The biotech sector had a banner year in 2013. We watched the sector soar to record highs, with shares of 81 biotech stocks more than double and 52 biotech companies go public (9 of them from Boston). The latest class of public biotech companies was the largest in the last decade. We also watched large biotech companies acquire 20 smaller companies for their drugs – an aggregated value of over 1 billion dollars. The FDA got in on the action, approving 39 new drugs in 2012 (a 15 year high) and fast-tracking many others. With promises of improving the healthcare system, controlling diseases, and personalizing medical assessments and treatments, biotech companies are in a position to create lasting and pivotal changes in many facets of people’s lives.

Over the last year, however, the number of drug approvals dropped from 39 to 27. FDA-rejection of high profile drugs by Aveo Pharmaceuticals, Ariad Pharmaceuticals, and Genzyme has further instilled doubts in investors and the general public. Cycles of boom and bust in recent decades in industries such as telecom, IT, real estate, and biotech itself leave an ominous trail for those bold enough to embark. Is the current biotech boom we’re in more sustainable, and what is the outlook for 2014 and beyond? What are investors and biotech companies – both large and small – doing to avoid the pitfalls and maintain a lasting impact in the field? What can young entrepreneurs learn from the current biotech boom to launch their own successful start-ups?

OBR-Boston’s launch event examines the state of Boston’s biotech industry from the perspective and view of leading biotech experts. It brings together industry leaders, successful start-ups, and entrepreneurial academics in a panel discussion of the important issues in biotech right now. This interactive session gives students, postdoctoral researchers, and young professionals a chance to participate in the exciting conversation. Join us as we discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Boston’s biotechnology ecosystem, and how we can determine the future of our industry.

6:00pm – 6:30pm Registration
6:30pm – 6:40pm Welcome & Introductions
6:40pm – 7:00pm Speaker: Boston Biotech Overview (Peter Abair, MassBio)
7:00pm – 8:00pm Panel Discussion
8:00pm – 9:00pm Networking Reception & Food