Join WIB-Metro New York and WIB-Philadelphia Metro for an engaging panel exploring how life science companies can strategically conserve capital and access critical resources in today’s constrained funding environment. Industry leaders across the life science ecosystem will share practical insights on cost-saving strategies, funding pathways, and operational efficiencies that support sustainable growth. Connect with professionals from across the region while enjoying opportunities to network over drinks and light bites.

Program

5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.  Check-In and Networking 
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.  Panel Discussion 
7:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.  Networking and Departure

Speaker Bios

Ami Bavishi, Managing Director at Gilmartin Group, Moderator

Ami has over 15 years of biotech investor relations experience through both agency and corporate roles. Prior to joining Gilmartin, Ami was the Executive Director of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications at Rallybio. Before that, Ami was the Director of Investor Relations at Aerie Pharmaceuticals. Ami spent the majority of her career in roles of increasing responsibility at Burns McClellan, a New York-based life science IR and PR firm, where she developed and managed public company IR programs for various biotechnology and specialty pharmaceutical clients, as well as oversaw several of the firm’s investor days. Outside of IR, Ami also spent a year in business development with UK Trade and Investment, where she was responsible for assisting US-based biotechnology and medical device companies understand the business opportunities that exist in the United Kingdom. Ami has a Masters in Public Health from George Washington University and bachelor’s in biology from Duquesne University.

Gail Feltham, Former Director of Life Sciences at New Jersey Economic Development Authority

Gail has worked in life sciences her entire career beginning as a pharmaceutical representative to leading the marketing efforts for early startups to commercial companies. She is the former Director of Life Sciences for the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA). At the NJEDA, Gail spearheaded initiatives for legacy life science, mid-level and start-ups companies, ensuring that they leverage all of the funding that they were eligible to receive. Gail has mentored, provided commercial strategy and fundraising for start-ups through her company Shore Strategies Life Sciences. Throughout her career, Gail has managed programs with some of the most renowned thought leaders in anesthesiology, cardiology, diabetes and oncology. 

Jess Hawthorne, Director of Centers of Innovation Initiative at CSC Leasing

Jess works with early stage and emerging growth organizations in a variety of industries to design tailored, flexible financing strategies. By introducing non-dilutive equipment leasing solutions, he helps companies procure technology and other mission-critical equipment without the burden of owning expensive and depreciating assets. Jess is also responsible for the Centers of Innovation Initiative at CSC Leasing where he partners with accelerators, incubators and trade organizations throughout the country to provide resources for the community. 

Jeffrey Nau, PhD, MMS, President & CEO of Aviceda Therapeutics

Jeffrey has over 20 years of experience in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, with a career dedicated to ophthalmology and the treatment of retinal diseases. Prior to joining Aviceda, Dr. Nau served as the Chief Operating Officer of Kalaris Therapeutics, where he played a key role in defining the company’s operational and strategic direction and oversaw its merger with Allovir, Inc. Previously, he was CEO of Oyster Point Pharma, where he led the company through its $92 million initial public offering in 2019, raised over $200 million in public capital, and managed multiple value-generating business development deals, including the company’s acquisition by Viatris in 2023. During his tenure, he was responsible for the development and commercial launch of TYRVAYA® (varenicline solution), the first and only FDA-approved nasal spray approved for the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease. He also led the out-licensing of the company’s lead asset in Greater China in a $200 million+ deal. Earlier in his career, Dr. Nau held leadership positions at Genentech, a subsidiary of Roche, where he contributed to the development and launch of multiple indications for Lucentis® , a therapy that revolutionized the treatment of blindness and achieved global peak sales exceeding $4.3 billion. He has also held roles at several other biotech companies focused on ophthalmology, including NeoVista, Acuity Pharmaceuticals, and Genaera Corporation. While at these companies, Dr. Nau led the development of several transformative therapies in eye care and helped raise over $400 million in private equity for multiple early-stage ventures. Dr. Nau is an inventor on multiple patents and has authored numerous peer reviewed publications. Dr. Nau holds a PhD in public health and epidemiology from Walden University, a Master of Medical Science from MCP Hahnemann College of Medicine, and a bachelor’s in biology from Stony Brook University.

Pricing Information

• Members: Free
• Non-members*: Free

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Maximum Capacity

200