The Most Powerful Force in the World (Takeaways from BIO 2024)

During his fireside chat with BIO President and CEO John Crowley at #BIO2024, Four-Star Admiral Bill McRaven stated, “Hope is the most powerful force in the world.” It was a theme that carried over throughout the BIO International Convention in San Diego, California.

MWW Health was onsite during the annual conference which brings together nearly 20,000 people from 70 countries to support the organization which hosts the industry’s largest and most influential event. We immersed ourselves in the important conversations surrounding the biotech industry, from the science, to the business, to the regulation. We heard from leading voices on the power and promise of biotech and we heard from patients about the challenges they face in finding treatments for their specific needs.

For example, David Fajgenbaum, MD, shared his inspiring story of overcoming Castleman’s disease and his mission to find new treatment options using existing approved drugs. Patient advocates addressed unintended regulatory consequences that were impacting patients and their caregivers.

Jason Kelly, Ph.D., Ginkgo Bioworks CEO and Chair of the US National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, stated that biotechnology is more important than information technology (IT). IT moves bits, whereas biotechnology moves atoms. During a panel discussion with the Commission, it was reiterated that a strong biotech sector is a prepared biotech sector.

Varda Space Industries presented on its unique technology, which leverages microgravity in the creation of materials. Microgravity eliminates buoyancy, natural convection and sedimentation, leading to improvements in the production of existing drugs proving that space may be untapped resource in the industry’s supply chain.

From patient needs to biosecurity to space technology, it was clear that every aspect of this industry is driven by the desire to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges and the hope of alleviating human suffering. It’s true what they said, what happens at BIO changes the world. While we may not be the ones making these breakthroughs, we feel incredibly fortunate to share these stories through strategic communications.

We would love to help bring your breakthroughs to life. Please reach out to learn more about our healthcare and life sciences practice: