How Artificial Intelligence (AI) is Transforming Early-Stage Biotech Partnerships & Drug Discovery

February 11, 2020 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

MassBio, 300 Technology Square 8th Fl, Cambridge, MA 02139

Add to Calendar 2/11/2020 8:00:00 AM 2/11/2020 10:00:00 AM How Artificial Intelligence (AI) is Transforming Early-Stage Biotech Partnerships & Drug Discovery

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are rapidly transforming industries, from autonomous cars, to logistics, to technology – and now biotechnology. Excitement about AI and ML driven solutions for accelerated drug discovery, drug development, and drug data analysis, among others, is growing steadily in biopharma. From the discovery cycle to becoming exponentially accelerated, to the revelation of undruggable targets becoming new realities, to the rapid prototyping of new designs and mechanisms of action, to the use of AI and ML in clinical applications and patient population selection, it is clear and palpable that Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are radically re-inventing all aspects of the biotechnology R&D spectrum.

Recently, there has been a surge in R&D collaborations between key biopharma players and AI-driven companies, primarily emerging drug development companies, as well as venture investment in the AI-related biotech area. With this rapidly growing interest in AI and ML comes questions about how emerging companies can best prepare themselves to succeed.

A panel of successful entrepreneurs and experts will discuss various topics, ranging from company launch, strategic alliances, securing investments, and protecting AI-based IP in strategic partnerships with AI companies. During this session, experts in AI and emerging companies will weigh in on the protection, licensing, and data-valuing of AI and Machine Learning innovations, from patent prosecution, to strategic licensing, to alliances, financing and acquisition transactions.

MassBio, 300 Technology Square 8th Fl, Cambridge, MA 02139
Co-Founder Cellarity and Senior Associate, Flagship Pioneering
Nick Plugis, Ph.D., is a life sciences entrepreneur and Senior Associate at Flagship Pioneering. At Flagship, Nick explores unappreciated biological mechanisms and innovative new biotechnologies. Working on a Flagship Labs team, he develops the science, intellectual property and business strategy that form the foundation of breakthrough startups. His efforts have led to the origination of several Flagship Labs companies, including Ring Therapeutics, Cellarity and FL50. At Cellarity, Nick drives and catalyzes innovation at the intersections of technology, artificial intelligence, biology and chemistry. Before joining Flagship Pioneering, Nick completed his doctorate in chemistry in Chaitan Khosla’s lab at Stanford University, developing and utilizing chemical biology tools to investigate the molecular pathophysiology of celiac disease. During his graduate studies, Nick completed the Stanford Ignite Program at the Graduate School of Business. Nick was also vice president of SCIMALS, a non-profit organization that provides scientific and market due diligence to early-stage life science investors and aspiring entrepreneurs. Nick holds a Ph.D. in chemistry from Stanford University and a B.A. in both chemistry and economics from Middlebury College.