Michael Rice, SVP, Head of Advanced Therapeutics, Lumanity (Moderator)
Mike leads Lumanity’s Advanced Therapies and Rare Diseases practices, focusing on platform technologies for genetically defined and polygenic diseases. He co-heads hematologic oncology and Cardiometabolics practices with 25+ years of biotech experience, shaping strategy in gene therapy and cellular platforms. A co-inventor of non-nuclease gene editing technology, Mike holds an MBA in Biotechnology from the University of Delaware, an MS in Molecular Pharmacology, and a BS in Biology. He is a member of ASGCT, ARM, SITC, ASCO, and ASH.

Laura Blumberg, Senior Director, External Innovation, Biogen
Laura Blumberg has over 25 years of experience in Search and Evaluation, Business Development, and Drug Discovery in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. After earning her Ph.D. in organic chemistry, she began her career at Pfizer as a medicinal chemist, contributing to drug discovery in Immunology, Oncology, and CNS. She later joined Alkermes, where she led CNS medicinal chemistry before transitioning to Business Development. Since 2021, Laura has been part of Biogen’s External Innovation group, focusing on platform technologies and opportunities in Neuromuscular Diseases.

Lianna R. Orlando, VP of Research, Partner, CureDuchenne Ventures
Lianna Orlando, PhD, is Vice President of Research at CureDuchenne and a Partner at CureDuchenne Ventures, where she drives strategic investments for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy treatments. Previously, she managed research grants and venture philanthropy at the Muscular Dystrophy Association and Fidelity Biosciences Research Initiative. A former junior faculty member at Massachusetts General Hospital, she holds a PhD in Neurobiology and a special fellowship master’s from Harvard. Lianna also holds dual B.S. degrees in Chemistry and Magazine Journalism from Syracuse University and has taught at Harvard and worked as a freelance science writer.

Chris Garabedian, CEO Xontogeny and Portfolio Manager, PXV Fund
Chris Garabedian founded Xontogeny in 2016 to support early-stage technologies through clinical proof of concept. As Portfolio Manager of the Perceptive Xontogeny Ventures Fund, he oversees Series A investments across biotech, medtech, and healthtech. Previously, Chris was President and CEO of Sarepta Therapeutics, where he led the development of its Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy program. He also held leadership roles at Celgene and Gilead. Chris serves on several life sciences boards and is a frequent industry speaker. He holds advisory roles, including on the Corporate Relations Board for Keck Graduate Institute.

Lizzie Ngo, Principal, Longwood Fund
Dr. Lizzie Ngo is a Principal at Longwood Fund, where she helps create and support portfolio companies, including founding roles at Weaver Biosciences and Photys Therapeutics. Previously, she was an Associate at Flagship Pioneering and co-founded ventures like FL71 and FL74. Dr. Ngo earned her PhD in Biological Engineering from MIT, where she developed high-throughput assays to assess cancer susceptibility. Her work led to several publications, a pending patent, and numerous awards. She holds a B.A. in Genetics with a minor in Mathematics from Rutgers University, graduating summa cum laude as the top student in her class.

Beth Seidenberg, Co-founding Managing Director, Westlake Village BioPartners
Dr. Beth Seidenberg, co-founding managing director of Westlake Village BioPartners and general partner at Kleiner Perkins, has incubated and invested in over 40 biotech ventures, including ARMO Biosciences and Livongo Health. Her focus is on transforming biotech innovation into products that improve human health. With 25+ years of experience, Seidenberg has developed treatments for AIDS, cancer, and chronic diseases. A recognized leader, she received the 2022 Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association “Woman of the Year” Award. Seidenberg holds a BA in biology and anthropology and an MD from the University of Miami School of Medicine.

Arjen Lemmon, Corporate Development and Strategy, Argenx
Arjen Lemmen is the Vice President of Corporate Development & Strategy at argenx, where he has played a key role since 2016. He has led successful transactions, including key initiatives within the Immunology Innovation Program and a strategic collaboration with Janssen for cusatuzumab. Prior to argenx, Arjen worked as a corporate finance specialist at Kempen & Co, focusing on M&A, Equity Capital Markets, and strategic advisory in the European life sciences sector. He holds a B.Sc. in Life Science & Technology from the University of Groningen and a Master of Engineering Management from Duke University.