NY Metro Builds Bio+
22 October 2025 - New York, USA
Meredith Manuel
Head of Business Development
The 8th annual symposium for Life Science Innovation and Development was a day packed with timely topics for small and emerging biotech companies. As the welcome meeting highlighted…
“With private investment still stalled and changes in federal funding along with tariffs and job reductions, the challenges for the industry have never been more serious”
While there were moments of optimism, the early sessions largely focused on the most prevalent trends in the life science sector. An excess of lab real estate, driven by steadily rising vacancies since late 2021, alongside challenges at key agencies such as the FDA, CDC, and NIH, which have faced staff reductions and policy adjustments aimed at improving public outcomes, has created a complex environment for companies across the industry.
Not surprisingly, trends in the use of AI to enhance drug discovery and clinical trials were at the forefront of discussions. Innovation in development aimed at reducing both time and costs, along with the expansion of incubators and shared lab space, was a main topic across all sessions. There was also a strong emphasis on supporting small companies that drive innovation to ensure hope for patients.
The Jackson Laboratory announced its alliance with the New York Stem Cell Foundation, designed to accelerate disease research and drug discovery through the combination of genomics, AI-enabled data science and stem cell research. It is anticipated that this merger will speed up the discovery of life-changing therapies. Additionally, Builds Bio+ is partnering with MedCity and London & Partners to promote London Life Sciences Week (LLSW), to encourage joint learning and collaboration between the countries.
The day ended with sessions focused on alternative financing mechanisms for the Life Science industry. Family office principals, institutional investors, patient-centered angel groups and philanthropic foundations were discussed as being uniquely positioned to support breakthroughs in biotechnology and healthcare. As an example, Music Beats Cancer, a group that utilizes crowdsourcing to facilitate cancer funding, supports life-saving therapies to reach patients faster and inspires public participation in transforming cancer care by bridging critical funding gaps.
Amid economic, policy, and political uncertainty in the biotechnology community, it is more important than ever that we, as an industry, innovate not only in our science but also in how we develop and test new therapies, as well as fund our programs. We must find new and creative ways to work and, at the same time, challenge the current paradigm of lengthy and expensive development programs. The future of our patients depends on it.
In an industry facing complex challenges, thoughtful planning and strategic support is more important than ever.
At Scendea, we help biotech companies navigate hurdles by developing clear regulatory roadmaps, supporting agency interactions, and designing drug development plans aligned with US, EU, and UK requirements. Discover how we can help guide your medicinal or therapeutic product through an increasingly complex path to market, supporting the timely delivery of life-changing therapies to patients…