What: On March 12, the MIT Enterprise Forum of Cambridge will feature a keynote address by Dr. George Whitesides, life sciences pioneer, successful entrepreneur and currently the Woodford L. and Ann A. Flowers University Professor at Harvard University. Dr. Whitesides' presentation will be followed by a panel discussion with experts in life sciences, focusing on the challenges of collaborating on product development and commercializing technology. Dr. Whitesides is a co-founder of Genzyme and other companies whose combined market capitalization exceeds $20 billion. He has held advisory positions on the National Research Council, National Science Foundation and the Department of Defense's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Following Dr. Whitesides' presentation, Stephen A. Bollinger, president and COO of Pervasis Therapeutics, will present a case study on his company, whose flagship product, Vascugel®, is an allogeneic cell therapy product that restores natural repair and regeneration pathways in the vasculature. A panel made up of Dr. Ajan Reginald of F. Hoffmann-La Roche and Dr. Harlan Weisman of Johnson & Johnson will discuss the challenges of bringing the cultures and knowledge bases of the pharma, biologics, medical devices and cell therapy markets together to more effectively develop products and establish partnerships. Dr. Doug Levinson, a partner at Flagship Ventures, will serve as moderator. Keynote Speaker: Dr. Whitesides joined Harvard's department of chemistry in 1982 and served as department chairman from 1986 to 1989. Prior to joining Harvard, he was a member of the faculty of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology from 1963 to 1982. His present research interests include materials science, biophysics, surface science, polyvalency, microfluidics, optics, self-assembly, microfabrication, nanotechnology and cell surface biochemistry. Other Speakers: Dr. Ajan Reginald is global head of emerging technologies in the Roche Research Group of F. Hoffmann-La Roche. Dr. Reginald's group looks to identify the next generation of key biopharma and diagnostics technologies. Dr. Reginald joined Roche in 2005 as the business development director of mergers and acquisitions for Roche Pharma. Previously, Dr. Reginald founded Cosmetic Healthcare Group (CHG), which he later sold. He was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship for the MBA at Kellogg, Northwestern University, where he completed his Ph.D. in 2006. Dr. Harlan Weisman is chief science and technology officer in the device and diagnostic unit of Johnson & Johnson. Dr. Weisman is a member of the Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices & Diagnostics Group Operating Committee (GOC) and supports the GOC in steering its scientific and technical agenda, leading its investments and sponsoring its research and development agenda. Previously, Dr. Weisman was assistant professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Dr. Doug Levinson is a partner at Flagship Ventures and focuses on investments in early-stage companies in the biotech industry. He is currently a director of T2 Biosystems after serving as founding CEO, and is on the Board of Resolvyx. When: Wednesday, March 12, 2008 Networking: 5:30 p.m. Program: 6:15-8:00 p.m. Reception: 8:00-9:00 p.m. Where: Stata Center (Bldg. 32), Kirsch Auditorium, 32 Vassar St., Cambridge Sponsor: Foley Hoag LLP Registration and information: http://www.mitforumcambridge.org/mar08.html Forum members: $20; Non-members: $30; Students from all universities, free with college ID.
Contact Information: MIT ENTERPRISE FORUM OF CAMBRIDGE CONTACT: Regina Smith MIT Enterprise Forum of Cambridge 617-253-3937 PRESS CONTACT: Brad Baker (for MIT Enterprise Forum) CHEN PR, Inc. 781-672-3118