Global Leaders in the Fight Against Cancer Gathered in Washington, DC on October 18, 2024, for the NFCR Global Summit and Award Ceremonies for Cancer Research & Entrepreneurship

Washington, DC –  The 2024 National Foundation for Cancer Research (NFCR) Global Summit and Award Ceremonies for Cancer Research & Entrepreneurship, co-hosted with the AIM-HI Accelerator Fund, convened the world’s top experts across cancer research, biotech entrepreneurship, pharmaceuticals, investment, and patient advocacy. This prestigious event, held at the National Press Club, served as a unique forum for advancing groundbreaking science, fostering innovative collaborations, identifying critical unmet needs for patients, and driving forward breakthrough solutions. This event highlighted cutting-edge cancer research advancements, the emerging area of early detection and early intervention research, utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) in improving cancer diagnostics, drug development, and personalized treatment strategies—revolutionizing the future of cancer care.

An Event that Consistently Addresses the Critical Unmet Needs for Cancer Patients

The NFCR Global Summit and Award Ceremonies for Cancer Research & Entrepreneurship is organized every year to foster groundbreaking collaborations across the cancer research ecosystem. Each year, this event brings together researchers, clinicians, community physicians, biotech/biopharma entrepreneurs, biotech investors, cancer survivors, and advocates to create actionable strategies to directly impact cancer care. Critical discussions initiated at this summit become the launch-pad for future advancements in research and drug diagnosis and treatment—ensuring that the fight against cancer moves forward with a decisive purpose and a worldwide movement from all aspects of the cancer-addressing ecosystem.

A Unique and Essential Gathering for Cancer Research and Collaboration

The collaborative efforts formed here are advancing research and creating a future where curing cancer is possible. Leaders from across the globe come together to share insights, build partnerships, challenge the barriers and status quo, and work collectively toward a common goal: to save lives. The 2024 NFCR Global Summit showcased powerful exchanges of knowledge, insights, and visions that will create positive ripple effects in cancer research and patient care for years to come.

Bridging the Gap Between Bench and Patient Bedside

Sessions organized by the AIM-HI Accelerator Fund (AIM-HI) were dedicated to advancing entrepreneurs and their biotech startups in development of promising therapies in the pre-clinical stage. Moderated by Matt Tremblay, Ph.D. (Board Chair of AIM-HI and CEO of Blackbird Laboratories), this session highlighted two critical elements in the fight against cancer.  The first panel showcased advancements from emerging and innovative early-stage oncology companies, while the second panel centered on the investor perspective, offering crucial insights into the needs for investment and growth potential of cutting-edge oncology startups. By bringing together top investors and emerging oncology entrepreneurs, AIM-HI cultivated a collaborative environment aimed at driving progress in cancer research.

2024 AIM-HI Beacon Award for Women Leaders in Oncology

The Beacon Award recognizes outstanding women leaders in all sectors of the health and life sciences industry, the 2024 AIM-HI Beacon Award was presented to Margaret Foti, Ph.D., M.D. (hc), CEO of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), in recognition of her groundbreaking leadership in cancer research and dedication to advancing innovation. In her acceptance remarks, Dr. Foti underscored the critical importance of addressing disparities in cancer care and expanding access to cutting-edge therapies across the globe.

2024 AIM-HI Women’s Venture Competition

The AIM-HI Women’s Venture Competition is a first-of-its-kind program that provides funding, coaching, and networking opportunities to women-led oncology startups. The competition’s review committees provided assessments and recommendations for recognizing the Women’s Venture Competition winners based on scientific and clinical merits and business impact for cancer patients.

The 2024 AIM-HI Women’s Venture Competition top winners were honored during the luncheon award ceremony, and each gave a presentation on their companies’ innovative oncology technologies.

  • First Prize with Distinction: HDAX Therapeutics led by its CEO and Co-Founder, Nabanita Nawar, Ph.D,
  • Second Prize: ARMA BIO, led by Co-Founder & CSO, Paraskevi Giannakakou, Ph.D.

Innovative Oncology Company Showcase

The Innovative Oncology Company Showcase, spotlighted the rising stars of biotech innovation. Featuring updates from pioneering companies at the intersection of innovation and cancer research:

  • Adventris Pharmaceuticals (CEO: Jenny Lesser Herbach, MBA, and Co-Founder & CMO Mark Yarchoan, M.D.) presented its work on small molecule therapies targeting cancer cell signaling in triple-negative breast cancer. Adventris aims to bring its first drug candidate into clinical trials by 2025.
  • Georgiamune (CEO: Samir Khleif, M.D.) highlighted combination immunotherapies that enhance the body’s natural defenses against cancer.
  • CLASP Therapeutics (CSO: Vipin Suri, Ph.D.) discussed precision medicines targeting p53 mutations in solid tumors. Dr. Suri highlighted CLASP’s upcoming IND submission for a new treatment targeting p53 mutations.
  • Degron Therapeutics (CEO: Lily Zou, Ph.D.) showcased its protein degradation platform, which is designed to treat drug-resistant cancers.
  • Biolojic Design (CMO: Ronald Herbst, Ph.D.) presented bispecific antibody therapies for the enhanced immune response against cancer.

Panel on Investor Perspectives on Innovative Oncology Companies

An engaging investor panel, featured insights from leading biotech investors, including Dave Greenwald, Ph.D. (Deerfield), Beverly Lu, Ph.D. (Yosemite), Marie-Claire Peakman, Ph.D. (Pfizer Ventures), and Fei Shen, Ph.D. (BI Venture Fund), who discussed the strategic importance of investing in high-risk, high-reward oncology startups. The panel stressed that investors not only provide financial support but also help startups navigate regulatory hurdles, prioritize resources, and connect with broader networks. Despite the risks, the panel emphasized that continued investment in oncology is essential for developing groundbreaking therapies that can significantly improve patient outcomes.

To find out the other program details featuring insightful discussions and world-class speakers, read the full Event Recap here: https://www.nfcr.org/press-release/2024-nfcr-global-summit-highlights/.

Looking Ahead: Save the Date for 2025

The next NFCR Global Summit and Award Ceremonies for Cancer Research & Entrepreneurship will take place on October 24, 2025 at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, once again gathering the leading voices in cancer research, biotechnology, and patient advocacy to continue the fight against cancer through collaboration. For sponsorship information, please contact Brian Wachtel, NFCR Executive Director and CDO at bwachtel@nfcr.org. Follow NFCR on social media for ticket information concerning this limited space event.