happening in Indiana's life sciences industry.
Family Medicine Physician, Associate Professor, IU School of Medicine
Dr. James Matthew Andry
Family Medicine Physician, Associate Professor, IU School of Medicine
James Matthew Andry, a recognized leader in the fields of hormone replacement therapy and medical weight management, serves as clinical associate professor of medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine. Dr. Andry is board certified in both family practice and bariatric medicine. He has a private medical practice in Bloomington, Ind., where he provides primary care focusing on hormone replacement therapy, functional medicine, medical weight management, and endocannabinoid health. Dr. Andry is on the board of directors for the American Functional Medicine Association and has been on the board of directors for the American Society of Bariatric Physicians. He has had two health radio programs, is a published researcher in metabolic disease and obesity, and has been a featured guest interview for numerous national publications.
Administrative Director of the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute (IBRI) Diabetes Center
Dr. Robert V. Considine
Administrative Director of the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute (IBRI) Diabetes Center
Robert V. Considine is Associate Director of Indiana University School of Medicine’s NIH-funded Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Disease. He’s also the Administrative Director of the Diabetes Center at the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute where he assists with development of early career investigators. Dr. Considine joined the Division of Endocrinology at IU School of Medicine in 1997. Prior to his appointment, Dr. Considine was on the faculty of the Department of Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, where he completed his doctoral training. Dr. Considine’s research is focused on the contribution of obesity to the development of diabetes and its complications. More recently the Considine lab has focused on effects of bariatric surgery to alter gut hormone release and improve glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity. In collaboration with David Kareken, PhD at IU School of Medicine, Dr. Considine is utilizing neuroimaging techniques to understand the reward system response to food cues in humans.
Distinguished Professor, Indiana University, and Linda & Jack Gill Chair in Biomolecular Science
Dr. Richard DiMarchi
Distinguished Professor, Indiana University, and Linda & Jack Gill Chair in Biomolecular Science
Richard DiMarchi is a Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Gill Chair in Biomolecular Sciences at Indiana University. Professor DiMarchi is a member of the National Academy of Medicine and the National Inventors Hall of Fame. He is a former Group Vice President at Eli Lilly and Company and later at Novo Nordisk. He is recognized for his contributions to the discovery and development of rDNA-derived Humalog®, rGlucagon®, and Forteo®. He is co-inventor on more than 100 U.S. patents and co-author to more than 250 peer-reviewed scientific publications. He was named a top five translation researcher by Nature Biotechnology and, since 2003, he has co-founded eight successful biotech companies. In the last decade Professor DiMarchi has received the Merrifield Award for career contributions in peptide sciences, the German National Erwin Schrödinger-Preis, the Meienhofer Prize, the Max Bergmann Medal, the ACS Alfred Burger career award in medicinal chemistry, and the 2023 AAAS Bhaumik Breakthrough Award for GLP-1 Rx in obesity.
Professor of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Director of Diabetes Clinical Research at the IU Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases at Indiana University
Dr. Viral Shah
Professor of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Director of Diabetes Clinical Research at the IU Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases at Indiana University
Viral Shah is a Professor of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism, and Director of Diabetes Clinical Research at the Indiana University Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases. His research is focused on diabetes technologies and adjunctive therapies in people with type 1 diabetes to improve glycemic outcomes and reduce complications. Dr. Shah has been the principal investigator for more than 30 clinical trials of diabetes technologies and therapeutics and has been part of many landmark research projects that led to FDA approval of newer devices. He is chair of the Diabetes Technology Interest Group at the American Diabetes Association. He is recipient of the prestigious AACE Rising Star in Endocrinology Award (2021), ADA Diabetes Technology Interest Group Award (2022), Diabetes Technology Society Leadership Award (2023) and Mary Tyler Moore and S. Robert Levine, MD Excellence in Clinical Research Award from JDRF (2024). He is Editor-in-Chief for Clinical Diabetology.
3:00 p.m.
The Next Generation
Panel discussion
WISH-TV Medical Expert, Triple Board Certified Family, Obesity & Lifestyle Medicine Physician
Dr. Janel Gordon - Moderator
WISH-TV Medical Expert, Triple Board Certified Family, Obesity & Lifestyle Medicine Physician
Dr. Janel Gordon is a Triple Board-Certified Family, Obesity & Lifestyle Medicine Physician and WISH-TV medical expert. She is a native of Indianapolis, Indiana, and has worked with individuals from all over the world, exploring how we all uniquely approach health and nutrition. Her work is fueled by lifelong learning, travel and collaboration with colleagues across industries. Dr. Gordon’s driving passion is and always has been improving the health and quality of life for all people–individuals, families and the community, especially those in her home state. Dr. Gordon is a sought-out speaker across multi-media platforms and for live in-person events. As an active community member, she enjoys getting out, speaking with stakeholders, sharing news about upcoming events, business services and products. She hopes to serve as a resource for Indiana residents, sharing in-depth, long-lasting and impactful stories.
Sr. Vice President, Discovery & Non-Clinical Development, MBX Biosciences
Dr. Michael A. Dorato
Sr. Vice President, Discovery & Non-Clinical Development, MBX Biosciences
Michael Dorato is Senior Vice President of Discovery and Non-Clinical Development at MBX Biosciences. Dr. Dorato has more than 45 years of experience in pharmacology, toxicology, and drug discovery and development. He spent 30 years at Eli Lilly and Company, retiring as executive director of toxicology. Dr. Dorato has significant experience in the toxicology CRO industry, spending five years at Covance as vice president and CSO of global discovery services, five years at Smithers Avanza as executive vice president toxicology services, and two years at Inotiv as senior vice president of toxicology and pharmacology. Dr. Dorato has led drug development decisions in various phases of pharmaceutical research and development and organizational growth initiatives. Dr. Dorato earned his Ph.D., and MS in pharmacology, and a Bachelor of Sciences in pharmacology, from St. John’s University College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions.
Group Vice President, Diabetes, Obesity & Cardiometabolic Research and Early Clinical Development, Eli Lilly and Company
Dr. Ruth Gimeno
Group Vice President, Diabetes, Obesity & Cardiometabolic Research and Early Clinical Development, Eli Lilly and Company
Ruth Gimeno is Group Vice President for Diabetes, Obesity & Cardiometabolic Research at Eli Lilly and Company. Dr. Gimeno leads research and early clinical development in these areas from project initiation through the end of Phase 2. Under her leadership, Lilly has built a strong early-phase pipeline and advanced several innovative molecules into Phase 3 and to the market – including tirzepatide, a first-in-class GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Dr. Gimeno was a staff scientist at Millennium Pharmaceuticals and led research teams focused on metabolic disease drug discovery at Wyeth and Pfizer before joining Lilly in in 2011. Dr. Gimeno received undergraduate training in medicine at the Julius-Maximilians-University in Würzburg, Germany, and obtained a Ph.D. in Biology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dr. Gimeno is on the board of Biocrossroads along with several scientific advisory boards. In 2022, Dr. Gimeno was named one of the Top 20 women leading biopharma R&D by Endpoints News.
CEO, Adipo Therapeutics
Karen Wurster
CEO, Adipo Therapeutics
Karen Wurster is Chief Executive Officer at Indianapolis-based Adipo Therapeutics, which is developing a potential first-in-class treatment to provide healthy weight loss by increasing energy expenditure. Ms. Wurster is an experienced pharmaceutical executive with more than 30 years of experience developing, launching and commercializing pharmaceutical products for the global market including the launch of multiple blockbusters and first-in-class treatments for type 2 diabetes. At Adipo, she has leveraged her experience to recruit and lead a cross-functional team, raise more than $4 million in seed funding, and drive product development. She has a B.S. in biochemistry from Indiana University and an M.B.A. from the IU Kelley School of Business.
3:45 p.m.
The Case for Treatment, Investment & Reimbursement
Closing remarks
President and Chief Executive Officer, Obesity Action Coalition
Joseph Nadglowski
President and Chief Executive Officer, Obesity Action Coalition
Joe Nadglowski is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Obesity Action Coalition, a nonprofit organization formed in 2005 dedicated to elevating and empowering individuals affected by obesity through education, advocacy and support. A frequent speaker and author, Mr. Nadglowski is especially passionate about access to obesity treatments, tackling weight bias, and sharing his own experiences with obesity. He has more than 25 years of experience working in patient advocacy, public policy and education. He is a graduate of the University of Florida.
4:00 p.m.
Watanabe Award Presentation
Presentation of the annual Watanabe Life Sciences Champion of the Year Award
4:10 p.m.
Event Conclusion
4:15 p.m.
Networking and Cocktail Hour
Become a Sponsor
The annual BioCrossroads Life Sciences Summit, offers a wide range of sponsorship opportunities. To request a sponsorship prospectus or to discuss a sponsorship level that fits your organization's needs, please contact BioCrossroads.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Registration fees vary based on ticket type and registration period. Detailed information about each ticket type and associated benefits is available above on this page. Early bird ticket pricing expires on August 30, 2024.
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BioCrossroads welcomes new sponsorships for the annual Summit. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, benefits, and support levels, please visit the Sponsors page and complete the sponsorship interest form.
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We recommend bringing business cards, a notebook, a pen, and any personal items you may need throughout the day.
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Yes, breakfast will be available before the program, beginning at 9 a.m. Lunch and light refreshments will also be provided. Please specify any dietary restrictions during registration to ensure your needs are accommodated.
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No, this event will not stream live; however, a full video recap of the Summit will be available on BioCrossroads.com following the event.
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Please contact BioCrossroads Director of Communications Amanda Decker at adecker@biocrossroads.com with any questions regarding the annual BioCrossroads Life Sciences Summit.