INVEST 2024 Is Only 4 Months Away: Here's a Sneak Peek at the Agenda

Investment trends panel discussion, INVEST 2022. From L-R: Christina Jenkins, venture partner, Phoenix Venture Partners; Michael Yang, managing partner, Omers Ventures; Alyssa Jaffee, partner, 7wireVentures; Daniel Lubienietzky, manager of life sciences, TMX Group.

The MedCity INVEST conference, in collaboration with the Mid America Healthcare Investors Network, fosters compelling discussions around topics that directly impact healthcare stakeholders across health systems, insurers, medtech, diagnostics, biopharma, and venture capital. Here’s a preview of some of the panels and talking points at INVEST 2024, scheduled for May 21-22 at the Ritz Carlton in Chicago.

How the healthcare industry is taking on risk will explore what that means in practice, particularly for providers, as well as the short-term and long-term implications of taking this approach. For example, as one MedCity News columnist noted, the emergence of specialty Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), particularly in fields such as nephrology and cardiology, marks a significant trend in healthcare.

With the Rise of AI, What IP Disputes in Healthcare Are Likely to Emerge?

Munck Wilson Mandala Partner Greg Howison shared his perspective on some of the legal ramifications around AI, IP, connected devices and the data they generate, in response to emailed questions.

For many hospitals it means adopting more value-based care tools. One challenge of value-based care is the need for real-time data to quantify the performance of VBC-related treatment tools. An article published by the American Journal of Managed Care highlighted a discussion about the enhanced oncology care model for Medicare, which was implemented last year. It noted that tools to help track and accurately predict performance could be crucial to adjusting strategies for implementing value-based alternative payment models, according to AJMC’s website.

The maturing women’s health sector will also be a highlight of the conference. In addition to a panel discussion, women’s tech will also be a focus of the Pitch Perfect contest track focused on tech for consumers and employers. Investors are expanding their interests in women’s health to encompass primary care, mental health, wellness, and more.

Pregnancy complications can increase risk for chronic illnesses, a recent McKinsey Health Institute report noted. The report called attention to gestational hypertension which can lead to chronic hypertension. It also noted that women who have had gestational diabetes have a 50 percent risk of developing type 2 diabetes 7 to 10 years after the birth of the child.

“Good maternal health helps the mother and baby, with benefits extending beyond pregnancy and birth,” the report noted.

Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade, several states have enacted laws to prevent women from seeking abortions, even when the mother’s life is at risk.

To register for INVEST 2024, click here.

How are Glp-1 Drugs Reshaping the Healthcare Industry?
The decision by WW International (formerly known as Weight Watchers) to move away from promoting weight loss through dieting and wellness alone in favor of embracing pricey prescription Glp-1 drugs last year marked a new chapter in the way the group and others like it promote weight management. Will health insurers provide reimbursement for these medications anytime soon? Do these drugs risk creating a wider gap in health disparities?

The Evolution of Precision Medicine
Initially, precision medicine primarily focused on genetic factors to tailor treatments to individual patients. However, the landscape has shifted to embrace a wider array of data sources, including genomic, clinical, environmental and lifestyle information. AI tools play a pivotal role in analyzing massive data sets, enabling more precise diagnostics and personalized treatment plans. Speakers, who include top players in precision medicine, will share their perspectives.

In addition to the INVEST Pitch Perfect contest for startups, Ask the Investor will also be a feature of the conference. Ask the Investor provides startups an opportunity to have an intimate audience with investors to ask relevant questions for their business. Spaces are limited so register now!

Here’s a list of confirmed speakers for INVEST 2024 to date. More will be added in the coming weeks: