U.S Biotech Day

Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

Who this event is for

Industry trends

Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

Hotel tiers

A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

Local transport

Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

Frequently asked

Glossary

1

1:1 partnering platform

A matchmaking portal where delegates publish an asset or service profile, request meetings and receive a confirmed meeting schedule before the event. At US Biotech Day the partnering tiers (Pharma Biotech Gold, Service Provider Gold) are the packages that include this meeting schedule rather than exhibition space alone.

2

CRO (contract research organisation)

An outsourced provider that runs preclinical or clinical studies, site management, data management and biostatistics for a sponsor company. CROs are typical exhibiting service providers at Philadelphia-area biotech partnering days, selling study capacity rather than a molecule.

3

CDMO (contract development and manufacturing organisation)

A service provider that develops processes and manufactures drug substance or drug product for other companies, from preclinical batches through commercial supply. CDMO capability questions at partnering events usually centre on platform (mAb, mRNA, cell therapy), scale and GMP status.

4

IND (Investigational New Drug) application

The filing submitted to the US FDA before a candidate can be tested in humans in the United States. IND-enabling work - toxicology, CMC, bioanalytical methods - is a common discussion topic between early-stage biotechs and the service providers that support them.

5

CMC (chemistry, manufacturing and controls)

The analytical, process and stability package that proves a product can be made consistently to specification. CMC gaps are one of the most frequent reasons partnering diligence stalls, so CMC consultancies and CDMOs use events like this to meet asset owners early.

6

GMP (good manufacturing practice)

The regulatory quality standard for pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities and processes. Exhibitors that hold GMP-certified capacity typically state the certification alongside their platform and scale when pitching at partnering meetings.

7

Biologics and monoclonal antibodies

Therapeutics produced in living systems, including recombinant proteins and monoclonal antibodies. Biologics programmes drive demand for cell-line development, upstream/downstream process development and cold-chain logistics, three service categories present on the exhibition floor.

8

Cell and gene therapy (CGT)

Modalities that deliver living cells or genetic material as the therapeutic, such as CAR-T, AAV and gene-editing products. CGT developers usually need specialised viral-vector manufacturing, potency assays and chain-of-identity logistics, which is why CGT-focused CDMOs and testing labs attend partnering days.

9

mRNA and nucleic acid therapeutics

Drugs and vaccines based on messenger RNA, siRNA or other nucleic acid constructs, typically delivered in lipid nanoparticles. Supply-side interest at partnering events focuses on IVT enzyme supply, LNP formulation and fill-finish capacity.

10

Biomarker

A measurable biological indicator used to select patients, predict response or monitor safety. Biomarker strategy is a standard partnering diligence question because it shapes trial design, companion diagnostic needs and the eventual label.

11

Orphan drug designation

A US FDA status for therapies targeting rare diseases, carrying development incentives and market exclusivity. Rare-disease asset owners are a recurring segment at biotech partnering events because licensing interest is concentrated among a smaller set of specialised pharma buyers.

12

Technology transfer

The structured handover of a manufacturing process, assays and documentation from a developer to a manufacturing partner or licensee. Tech transfer scope and timeline are common negotiating points once a licensing term sheet is in discussion.

13

Licensing and out-licensing

The commercial transfer of rights to a compound, platform or territory in exchange for upfront payments, milestones and royalties. Partnering meetings at this show are largely built around these licensing conversations rather than straight product sales.

14

Due diligence

The structured review of scientific, CMC, clinical, regulatory and IP data that a potential partner runs before committing to a deal. Biotechs typically prepare a data room and a one-page asset summary before attending partnering meetings.

15

PDUFA date

The target action date the US FDA sets under the Prescription Drug User Fee Act for a regulatory decision on a new drug application or biologics licence application. It is a standard reference point when partners discuss the commercial timeline of a late-stage asset.

16

Biosimilar

A follow-on biologic approved via an abbreviated pathway after demonstrating high similarity to an already licensed reference product. Biosimilar developers look for analytical testing, comparative clinical and market-access partners on the exhibition floor.

17

Bioanalytical assay

The validated laboratory method used to measure drug or biomarker concentrations in biological samples, such as PK, immunogenicity and potency assays. Assay development and sample testing are typical outsourced services discussed at the partnering tables.

18

Valley Forge Casino Resort

The King of Prussia venue hosting this edition of US Biotech Day, combining conference and exhibition space with hotel rooms, restaurants and a casino floor. Sessions, partnering desks and exhibition stands are all inside the same complex, which removes the need for inter-hall transfers during meeting blocks.

19

King of Prussia

The suburban Philadelphia township in Montgomery County where Valley Forge Casino Resort and the surrounding hotel cluster are located, roughly 30 minutes by car from Center City Philadelphia on the Schuylkill Expressway (I-76).

20

SEPTA

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, the regional transit operator running buses, trolleys and regional rail across Greater Philadelphia. Bus Route 125 serves Valley Forge Casino Resort, and the SEPTA trip planner at plan.septa.org builds door-to-door itineraries from PHL and Center City.

21

PHL

IATA code for Philadelphia International Airport, the primary commercial gateway for the region and the closest major airport to Valley Forge Casino Resort. Rental cars, rideshare and SEPTA regional rail into Center City are the usual onward options.