The therapeutics landscape is undergoing a fundamental transformation. Advances in AI-enabled drug discovery, organ-on-chip and other non-animal models, cell and gene therapies, precision medicine, and novel clinical trial approaches are changing how therapies are discovered and developed. At the same time, evolving regulatory expectations, a more selective investment environment, shifts in federal research funding, and growing pressure around the cost and accessibility of new medicines are reshaping what it takes to move an innovation from the laboratory to the patient.

At Women In Bio Pittsburgh’s P.O.W.E.R. event, leaders from across the life sciences ecosystem will explore these changes and, importantly, what they mean for Pittsburgh and how Pittsburgh can leverage its assets to translate its research into therapies, companies, investment, and ultimately patient impact.

Note: Each ticket includes heavy appetizers and two drink tickets.

Speaker Bios

Laura E. Benjamin, PhD, CEO of Myris Therapeutics

Laura has a PhD from the University of Pennsylvania and was an Associate Professor of Pathology at Harvard Medical School. She held leadership roles with Elli Lilly and was CEO of OncXerna, which led to a successful exit. She is an experienced cancer and vascular biology researcher with a passion for improving patients’ lives through innovative drug discovery and development

Alicia Palladino, JD, PhD, Partner at Goodwin

Alicia is a partner in Goodwin’s Life Sciences IP Transactions and Strategies (IPTS) Patent Group and is deeply passionate about her clients’ technologies. She emphasizes the importance of partnering with startups early in their journey when establishing and preserving the value of their assets is critical. With a PhD in biomedical science, Alicia leverages her expertise in molecular biology, genetics, cell and gene therapies to help build a robust patent estate with lasting exclusivity. She has guided clients through due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, financing, and IPOs, serving a diverse clientele that includes pharmaceutical companies and pre-clinical and clinical-stage life sciences companies. Alicia collaborates closely with emerging growth companies, advising on life cycle management, regulatory compliance, market exclusivity, and trade secrets to maximize asset value. She also assists with patent term extensions and Orange Book listings, counsels on non-disclosure, consulting, licensing, collaboration and joint venture agreements, prepares and files patent applications, and secures patents across various products, including pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, diagnostics, and biologics. As an IP attorney, Alicia advises on IP strategy, conducts internal due diligence reviews for pharmaceutical and medical device companies, and drafts agreements to ensure robust IP protection for smoother fundraising processes. Recognized as a Rising Star in IP by Managing IP for four consecutive years, 2022-2025, this list recognizes the best up-and-coming intellectual property practitioners in private practice who have made significant contributions to the success of their firm and clients over the last year. She was also recently named by Legal 500 US a Recommended Lawyer in Patents: Prosecution for 2024, based on comprehensive research and feedback from clients and peers, highlighting her national presence and expertise in handling complex IP matters.

Karin Potoka, MD, FAA, Chief Medical Officer of Noveome Biotherapeutics

Dr. Potoka is a neonatologist and Chief Medical Officer of Noveome Biotherapeutics. She earned her medical degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. She completed her residency in General Pediatrics and fellowship in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. She has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, also from the University of Pittsburgh. During her fellowship and following completion of her training, she joined the Vascular Medicine Institute at the University of Pittsburgh, under the mentorship of Mark Gladwin, MD. There she was active in translational research in vascular molecular biology. Her scientific focus was on the use of small molecules to treat Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Sickle Cell Disease. Dr. Potoka is currently a clinical assistant professor of Pediatrics at Northeast Ohio Medical University and attending Neonatologist at Akron Children’s Hospital of Mahoning Valley. Prior to joining Akron Children’s, Dr. Potoka was an attending Neonatologist at UPMC Children’s Hospital, where she was the Director of Neonatal Pulmonary Hypertension and was involved in various neonatal clinical trials.

Pricing Information

• Members/Guests: $25
• Student Member: $10
• Non-members*: $40

*Not a Member? Click here to purchase a WIB membership and gain access to our video library, mentorship opportunities, and more.  

Please read WIB's Code of Conduct and Refund Policy.

Note: A confirmation email will be sent after registration has been completed. 

Maximum Capacity

150

Parking Information

Free parking is available on-site in the lot after 5:00 p.m.