Doing Life Sciences Deals in 2026 — Licensing, M&A, China, and More

Join us for two informative panels that will discuss structuring life sciences transactions and key issues for biopharma licensing deals.

Structuring Your Life Sciences Transaction in 2026: Licensing vs. M&A vs. Options to Buy vs. Asset Sale

Topics to be covered include:

• Key considerations when structuring your life sciences deal
• Deal trends – the emergence of options to buy
• How to determine when you should do a M&A deal, a license, an option to buy, or an asset sale?
• Strategies for doing deals with big pharma
• What does big pharma look for in a deal structure?
• Is licensing a way to a M&A deal with a big pharma partner?

Panelists:

David Frey, Senior Counsel, Global Legal, IP and Security - Business Development, Novo Nordisk

Alan Ginsberg, VP, Head of Global Licensing & Business Development, New Therapeutic Areas at EMD Serono

Prarthana Khanna ,PhD, Vice President, Corporate Business Development & Strategy, Vico Therapeutics

Navigating Licensing Deals Involving Chinese Life Sciences Assets: Strategies, Challenges, and Opportunities

Topics to be covered include:

• Key regulatory and legal frameworks governing deals involving Chinese life sciences assets, and how they differ from Western jurisdictions
• Best practices for conducting due diligence when evaluating potential partners in China
• Common deal structures for China licensing transactions, including territory splits, milestone payments, and royalty arrangements
• Considerations for managing cross border communication and negotiation dynamics
• IP protection strategies and navigating CFIUS, export controls, and other cross-border regulatory considerations
• Emerging trends in deals involving Chinese life sciences assets, including the rise of Chinese biotechs as licensors of innovative therapies

Panelists:

Swarna Balasubramanian, Director, BD Search & Evaluation – Respiratory & Immunology, AstraZeneca

Peng Meng Kou, PhD, Director of Business Development, Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd.

Andy Meyerson, Managing Director, Locust Walk