​EPISODE 45 [LIVE]
What's the Buzz?! J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference Key Insights + Takeaways

​The JPM Healthcare Conference sets the tone for the year ahead — and often, the years beyond. From boardrooms to ballrooms, it’s where leaders signal priorities, test narratives, and hint at what’s next across biotech, pharma, health tech, investment, and innovation.

​In this special What’s the Buzz?! conversation, we’ll unpack the most important themes, signals, and shifts emerging from JPM — not just what was said on stage, but what was implied between the lines. Together, we’ll explore how companies are positioning themselves for 2026 and beyond, where capital and confidence are flowing, and what these early signals mean for operators, founders, investors, and ecosystem builders.

​Expect a candid, high-level discussion focused on:

• ​Emerging narratives shaping 2025–2026 strategy

• ​How companies are reframing growth, scale, and resilience

• ​Investor sentiment and deal-making signals

• ​What matters now — and what’s quietly gaining momentum

​Whether you attended JPM or followed from afar, this episode will help you make sense of the noise, connect the dots, and walk away with a clearer view of where the industry is headed next.

​About the Guest

​Roger Lias, PhD

​Roger is a global biopharmaceutical executive with more than 30 years of experience across biologics development, manufacturing, and commercial leadership. He has led and advised CDMOs, biopharma innovators, and biomanufacturing platforms, guiding complex biologics programs from early development through commercial execution worldwide.

​Roger has held multiple C-suite and senior leadership roles, including President, CEO, and board member of Avid Bioservices; President and COO of Wheeler Bio; CEO of Stelis Biopharma; and Chief Commercial Officer at Vibalogics and Aurigene Pharmaceutical Services. He is a recognized business development leader with deep expertise across monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, vaccines, and advanced modalities, and a proven track record at organizations including Lonza Biologics, KBI BioPharma, Diosynth, Allergan, Cytovance Biologics, and Eden Biodesign.

​At Kymanox, Roger brings broad expertise across biologics development, tech transfer, scale-up, commercial manufacturing, and CDMO strategy. His global perspective and deep understanding of the biologics outsourcing landscape enable him to align technical, operational, and commercial objectives, supporting successful partnerships and sustainable manufacturing growth.

​Roger holds a BS in Physiology and Biochemistry from the University of Southampton and a PhD in Biotechnology from the University of Cambridge.

​LinkedIn | Website

​About the Host

​Chris Frew

​Chris is the Founder of BioBuzz Networks, Inc, a life science talent community and hiring platform, and CEO of Workforce Genetics, LLC (WGx), a prominent life science recruitment firm. He has been supporting companies in the regional life sciences industry with recruiting and marketing solutions for 20+ years.

​Previously serving as the Vice President of Sales at Breezio, a leading innovator in cloud-based online communities, and the Vice President of Tech USA’s Scientific Division, which he founded and grew into a national practice. Chris has almost two decades of experience successfully leading teams, projects and fostering engaged communities within the Life Science industry.

​He is a Maryland native and a graduate of Towson University.

​LinkedIn | Website

​About the Program

​What's the Buzz?!

​This weekly podcast, broadcast live, features life sciences leaders and regional ecosystem builders who share bold ideas, real stories, and what’s ahead for our industry.

Hosted by our CEO, Chris Frew, and powered by QNova LifeSciences and MTEC | Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium this January, this 30-minute virtual series is streamed across LinkedIn, YouTube, and Facebook — reaching thousands of professionals every episode.

The show highlights one-on-one conversations with founders, executives, strategists, and ecosystem builders. While focusing on the biohubs where we are most active, What’s the Buzz?! also explores emerging regions, trends, and innovations shaping the future of life sciences.

Topics include:
➡️ Biotech growth & investment trends
➡️ Workforce development & talent strategies
➡️ Emerging tools & technologies
➡️ Policy & ecosystem influence
➡️ Public-private collaboration

​Website | Contact

​About the Sponsors

​QNova Life Sciences

​QNova LifeSciences is a global, innovative regulatory consulting group. They specialize in advancing therapeutics and medical devices through development and regulatory approval offering customized solutions that mitigate risk, time, and expense to support the U.S. market goals of your company.

​LinkedIn | Website

​Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium (MTEC)

​MTEC is a biomedical technology consortium collaborating with multiple government agencies under a 10-year renewable Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) with the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC).

​MTEC fosters integrated research partnerships and speeds the availability of solutions to the military, veterans the civilian population. With more than 700 members, we are always seeking to grow our membership that includes representatives from the following:

• ​Small and Large Businesses

• ​'Non-Traditional'​ Government Contractors

• ​Not-For-Profit Organizations

• ​Academic Research Organizations

​Membership Benefits include:

• ​Networking opportunities with other industry and academic MTEC members in addition to opportunities with government stakeholders through annual membership meetings, conferences and forums.

• ​Greater visibility into government needs and priorities as well as an increased ability to leverage IR&D investments to meet those needs.

• ​MTEC operates through a flexible contracting vehicle that minimizes cash flow challenges for small businesses that receive research project awards.

​LinkedIn | Website