Bio Integrates addresses the needs of innovative companies developing the therapies of the future, providing a distinguished forum to discuss the current challenges impacting the biotech sector, as well as strategies for unlocking potential and accelerating success. With a focus on the start-ups, biotech, and emerging pharmaceutical segments, Bio Integrates offers a unique opportunity to engage with senior executives in biotechnology, contract development and manufacturing organisations (CDMO), supply chain, and investment sectors.
From investor appeal to real-world access, patients and innovators come together to explore what “access to new therapeutics” really means. The panel highlights how early patient insights can (and should) shape strategy, design, and development to ensure breakthroughs reach the people who need them most. Join us to hear firsthand experiences and practical approaches for making innovation truly impactful
NJ Redfern Ltd
Consultant
Following 5 years’ experience working in the gene therapy arena at bluebird bio, with a focus on reimbursement and commercialisation, Nicola set up NJ Redfern Ltd in 2022 to enable her to consult, coach and collaborate with other organisations.
With a consistent focus over recent decades on rare disease & oncology/ haematology, her primary attention has been on pricing and reimbursement, service delivery and shaping the external environment. She has been in the pharmaceutical industry since 1989, and has been employed by 10 different companies.
Since her company’s inception last year she has contracted with over 12 organisations on a diverse range of projects – including supporting 2 further gene therapy companies in their launch planning in the UK. Nicola was previously an active member of the ABPI – chairing the ATMP working group during 2021, a member of their Value and Access group and supporting various government affairs/communications initiatives. She has worked closely in the last 6 years with the Cell and Gene therapy catapult in the UK. More recently Nicola has been invited to sit on the advisory board for company ATMPS, has given talks at various ATMP congresses in 2022 and 23, been interviewed by Lumanity and Haemnet, and since January 2023 sits on the ethics subgroup of the International Society of Cell and Gene therapy and is a member of ATMP engage.
Nicola is committed to and motivated by patients having a choice and being able to access transformative treatment options quickly once science and innovation reaches a point to positively impact the lives of people living with significant health challenges. Having worked at Martin House hospice in Yorkshire, sat on the board of trustees at Naomi House and Jacks Place – a Hospice for children and young adults near Winchester, UK – and through working alongside multiple patient organisations over her career, she has a strong empathy and understanding of life limiting conditions and their impact on the individual, their families and society as a whole.
She has consistently demonstrated strong leadership capabilities – with a passion for creating and shaping new diverse teams – embedding a positive culture, helping individuals develop, then leading them through defining their strategic focus and driving the initiatives through to completion.
ABPI
Director, Regulatory Policy & Early Access
Dan O’Connor is medically (Leicester) and PhD (Imperial) qualified, on the specialist register for Pharmaceutical Medicine and currently the Director Regulatory and Early Access Policy at The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI). He joined the ABPI from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in 2023 where he was Deputy Director of the Innovation Accelerator and Regulatory Science. During his time at the MHRA, he held influential positions at the European Medicine Agency’s (EMA) committees and working parties and contributed to numerous scientific and regulatory project boards. Dan has special interests and expertise in drug development, rare diseases, regulatory science, early access, health innovation and patient engagement. He is Editor-Author of the Oxford Specialist Handbook in Pharmaceutical Medicine and on the editorial board for several journals. He is co-leading the work of the UK Rare Therapies Launch Pad (RTLP). Previous roles include a Clinical Lecturer post at UCL, UCH and the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research.
Are investment dynamics shifting from survival to renewal? Panellists will share practical advice and personal experiences, examining how investors are supporting companies from early stage through scale-up, where capital is being deployed today, and why there is renewed optimism for building the next generation of breakthrough biotechs.
How can organisations build trust and alignment across partners? And what collaboration models are proving most effective in managing risk and scaling for future growth? This session will examine how strategic partnerships and collaboration across the pharma and biotech supply chain are essential to building resilience, agility, and patient access.
Seda Pharmaceutical Development Services
Chief Executive Officer
Prof. Stott is currently CEO of Seda Ltd, a company providing integrated Pharmaceutical Development and Clinical Pharmacology Services to the pharma industry.
Previously he was Vice President, Global Product Development at AstraZeneca. Leading a group of over 350 scientists and engineers in the development of all products, manufacturing processes and analytical methods for the AZ small molecule portfolio. Global Product Development has centres in the UK, Sweden, US and China and a network of partnerships with colleagues all over the world.
Recent products that have been registered globally under his stewardship include: Brilinta, Seroquel XR, Caprelsa, Zinforo, AvyCaz, Bydureon BCise, Lynparza, Tagrisso, Calquence and Lokelma.
In addition, Paul is a visiting Professor of Pharmaceutics at the University of Manchester, UK and founder of the North West Centre for Drug Delivery (NoWCADD) at the University.
AI is enabling breakthroughs that were previously impossible. This session explores emerging collaboration models and what it takes to turn AI innovation into real scientific impact, with a focus on AI-driven biotech companies
IBM & Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult
Life Sciences Lead EMEA & Non Executive Director
Dr Nicole Mather has over 20 years’ experience in the health and life sciences industries and has worked across the commercial, public, and third sectors with a focus on cross-sector collaboration. Nicole currently leads IBM’s Health Data & AI and Life Sciences teams in the UK and Ireland, deploying technical expertise to deliver digital transformation across the sector.
Nicole is a Non-Executive Director of Cell and Gene Catapult, Non-Executive Director of the Wellcome Sanger Genome Research Ltd and sits on the Health Data Ministerial Industry Group. Nicole has also held roles as the founding Director of the Office for Life Sciences, and with NHS DigiTrials and the Health Research Authority.
Mills & Reeve
Partner and Head of Life Sciences
James heads Mills & Reeve’s multi-disciplinary life sciences practice. He supports businesses across the full product lifecycle, from start-up to commercialisation.
A key focus of his work is supporting clients on strategic contracting covering technology / IP in and out- licensing transactions, research collaborations, clinical trial agreements and long term partnering agreements. James also advises on sector regulation including pharma and medical device regulation, market access, borderline products, advertising and clinical trials.
Japeto
Chief Executive Officer
Leading Japeto, a forward-thinking and inclusive software development agency specialising in building better AI tools. We make AI useful and safe for the organisations that can’t risk getting it wrong.
We collaborate with healthcare, education, local government, and start-ups to solve problems and deliver impactful solutions.
Pharma is evolving rapidly, driven by accelerated innovation, emerging technologies, and
strategic regulatory and IP considerations. Panellists will discuss how companies can manage
deal flow, licensing, and partnerships while protecting long-term growth and strategic
priorities – balancing pharma interest without compromising value.
As venture capital returns more selectively, biotech companies face heightened competition for funding. Differentiation is key – but what are investors looking for in a compelling go-to market plan? This panel will examine how founders can differentiate through technology, team, and strategy to stand out and win backing.
Oxford Medical Products
Chief Executive Officer
Dr Camilla Easter, has ten years biotech/mechtech start-up as CEO/COO working exclusively on hydrogel based medical devices. Originally a veterinary surgeon, she has run veterinary clinical trials and launched the veterinary arm of a biotech company. Following on from this she moved into the human biotech sector, here she was involved with all aspects of the company including, R&D, fundraising, regulatory and preclinical trials for medical devices.
Victoria House, located in the heart of Bloomsbury, London, is a Grade II listed venue with state-of-the-art laboratories available for rent, designed to support scientific research and innovation. The laboratories are fully equipped with advanced technology and facilities, making them ideal for startups, established companies, and research institutions. In addition to labs, Victoria House also features flexible event spaces, advanced AV technology, and professional on-site support.
As part of the Pioneer Group, Victoria House is connected to Europe’s largest collective of scientists, technologists, and entrepreneurs. This dynamic environment supports collaboration with universities, high-growth enterprises, large corporates, healthcare providers, and local government. Pioneer Group offers a range of programmes, including Pre-Accelerator Workshops, Accelerator Programmes, and Launch support, to help businesses grow and innovate. Companies also benefit from expert networks, investment opportunities, and tailored events that foster a unique culture.
