Bill Kaufmann of Genentech talked to the AIM students about recent advancements in the biotech industry

Bill Kaufmann, Senior Clinical Oncology Specialist, Genentech, joined the AIM students in class on Friday to continue the discussions about disruptive technologies and investment themes

Bill Kaufmann of Genentech speaking in the AIM Room

Dr. David Krause, AIM program director said, “It was a pleasure to have Bill Kaufmann join us for class on Friday. Last year the students had an opportunity to informally meet with him to talk about biotech and explore various investment ideas and I knew we had to get him into the classroom. It’s truly fascinating to hear how disruptive innovations are changing how healthcare is delivered and medicine is practiced. Bill gave numerous examples of the technological changes that are heading our way and how they will transform healthcare – especially the pharma sector.”

Genentech (headquartered in San Francisco and now a member of the Roche group) has long been considered as the first and top biotech firm on the planet – they are well-known for pioneering recombinant DNA technology. Their research and products have positively affected millions of lives and they continue with amazing breakthrough therapies.

Krause continued, “Genentech is one of best companies to work for – and I know the students found Mr. Kaufmann’s knowledge to be extensive. This was a special opportunity to learn about biotech and the rewards/challenges of this area of disruptive/innovative technology. The discussion we had with Bill about genetics and its current and future impact was special - and I know that it will be an important and probably heated topic of debate over the next several years. Advances in science will test many of our current economic and ethical limits.”

Disruptive technology is a term which refers to an innovation that creates a new product or market and eventually disrupts an existing market and network, displacing established market leading firms, products, and alliances. The advancements in biotech from Genentech and others in the industry will have pronounce implications across the global economy and could be one of the most significant disruptors over the next decade.

Bill Kaufmann, Teresa Janusz and David Krause

Bill Kaufmann, as an oncology specialist, gave numerous examples of how the war on cancer is advancing – providing the students with challenges about how this will impact other industries. While understanding the inner workings of pharma product development and testing are a challenge for most students, Mr. Kaufmann was able to provide valuable background and examples to help them evaluate companies in the biotech space.

Dr. Krause said, “We will be certain to have Bill back each year – this industry is moving at a lightning fast pace and I know we’ll need to stay abreast of all of the latest changes. Today was a splendid example of why we need to bring experts into the AIM program – in order to be relevant, we need to know what is happening around us. Bill did a wonderful job and it was great to see him again.”

Bill Kaufmann is the parent of former AIM student, Jacob Kaufmann.