Dr. Jim Wilson At LSPA's Life Sciences Future Conference

By Erin Harris, Editor-In-Chief, Cell & Gene
Follow Me On Twitter @ErinHarris_1

Day 1 of Life Science PA’s Life Sciences Future conference, held in King of Prussia, PA, offered incredibly valuable insight to attendees. The Life Sciences Future conference is designed for everyone in the life sciences ecosystem, including biopharma, med tech, academic research, legal, financial, real estate communities, etc. Considered a partnering event, Life Sciences Future offered high-level speakers, focused sessions, and plenty of opportunity for networking.

Here’s a prime example of Life Science Future’s high-level speaker line-up. The Lunch Plenary, moderated by Chris Molineaux, President and CEO at Life Sciences PA, featured Jim Wilson Ph.D., M.D., Director, Gene Therapy Program Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. While Dr. Wilson needs no introduction, here’s a bit of information about him. Dr. Wilson is known for his efforts in pioneering the development of gene therapy, and he has dedicated more than 40 years to the field. His laboratory, The Wilson Lab, has made ground-breaking contributions to the technology of gene transfer and has paved the way for translation of these technologies into the clinic. Moreover, The Wilson Lab identified a new type of vector based on novel isolates of adeno-associated viruses. More recently, Dr. Wilson’s laboratory has focused on improved vectors for gene therapy and clinical applications of genome editing and mRNA therapy.

Enduring the Down Cycle

The tone of the Life Sciences Future event was optimistic despite the investment landscape for advanced therapies, which has returned to pre-pandemic numbers, forcing companies to save capital and make difficult decisions. “Things go in cycles,” says Wison. “This is a marathon not a sprint, but we’re definitely in a down cycle. And we’ve had down cycles before.”

Regarding the rare disease community, Wilson explains that stalled programs are difficult for everyone involved. “I can't imagine what it’s like if you’re a family with a loved one with a rare disease in which there was a program in the clinic showing promising results. And now it’s dark because we can’t raise money,” he says. “Or there were three trials that showed promising results for the procedures, but they’ve been put on hold. I have to tell you – the reaction is anger.”

On Working with the FDA

Molineaux and Wilson discussed how well-run CBER is under Dr. Peter Marks’ guidance, providing optimism for the future. Despite the current difficult climate for raising capital, Wilson spoke with enthusiasm when he referenced the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) and how much the organization has improved over the years. “We’re at a time right now, with the Center for Biologics [CBER], where cell and gene therapy has the most amazing leadership that I've seen in my 30 or 40 years; this is a fantastic time to lean in rather than stand back and complain,” said Wilson. Molineaux asked Wilson to offer advice to the audience members who are currently working with the FDA. “Be collaborative and cooperative,” says Wilson. “You may not always like the way in which a review occurs when a decision is made but be collaborative.” Wilson explained that we’re in an era when there’s going to be unprecedented progress and that working together with all stakeholders can facilitate the approval of potential pricing. “I'm just so incredibly excited about it.” Wilson also stressed that biotechs, as opposed to Big Pharma, hold the keys to continued success in cell and gene therapies.