A Crucial Conversation Surrounding Indiana's Impact on Global Health

The 2024 BioCrossroads Life Sciences Summit featured 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 served as a platform for highlighting 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.

Event Recap

Transforming Healthcare: Indiana's Role in Revolutionizing Diabetes and Obesity Management

See highlights and hear insights from panelists, speakers, and attendees of the 2024 BioCrossroads Life Sciences Summit.

Welcome

Vince Wong, President and CEO of BioCrossroads, opens the 2024 Indiana Life Sciences Summit with insights into Indiana's pivotal role in advancing life sciences.

Opening Remarks

Eli Lilly and Company has been at the forefront of the obesity and diabetes care movement, making a record-breaking investment in Indiana and in our life sciences ecosystem. During opening remarks, Patrik Jonsson looks at the impact of GLP-1 therapies and the trajectory of diabetes and obesity treatment.

• Patrik Jonsson, President, Lilly Cardiometabolic Health; President, Lilly USA

Keynote Address

Dr. Richard DiMarchi, whose groundbreaking research has significantly transformed our understanding of and approach to metabolic conditions, shares the history of diabetes and obesity research and how it has been pivotal to these advancements.

• Dr. Richard DiMarchi, Distinguished Professor, Indiana University; Linda & Jack Gill Chair in Biomolecular Science

Fireside Chat: An Evolution from Stigma to Disease

Obesity is a complex disease but significant strides are being made to shift the narrative. In this fireside chat, panelists discuss the shifting view of obesity from stigmatized condition to recognizing this condition as a complex disease – and what this means for patients, healthcare providers, and society.

Moderator

• Karen Campbell, WTHR Anchor and Reporter

Panelists

• Dr. Robyn Pashby, Director, Health Psychology Partners, Washington, D.C
  

• Joe Nadglowski, CEO, Obesity Action Coalition

Indiana’s Life Sciences Resurgence: Remarks by Senator Todd Young

Senator Todd Young has been a driving force in advancing Indiana’s life sciences sector. From his landmark CHIPS and Science Act in 2022 to securing $51 million for Heartland Bioworks Tech Hub this year, he’s paving the way for innovation in biotechnology and more. Discover how Indiana continues to grow into a hub for life sciences innovation.

• U.S. Sen. Todd Young, Indiana

Patient Perspective: Living with Obesity

Medical innovation comes alive when people tell their stories. On November 7, we will be joined by three Hoosiers who have lived with obesity and found solutions that work for them. We are honored to hear about their personal journeys and what innovators should know about obesity.

Moderator:

• Dr. Robyn Pashby, Director, Health Psychology Partners, Washington, D.C

Panelists:

• Brad Gillum, Carmel
• Kelly Roby, Bloomington
• Brett Voorhies, Speedway

The Societal and Human Impacts of Obesity

Obesity has a significant impact on society. People who are overweight are more likely to have high blood pressure, high levels of blood fats, diabetes and LDL cholesterol – all risk factors for heart disease and stroke. And childhood obesity is associated with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and bullying.

Three Indiana leaders discuss these and related issues during our panel on the societal and human impacts of living with obesity.

Moderator:

• Dr. Janel Gordon, WISH-TV Medical Expert

Panelists:

• Dr. David Allison, Dean, School of Public Health, IU School of Medicine
• Dr. Virginia Caine, Director, Marion County Health Department, 125th President of the National Medical Association
• Dr. Lindsay Weaver, Indiana Health Commissioner

Revolutionizing Treatment - GLP-1s

GLP-1s have had an historical effect on obesity and changed the way doctors treat the disease. Four Indiana researchers and physicians talk about the real-world implications of GLP-1s and share their experiences and their perspectives on these treatments.

Moderator:

• Kylie Veleta, Inside Indiana Business

Panelists:

• Dr. James Andry, Family Medicine Physician, Associate Professor, IU School of Medicine
• Dr. Robert Considine, Administrative Director, Indiana Biosciences Research Institute (IBRI) Diabetes Center
• Dr. Richard DiMarchi, Distinguished Professor, Indiana University; Linda & Jack Gill Chair in Biomolecular Science
• Dr. Viral Shah, Director of Diabetes Clinical Research at the IU Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases at Indiana University

The Next Generation of Treatment

GLP-1s are a game-changer – but not the end of the game. In fact, several Hoosier life sciences companies are working to find the next advancement in the treatment of diabetes and obesity. This panel discussion features three industry leaders, ach whose company is part of the race to find an even better solution for people who need help.

Moderator:

• Dr. Janel Gordon, WISH-TV Medical Expert

Panelists:

• Dr. Michael Dorato, Sr. Vice President, Discovery & Non-Clinical Development, MBX Biosciences
• Dr. Ruth Gimeno, Group VP, Diabetes, Obesity & Cardiometabolic Research and Early Clinical Development, Eli Lilly and Company
• Karen Wurster, CEO, Adipo Therapeutics

Concluding Thoughts: The Case for Treatment and Reimbursement

Joe Nadglowski concludes the Summit with a call to action for better access, investment, and reimbursement strategies for obesity care.

• Joe Nadglowski, CEO, Obesity Action Coalition

Presentation of the August M. Watanabe Life Sciences Champion of the Year Award

BioCrossroads President and CEO Vince Wong presents the 2024 August (Gus) M. Watanabe Life Sciences Champion of the Year Award to Eli Lilly and Company CEO Dave Ricks, with the award accepted on Dave's behalf by his Lilly colleague and Summit panelist, Dr. Ruth Gimeno.

See photos from the 2024 BioCrossroads Life Sciences Summit