SOMERSET, N.J., March 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Harvest Integrated Research Organization (HiRO), a leading global contract research organization focused on clinical development strategies, made a significant impact at the 44th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco. HiRO's presence was marked by enlightening discussions on investment trends, particularly in the burgeoning cell and gene therapy sectors. During the event, Dr. Karen Chu, Founder and CEO of HiRO, played a pivotal role as a featured speaker at the RESI JPM, where she moderated a panel of industry experts.
Insights from Industry Leaders on Gene Therapy
Dr. Chu's panel convened prominent investors and strategics actively involved in the cell and gene therapy revolution. Notable participants included Robert Balfour from ALSA Ventures and Bettina Ernst of BERNINA BioInvest, who shared their perspectives on the current momentum in these advanced therapies. They discussed the methods they utilize to assess both technical and commercial risks associated with investments in this fast-evolving field. Moreover, they examined innovative partnership models designed to expedite progress and identified key areas where capital is increasingly flowing. Learn more on Investopedia.
Highlighting the importance of collaboration, Dr. Chu emphasized the need for biotechs to navigate the complex landscape of investment. "Asia's steady capital recovery is fueling more diverse, higher-quality biotech deals. Investors are increasingly favoring more scalable, capital-efficient, innovative business models," stated Dr. Alva Chen, Managing Director and Head of Therapeutics at VMS Group. Such insights are invaluable for companies aiming to attract Asian investment.
Workshop on Navigating Asian VC Investment
Following the panel, Dr. Chu led an engaging workshop titled "Leveraging Asia: How to Navigate Asian VC Investment Mandates." The session commenced with a 2026 industry outlook, highlighting key trends and priority therapeutic areas. Dr. Chu detailed the NewCo model, explaining how Asian venture capital firms evaluate global biotech assets, their co-investment preferences, and what they expect in terms of commercialization.
Investors from Asia who participated in the workshop included Dr. Alva Chen, Jayson Lee from LongRiver Investments, and Dr. Maomeng Tong of INCE Capital. They offered strategic insights tailored for biotechs seeking cross-border capital or collaboration. This dialogue is crucial for companies looking to position themselves favorably within the Asian investment landscape.
The NewCo Model: A Fresh Approach to Investment
The NewCo model, as presented in the workshop, represents an innovative way to structure investments in biotech. It combines equity participation with experienced management teams and leverages the advantages of Asia's clinical ecosystem to accelerate data generation. This model not only de-risks global development but also enhances the attractiveness of opportunities for international syndicates.
Dr. Chen noted, "These elements de-risk global development in multiple ways, making the opportunities more attractive for international syndicates." By utilizing this model, biotechs can better navigate the complexities of cross-border investments and align their strategies with the interests of Asian investors.
HiRO's Cross-Border Capabilities
HiRO's unique position as a global contract research organization allows it to offer comprehensive cross-border capabilities across Asia-Pacific, the United States, and Europe. This integrated approach to clinical development is essential, especially as companies expand their operations across multiple regions. HiRO aligns regulatory strategies, selects optimal sites, and ensures operational execution is streamlined to facilitate data sharing between regions.
By harnessing local expertise and regional cost advantages, HiRO helps biotech sponsors achieve earlier, higher-quality readouts. The organization's commitment to supporting biotechs in their quest for investment and collaboration is evident in its strategic partnerships and operational methodologies.
As the biotech industry continues to evolve, the insights shared at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference underscore the critical role of cross-border collaboration and investment. With the ongoing growth in cell and gene therapies, strategic partnerships and understanding the intricacies of various investment models will be key for companies looking to thrive in this competitive landscape.
Originally reported by Pr Newswire Apac. View original.