Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Life Sciences Licensing: 
Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities

hosted by the Silicon Valley Chapter

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

11:00am - 2:00pm
at
Wilson Sonsini
650 Page Mill Road
Palo Alto, CA 94304

(There is no online option to attend this event)

FREE
(lunch included)

SPACE IS LIMITED AND REGISTRATION CLOSES JULY 17!

 Join LES-SVC for a high-impact, in-person event bringing together legal, licensing, and business development leaders shaping the future of life sciences innovation and dealmaking. Hosted at Wilson Sonsini’s Palo Alto HQ, this lunch session delivers a unique combination of data-driven insights, real-world deal experience, and networking with Silicon Valley’s biotech and licensing professionals.

Agenda:

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Registration, Lunch, and Networking

12:00 PM – 1:20 PM: Program (Keynote, LES Life SciencesSurvey Preview, Panel Discussion)

1:20 PM – 2:00 PM: Networking

Keynote Conversation:
Ian B. Edvalson, Partner, Technology Transactions at Wilson Sonsini (bio), will kick off the event with a strategic talk on building durable relationships in today’s high-stakes licensing environment.

 Data Spotlight:

Natalie J. Punnilathil, Ph.D., Director of Business Development & Licensing at Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, will provide a brief preview of the 2025 LES Life Sciences Royalty Rates and Deal Terms Survey, which offers exclusive benchmarking data and trends across upfronts, royalties, milestones, and more.

Expert Panel Discussion:

Join a panel discussion moderated by Natalie that will bring together diverse experts to discuss the current state of life sciences licensing, exploring the dominant trends in deal-making, from upfront payments and royalty structures to the most sought-after therapeutic areas and technologies. Panelists will highlight the critical challenges faced by both licensors and licensees, and explore key trends, deal dynamics, early-stage valuation challenges, and emerging opportunities, offering actionable advice for navigating this evolving field.

Panelists:

• Cristina Ghenoiu, Partner, Mubadala Capital

• Timothy Herpin, Fractional CBO to multiple biotech startups

• Todd Pazdera, Director, Business Development, UCSF Innovation Ventures

• David Pirko, Partner, Technology Transactions, WSGR

• Moderator: Natalie J. Punnilathil, Ph.D., Director of Business Development & Licensing at Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (LinkedIn)

Key Takeaways:

• Discover the latest trends and strategies shaping life sciences licensing deals in 2025

• Learn how global forces and economic shifts are impacting negotiations and deal-making

• Hear expert insights on the breakthrough technologies and emerging therapeutic areas driving industry partnerships

• Get actionable tips for navigating challenges and building successful licensing relationships in a changing landscape

CLE Credit: 1 CLE credit available (AZ, CA, CO, ID, IL, NY, OR, TX, VA, WA, WI)
Audience: Life sciences innovators, investors, business development & IP professionals

Thank you to our Host and Sponsor:

Thank you to our Chapter Gold Sponsor

Thank you to our Chapter Silver Sponsors:

Thank you to our Industry Affiliate and Media Partners:

Email Consent:  By registering for this event, you permit LES to use your email address to communicate with you regarding LES events and their other services. You will have the ability to unsubscribe from these communications going forward.