NPC Heads to BIO 2026

Monday, June 22, 2026 | 4:15 PM - 5:15 PM

Breakout Session: Investment, Innovation, and the Business Risk of Policy 

There’s no question that drug development is a risky endeavor with scientific, clinical, and commercial risk. Patients and society value advances in science that help people get well, stay healthy, and avoid more costly or burdensome settings of care. Policy choices have consequences, and they can either encourage innovation in tomorrow’s cures, or signal a belief that "we don't need any new treatments" and incentivize capital to invest elsewhere. The United States has been the world leader in innovation – but that isn’t an inalienable right. Session speakers will look to answer the following questions: What does the latest research reveal about the impact U.S. policies like the Inflation Reduction Act have on investors? What can we learn from the impact of past policy choices in Europe or China? What should U.S. leaders and policymakers know now?

Moderator: Max Bayer, Reporter, Endpoints News

Speakers:

• Will Canestaro, PhD, MSc, Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Operating Officer, Accipiter Biosciences
   
• Kurt von Emster, Managing Partner, Abingworth
   
• John M. O'Brien, PharmD, MPH, President & CEO, National Pharmaceutical Council

Tuesday, June 23, 2026 | 4:15 PM - 5:15 PM

Breakout Session: Patient Access Barriers: Today's Challenges, Tomorrow's Cures, Yesterday's Reimbursement

We are living in a golden age of biopharmaceutical innovation. Yet, too often, patients face barriers between them and the appropriate treatment they need across various cost-shifting programs. Payers often focus on drugs to manage healthcare costs, implementing programs such as copay accumulators, maximizers, and alternative funding programs. However, research shows that these are negatively impacting patient access and health. During this session, panelists will answer questions as to why the prevalence of high deductibles and patient cost-sharing is increasing, how high cost-sharing can negatively affect patient adherence, and what policies and/or regulations should be considered to protect patient access.

Moderator: Katie Chandra, MA, Senior Director, U.S. Policy & Evidence, Genentech

Speakers:

• Kim Czubaruk, JD, Vice President of Policy, CancerCare
   
• John M. O'Brien, PharmD, MPH, President & CEO, National Pharmaceutical Council
   
• Randall L. Rutta, CEO, National Health Council
   
• Carl Schmid, Executive Director, HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute

Tuesday, June 23, 2026 | 4:15 – 5:15 PM PT

Breakout Session: R&D for Rare Diseases Is Growing: How Will Policy Developments Impact the Future Landscape?

The landmark ORPHAN Cures Act has catalyzed investment in rare disease research since its passage last year, bringing hope to millions of patients and their families. Early data demonstrates renewed progress across the rare disease ecosystem—from accelerated drug development timelines to expanded clinical trial networks. However, a dynamic policy environment now threatens to undermine this critical momentum. This session presents new data on rare disease investment impact through perspectives from researchers that are advancing breakthrough therapies, private equity investors, policy leaders, and patients experiencing transformed access to treatments. We'll examine what's at stake and why is it is essential to preserve the policy gains that are driving meaningful progress for rare disease communities.

Moderator: Nyah Phengsitthy, Reporter, Bloomberg Law

Speakers:

• Pam Andrews, Co-Founder & Executive Director, Firefly Fund
   
• Jon Campbell, MS, PhD, Chief Science Officer, National Pharmaceutical Council
   
• John Guy, Policy Director, Incubate Coalition
   
• Nina Shah, MD, Global Head of Multiple Myeloma Clinical Development and Strategy, AstraZeneca