𝐕𝐢𝐯𝐚 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐁𝐢-𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐲𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐮𝐦 2026 San Diego Event

​Bridging Molecular Innovation, AI, and Global Capital

​Join us for an engaging evening under the theme of Bridging Molecular Innovation, AI, and Global Capital, featuring a short symposium to explore how advances in molecular science, AI-enabled drug discovery, and novel modalities are reshaping the future of drug discovery and development, followed by an exciting panel discussion with a group of successful, first-time startup founders such as Arthur Suckow, Shunqi Yan and venture capitalist Travis Young. They will share firsthand experiences and perspectives ranging from seed funding, company building, product development all the way to billion-dollar M&A exits.

​The evening will conclude with a warm networking reception, offering an opportunity to connect with fellow scientists, industry leaders, founders and investors.

​AGENDA

​3:30 PM I Check in

​4:00 PM I Welcome Notes: Dr. Derek Ren — CEO, Viva Biotech Shanghai

​4:10 PM I Keynote Speeches - ‘Predict-First’ - Where Physics and AI/ML Shape the Future of Drug Discovery Dr. Zhe Nie — VP of Medicinal Chemistry, Schrödinger Therapeutics Group

​4:30 PM I Keynote Speeches - Unlocking HSF1: A First-in-Class Approach to Drugging Transcription Factors Dr. Sean O'Brian — Co-founder & CEO, Sisu Pharma

​4:50 PM I Keynote Speeches - Leveraging Viva's World-Leading Screening Center for Integrated Peptide Services Dr. Bing Xia — VP & Head of Early Discovery Platforms, Viva Biotech Shanghai

​5:10 PM I Panel Discussion - The Triumph and Tribulation of Early Drug Innovation and Entrepreneurship

​Yinghong Gao — Moderator | Venture Partner (VBI) & VP of BD, Viva Biotech

​Dr. Arthur Suckow — Co-founder and CEO, DTx Pharma (acquired by Novartis)

​Dr. Richard Law — CBO, HAYA Therapeutics

​Dr. Sean O'Brian — Co-founder & CEO, Sisu Pharma Dr.

​Shunqi Yan — Founder & COO, Arthrosi Therapeutics (acquired by Sobi)

​Dr. Travis Young — CSO, Foresite Labs

​6:00 PM – Networking Reception

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​Meet Viva Biotech’s Team

​Derek Ren, CEO, Viva Biotech Shanghai

​Xian Bu, Senior Vice President of Viva Biotech Shanghai

​Bing Xia, VP & Head of Early Discovery Platforms, Viva Biotech Shanghai

​Justin Cui, VP in Pharmacology, Viva Biotech Shanghai

​Yue Qian, VP & Head of MARS Division, Viva Biotech Shanghai

​Yinghong Gao, Venture Partner of VBI and VP of BD, Viva Biotech Shanghai

​Sonam Sharma, Director of Business Development, Viva Biotech Shanghai