Press Release: 1/21/2026

Behind the Breakthrough: MassBio’s 2026 State of Possible Conference

 



JAN 20, 2026





MassBio’s 2026 State of Possible Conference (Thursday, March 26 | Omni Boston Seaport) is the premier event for the Massachusetts life sciences industry, and this year we’re pulling back the curtain on what it takes to turn scientific discovery into patient impact.



The architects of our ecosystem: We’re bringing together two leaders who exemplify Massachusetts’ unmatched combination of industry innovation and entrepreneurial vision.




  • Chris Viehbacher, CEO of Biogen, represents a founding pillar of our industry that continues to anchor and advance the Kendall Square ecosystem.

  • Noubar Afeyan, Founder and CEO of Flagship Pioneering, has fundamentally transformed how breakthrough science becomes transformative companies while emerging as a powerful voice defending research integrity.



Biotech CEOs on the frontlines: Every breakthrough begins with a bold idea and leaders willing to bet years of their lives on bringing it to reality. Whether they launched their companies or were brought in to lead them forward, these executives will discuss the opportunities and challenges inherent in advancing their science—navigating long timelines, shifting funding dynamics, and the weight of decisions that can make or break a program. Buckle up for a candid look at the rarely straightforward, often bumpy journey of biotech leadership.




  • Panelists: Jodie Morrison, CEO of Q32 Bio; Andy Orth, CEO of City Therapeutics; Kasper Roet, Founder and CEO of QurAlis; and Joanna Stanicka, CEO and Co-founder of Axonis



The price of innovation: A provocative debate that usually stays behind closed doors. Is the industry actually getting better at proving drugs are worth what we charge? Or are we still playing games with endpoints while payers and patients lose patience? Voices from value assessment, healthcare economics, and Wall Street. No talking points. No easy answers.




  • Panelists: Brian Reid, Reid Strategic and Cost Curve newsletter, and Mel Whittington, Leerink; moderated by John Stanford, Novel Strategies



Honoring leadership: MassBio will present the Henri A. Termeer Innovative Leadership Award to Noubar Afeyan, whose extraordinary vision and pioneering spirit have built one of the most influential life sciences enterprises in history, creating pathways for countless scientists and entrepreneurs to thrive. We’ll also recognize House Ways & Means Committee Chairman Aaron Michlewitz with the Industry Champion Award for his steadfast support for policies and investments that promote innovation, economic growth, and public health throughout the Commonwealth.




  • Celebrating excellence: For another year, MassBio will recognize companies and individuals with the Spirit of Massachusetts, Drive Startup of the Year, and Scientific Impact of the Year awards.



More to come: We’re excited to reveal additional speakers and programming in the weeks ahead.



Behind the Breakthrough: Every scientific breakthrough begins long before the headlines in the relentless pursuit of discovery, the courage to fail forward, and the collaboration that turns potential into progress. This year’s State of Possible Conference celebrates the people, processes, and partnerships that make Massachusetts the global epicenter of life sciences innovation. Join industry leaders, innovators, investors, and policymakers as we explore what it truly takes to make the impossible possible.



Sponsoring the day: We are grateful to our sustaining sponsors, Massachusetts Life Sciences Center and Thermo Fisher Scientific; silver sponsors, Biogen and Ipsen; and copper sponsors, Manatt and Novartis.