Since November 2023, the IPO market for companies has shown some signs of life – dare we say, “green shoots.”  Over the most recent 15-week period, ICR Westwicke has had 10 firms transition to their new chapters as publicly listed companies. In 8 of the 10 cases, the stock price has risen above the new issue price, with notable increases from Cargo Therapeutics (“CRGX”) +55.0%; Arrivent Biopharma (“AVBP”) + 28.9%; and CG Oncology (“CGON”) + 129.5% (as of EOD, February 23). These transactions have added to the increasing degree of optimism that has crept back into the market after a disapp ..read more

Artificial Intelligence (AI), instrumental in many healthcare trends of 2023, promises to dramatically gain momentum in 2024, with increased use of transformative technologies that have applications across the healthcare industry, from the way pharmaceuticals are developed and patients are treated to the commercial side of the business. AI is already used in healthcare for end-to-end drug development, helping to diagnose patients, improving physician-to-patient communication, transcribing and organizing medical files and images, and treating patients remotely. In 2024, generative AI and machin ..read more

When entering the public markets, successfully announcing your milestone hinges on preparation and telling the right story at the right time. Learn how. While the IPO and SPAC markets are not what they were in previous years, the deal making process will continue to be a transformational moment for any company. Even in the most challenging of markets, companies continue to pursue mergers and acquisitions (M&A) to increase their bottom lines and expand their markets. If you’re planning to enter the public markets, successfully announcing your milestone hinges on preparation and your ability ..read more

Each year, the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference provides a critical opportunity to meet with analysts, investors, and other leaders in the healthcare industry. However, making the most of the conference takes preparation. If you’re planning on attending the next J.P. Morgan Conference, it’s never too early to start thinking about your game plan. Download our checklist for ten ways you can start prepping – from strategizing your schedule to booking a meeting room – to ensure you get the most out of your experience.   The post 10 Ways to Prep for the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference ..read more

Each year, the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference provides a critical opportunity to meet with analysts, investors, and other leaders in the healthcare industry. However, making the most of the conference takes preparation. If you’re planning on attending the next J.P. Morgan Conference, it’s never too early to start thinking about your game plan. Download our checklist for ten ways you can start prepping – from strategizing your schedule to booking a meeting room – to ensure you get the most out of your experience.   The post 10 Ways to Prep for the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference ..read more

In less than two months, seasoned investors, influential media, game changing startups and established industry giants will convene at the 42nd Annual JP Morgan Healthcare Conference. The annual event serves as a dynamic hub for networking, deal-making and industry shaping conversations. In today’s biotech market, with investors and media eager for data and keen to draw points of differentiation, well-planned, strategic communications is not just a necessity but a key determinant of success. For the companies offered a presentation slot, and those planning to network within the five blocks sur ..read more

Properly positioning your story within the investment community can help you build a quality, long-term shareholder base and enhance equity market value. To develop an effective investor relations strategy, you must understand how to best interact with investors, stay visible, and adapt to deliver both good news and bad. Westwicke has partnered with public companies for nearly 20 years, helping them effectively communicate with the Street. Below, we’ve compiled a list of best practices to engage in when it comes to your investor relations strategy. Cover both the good and the bad. It is easy ..read more

In 2019, I wrote a piece on Why You Need an IPO Communications Strategy Well Before the IPO.  That was before a pandemic, during which time the healthcare industry experienced a breakthrough year of SPACs and IPOs, only to be followed by an austere 18+ months of market uncertainty.  Add rising interest rates and a tough fundraising environment, and going public is now often a conversation that stays on the shelf.  But the outlook may be looking brighter and the life sciences industry is showing a heartbeat. According to the EY Global IPO Trends Q2 2023 Report, in the first half ..read more

Some management teams assume — incorrectly — that they can play it safe by withholding financial guidance, believing they can’t miss estimates they don’t provide. To the contrary, companies may inadvertently limit their Street credibility by opting out of earnings forecasts and, at the same time, miss an opportunity to manage investor expectations. Investors judge financial results against analysts’ consensus estimates even if a company doesn’t provide projection, so it makes sense for leadership to set expectations themselves and provide some guardrails. Perhaps more importantly ..read more

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting provides a unique opportunity to connect with oncology professionals, major media outlets, and other industry representatives from across the globe. It’s undeniably one of the most important conferences for the oncology community every year. But successfully navigating such a large conference requires strategic thought beforehand. Thoroughly preparing for the event will help ensure that you make valuable connections, tune into relevant and applicable presentations, and make the most of your time there. Below, we explore our top 10 ..read more