Biotech Showcase Conference: Notes from the Floor, Day One

At  the first day (January 8) of the Biotech Showcase conference in San Francisco, the Investing News Network (INN) was on the floor of the show to gather insight from industry enthusiasts that discussed various aspects of the healthcare investment world.
Some of the panel discussions and presentations from day one include: a panel discussion on gene therapies, company presentations from industry leaders in the space, a panel discussion on the role of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and a  panel of analysts and investors giving predictions for 2018.
If you missed the show–don’t worry. Here INN offers investors a quick look at some of the highlights of the first day.

Next company prevention is on $VKTX pic.twitter.com/vdwQFmeEE1

— INN Life Science (@INN_LifeScience) January 8, 2018

$VKTX starts with in-depth look at their portfolio of candidates. Two phase 2 programs and then orphan candidates. Most advanced program is VK5211 for hip fracture

— INN Life Science (@INN_LifeScience) January 8, 2018

Most recent data on VK5211 from $VKTX shows positive results and improvement in body mass. Stock has been on the rise thanks to data from this study

— INN Life Science (@INN_LifeScience) January 8, 2018

After a daunting summer 2017, Eiger’s share price has been on the rise, with a one year increase of 11.3 percent, whereas Viking has seen an exponential increase of 303.17 percent. On Monday, the company closed the trading day with its shares priced at $5.08 per piece.
At a panel discussing the evolving role of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Dr. Gayatri Gao, outgoing director for the office of orphan drug products development at the regulatory agency, talked about the conversation on a potential abuse of the orphan drug act.

One of the big panels of the day #BTS18 “The impact of new leadership and new initiatives at FDA” Panelists include Dr. Gayatri Rao.

— Bryan Mc Govern @ BTS18 (@McGbryan) January 8, 2018

At FDA panel, Nancy Bradish Myers, consultant for companies, says now is a key time for companies to engage the FDA since the agency has been communicating more than ever. #BTS18

— INN Life Science (@INN_LifeScience) January 9, 2018

The panel of FDA experts took a closer look at some of the changes brought forth by its new leadership and the potential of change coming directly from the White House.
To close the day, INN covered a panel of analysts and investors on their predictions for the new year. Among the highlights of the panel included the flattering remarks for the mid to small market cap biotech sectors.

Kris Jenner partner at Rock Springs Capital says if you’re going to invest in biotech “you have to have some level of optimism.” #BTS18

— INN Life Science (@INN_LifeScience) January 9, 2018

Jenner also suggests there could be less optimism for large cap biotech. Where mid to small shows more promise and there are reasons to be optimistic. #BTS18

— INN Life Science (@INN_LifeScience) January 9, 2018

Jenner also suggests there could be less optimism for large cap biotech. Where mid to small shows more promise and there are reasons to be optimistic. #BTS18

— INN Life Science (@INN_LifeScience) January 9, 2018

John Nolan, managing director with WBB Asset Management said he thinks these smaller companies are the major drivers in the space. The panel also discussed the potential for I/O (immuno oncology) fatigue and the benefits tax reform will have in the business of biotech.
Stay tuned for our additional coverage on the Biotech Showcase conference, where we will post information on the various panels and the work of presenting public companies. Follow us on Twitter at @INN_LifeScience for more photos from the show floor.
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_LifeScience  for real-time news updates.

Securities Disclosure: I, Bryan Mc Govern, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.